What to eat in Kyoto

Sushi

Mackerel sushi

鯖寿司 さばずし sabazushi

Cured mackerel pressed onto rice in a long roll, then sliced thick.

Street food

Mitarashi dango

みたらし団子 みたらしだんご mitarashi dango

Grilled rice dumplings on a skewer under a glossy sweet soy glaze.

Sweets

Matcha parfait

抹茶パフェ まっちゃぱふぇ matcha pafe

Green tea ice cream, jelly, mochi and red beans layered in a tall glass.

Sweets

Warabi mochi

わらび餅 わらびもち warabimochi

Wobbly bracken starch cubes dusted with roasted soybean flour.

Typically ¥1,100 to ¥1,600 a serving

Sweets

Yatsuhashi

八ッ橋 やつはし yatsuhashi

Cinnamon rice dough, baked crisp or left soft and folded over bean paste.

Typically ¥1,150 to ¥1,550 a box of 10

Sweets

Matcha

抹茶 まっちゃ matcha

Whisked green tea, served with a small sweet to eat before you sip.

Regional dish

Simmered tofu

湯豆腐 ゆどうふ yudōfu

Soft tofu warmed in a kelp broth, eaten with a soy dipping sauce.

Typically ¥3,300 to ¥4,000 a set

Regional dish

Tofu skin

湯葉 ゆば yuba

Delicate sheets lifted from warm soy milk, served fresh, rolled or fried.

Typically ¥950 to ¥3,850 a set or a bowl

Regional dish

Temple cuisine

精進料理 しょうじんりょうり shōjin ryōri

Buddhist cooking without meat or fish. Ask if the broth is kelp only.

Typically ¥3,800 to ¥9,000 a course