JAPAN 2025 : Trending Food We Tried

by - Sunday, November 01, 2026

 


Discovered these food and restaurants in Kyoto thanks to social media. Let me share with you the ones we found to be worth the hype. 

1. Roast Beef Bowl in Uji, Kyoto


Okay, this one we did not find in social media, but this was our first meal in Kyoto which is near the Byodo-In Temple in Uji where we were at when we decided to have lunch. It was pretty expensive but decent. You can find its location here.

2. Curry & Tempura Koisus


We tried this viral curry and tempura restaurant in Kyoto called Curry & Tempura Koisus that is most known for their tempura and nicely-plated, IG-worthy curry. We enjoyed this one since the tempura is crispy but only lightly battered. The curry was also good but did not really leave much impression. If you feel like it’s not something you want to try, you might as well skip this. 

3. Totaro (Matcha)


Totaro is one of the most popular places to get matcha in Kyoto, and also one of the few places I lined up for. There was a queue when I got there in the afternoon and the place was so small, so do not expect a typical cafe with several seats. I ordered a matcha latte that already comes with 2 pcs of Japanese pancake bites, which I had to-go. 

4. Gyukatsu Motomura


Gyukatsu is on the top of the list of food I want to try in Japan, and we lined up for around 30 minutes in this branch in Kyoto that was close to our hotel. 


Striploin

Tenderloin


We tried their striploin and tenderloin set and I personally liked their tenderloin better since it was more tender and less chewy. The Gyukatsu is a must-try when in Japan!

5. Gion Duck Rice



This duck rice is one of the best food we had on our Kyoto-Osaka 2025 vacation! We tried the plain duck rice as well as the one with uni and roe. You also have the option to choose between the part you want - whether the breast or fatty part. It is also served with bonito flakes (which you pour soup in), and pour in your rice. It's an overall complete experience with a great combination of textures and flavors.

6. Tendon Makino


What's a trip to Japan without trying a tendon rice bowl? We visited the famous Tendon Makino in Kawaramachi area and their tendon bowls did not disappoint - both in terms of taste and serving size. 

7. Onigiri Ranma




We saw Tiktok videos of this onigiri place near the Arashiyama station in Kyoto and decided to try it out for breakfast. At 9am there were 3 of us in line, and it took a good 30minutes before our turn since the onigiris are made on the spot. We tried the grilled flaked salmon and egg yolk & soy-seasoned ground beef and they were pretty decent, but I found it a bit pricey for what it was.  


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