Food In Nishiki Market

Food History of Nishiki Market, Kyoto, Japan

Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," Nishiki Market has a rich history that spans several centuries. Established around the early 14th century, the market started as a wholesale fish district. With time, it grew to include a variety of food-related shops. By the 16th century, Nishiki Market had transformed into a fully-fledged marketplace. For over 400 years, it has been a go-to destination for both locals and tourists seeking fresh, seasonal food and specialty ingredients unique to Kyoto and Japan. The 400-meter-long shopping street remains a vital part of Kyoto's culinary scene and is home to more than one hundred shops and restaurants, each adding to the market’s vibrant atmosphere and heritage.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Nishiki Market for Tourists

1. Tako Tamago (Non-Veg) - Baby octopus with a quail egg in its head is a unique and popular snack.
2. Yuba (Veg) - A delicate tofu skin that’s a speciality of Kyoto, available in various forms from fresh to dried.
3. Pickles (Tsukemono) (Veg) - Various Japanese pickles made from vegetables like radish, eggplant, and cucumber.
4. Japanese Sweets (Wagashi) (Veg) - Traditional sweets often served with tea, such as mochi, daifuku, or yatsuhashi.
5. Sushi (Non-Veg) - Kyoto-style sushi, which can include cured mackerel or other seasoned fish with rice.
6. Grilled Seafood (Non-Veg) - Assortment of fresh and grilled seafood, with options like scallops or eel.
7. Mochi (Veg) - Pounded rice cakes served sweet or savory with various toppings like soybean powder or seaweed.
8. Green Tea (Matcha) Products (Veg) - Everything from matcha ice cream to matcha-flavored snacks and sweets.
9. Rice Balls (Onigiri) (Veg/Non-Veg) - Hand-formed rice with various fillings and wrapped in seaweed.
10. Soba Noodles (Veg/Non-Veg) - Buckwheat noodles served chilled or in a broth, sometimes garnished with tempura or seaweed.

Top Famous Restaurants in Nishiki Market, Kyoto, Japan

Aritsugu

Address: 219 Kajiya-cho, Nishikikoji-dori, Gokomachi nishi iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto

Famous Food: Sharpened knives are their main focus, but sample their Kyoto-style sushi (Non-Veg).

Iyomata

Address: Nishikikoji, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto

Famous Food: Fresh and pickled vegetables, Tsukemono (Veg).

Konnamonja

Address: 526 Nishidaimonjicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto

Famous Food: Soy milk donuts and soy milk soft-serve ice cream (Veg).

Omen Nishiki

Address: 537 Komatsucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto

Famous Food: Udon noodles with a variety of toppings (Veg/Non-Veg options).

Mochitsukiya

Address: Japan, 〒604-8054 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, 錦小路通柳馬場東入ル式部町467

Famous Food: Fresh mochi with a variety of sweet and savory options (Veg).

Nishiki Tamago Ichi

Address: 537 Nakanocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto

Famous Food: Sushi and egg-based dishes (Non-Veg).

Nishiki Warai

Address: 609 Nishidaimonjicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto

Famous Food: Takoyaki - grilled octopus balls (Non-Veg).