Japan offers a fresh take on traditional favourites.

Japan offers a fresh take on traditional favourites

Hop off the airplane at Narita or Haneda — Tokyo’s two international airports — and you’re suddenly in a dizzying city of lights that blends the ultra-modern and the traditional. But before you begin exploring this city of nearly 14 million people, you’re going to need to be well fed. The good news is that food culture is huge in Tokyo and it’s also a lot of fun. Food trends come and go in Japan, but there are a few right now you should not miss.

Kakigori is a traditional Japanese treat made up of shaved ice and syrup. It has been making a big comeback in recent years, with specialty shops popping up all over Tokyo. There is no shortage of flavours to try, and fruit toppings include peaches, strawberries or kiwi. You can also go with something more traditional, such as matcha (green tea). At a hangout like Beer Bar Lupulin, you can even combine Kakigori with local Japanese craft beers.

Need something less exotic, but no less adventurous? American popcorn is offered in a variety of unusual flavours such as almond and strawberry and is very popular with young Japanese. The epicentre of the gourmet popcorn craze began a couple of years ago in the hip fashion neighbourhood of Harajuku, with brands such as Doc Popcorn and Garrett Popcorn opening within months of each other. Be sure to keep an eye out for several other gourmet popcorn shops as you dart around the city.

You’ll also need something to drink, and amazake is laden with vitamin B and glucose to perk you up as you hustle around Tokyo. A popular drink during the Edo period in Japan, amazake has made a comeback in recent years. It’s a sweet beverage made from fermented rice and you can find a few specialty stores around Tokyo that serve it in bottles. Or pick some up at a department store such as the famous Matsuya in the ritzy Ginza district. Bottoms up.