Nishiki Food Market: 10 Best Food at Nishiki Market in Kyoto

Nishiki Market is one of the best places to eat in Kyoto. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” Nishiki Market vendors sell fresh food.

The name Kyoto’s Kitchen is not unwarranted as Nishiki Market has been serving locals for well over 400 years already. In other words, the market has become a people’s kitchen.

Nishiki Market is the largest food market in Kyoto. The entire stretch of five blocks is filled with over 150 food vendors.

What to Eat at Nishiki Market

From fresh vegetables to newly-caught seafood to local sweets and snacks, you have so many options. If you are heading out on a food crawl in Kyoto, here are the top 10 best food to eat at Nishiki Food Market:

1. Tako Tamago (Octopus Eggs)

These are small octopuses stuffed with a boiled quail egg, glazed and grilled together on a skewer. Tako tamago is a popular snack at the market and quite eye-catching for its bright red color.

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2. Hamo Tempura (Pike Conger Eel)

Hamo tempura is a bite-size pike conger that’s coated with a light batter and deep-fried resulting in its crispy texture.

3. Takoyaki

Takoyaki is one of the must-try foods in Kyoto. It’s a big dough ball stuffed usually with minced octopus, tempura scraps, green onion, and pickled ginger, cooked in a molded pan. It’s served with sauce and cheese.

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4. Yuba

Yuba is tofu skin that comes out on the surface of boiled creamy soy milk. It’s a traditional specialty that has been served since ancient times.

5. Soy Milk Matcha Soft Ice Cream

Soy milk matcha ice cream is a matcha-flavored soft serve made from Fujino’s soy milk.

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6. Shrimp Tempura Skewer

Shrimp tempura skewer is one of the best foods to eat at Nishi Market. The fresh shrimp coated with tempura batter and deep-friend to goodness.

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7. Fu Manju

Fu Manju uses red bean paste rolled usually with wheat gluten but others would use a leaf.

8. Komochi Kensaki Ika

Kensaki Ika is a sword tip squid with eggs served on a skewer.

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9. Dashimaki

Dashimaki is a rolled omelet cooked in a special broth. It’s served on a skewer.

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10. Chocolate Croquette

Chocolate croquette is melted chocolate covered in a crunchy coating.