As one of Japan’s historic port cities, it is an international hub of influences from all over the world. This is evident not only in its buildings and people, but also in its food.
One of the best things about the city is that within half an hour’s walk, you can find a wide variety of cuisines from all over the world, many with an established foothold in the city of over one hundred years. Of course, it is also home to a large number of traditional Japanese establishments, with good izakaya, seafood and famous tempura, not to mention many Japanese and international chains.
Dumplings from Chinatown
To begin with, when eating out in Yokohama, it’s a good idea to make the most of its waterfront. Head to the historic Red Brick Warehouse and its food quarter. While there is all sorts on sale, we particularly recommend Bashamichi Ice for good ice cream, made in the traditional method first used when it was introduced to the area over a hundred years ago.
The futuristic Minato Mirai 21 district is also home to a large number of international and Japanese chains, with one of the most famous chains in Japan being Kua 'Aina, a Hawaiian chain. Hawaiian burgers have taken Japan by storm.
Another good area by the waterfront is Marine and Walk, where we tried Pie Holic to see how Japan would prepare pies. The answer is interesting, with it being fascinating to see how something like a Cornish pasty changes with a game of Chinese whispers over the ocean and into Yokohama.
Part of Yokohama’s charm is how food cultures from all over the world have come here and transformed, leading to a rich and distinctly international food culture. For example, you can walk around Yokohama’s famous Chinatown and try street food like lifechanging Taiwanese scallion pancakes or baozi and then just a short walk away you can find European style cafes and Uchiki Pan, a British style bakery that’s been in operation since 1888.
Scallion pancake
Explore its night life a little more and you’ll not only be able to find traditional Japanese izakaya, but also places like Yokohama Bay Brewing, a bar and brewery of such skill that its pilsner has even won very prestigious beer prizes in the beer-loving Czechia. Among Greek tavernas, Italian trattorias and American sports bars, we even found a Scottish gastropub called Wyvern that sold cider from our native Wales. Experiencing food and drink in Yokohama is to experience the world’s cuisine through a Japanese lens.
For more typical Japanese fare and izakaya, head for the Noge Yokocho district. Be warned that these are quite small and do tend to fill up fairly quickly. All in all, Yokohama is a great destination for foodies with something to offer and surprise everyone, and that’s not even mentioning the Kirin Beer Village (and its free tours) or the Cup Noodle museum (where you can design your own cup noodle), which are two of the city’s best-known exports.
Uchiki bakery
Read more about what to do in Yokohama here.
留言