Best Budget Eats in Kyōto, Japan

Kyōto, Japan, Kyōto, Food & Drink, Best Budget Eats

Best Budget Eats in Kyōto, Japan

1. Yuba Hot Pot

A traditional Kyoto dish made from tofu skin, served in a simmering pot filled with seasonal vegetables and dashi broth.
  • Affordable: Inexpensive meal for one that is also filling
  • Authentic: Experience a unique Kyoto culinary tradition
  • Flexible: Choose your own combination of vegetables, toppings and seasonings

2. Obanzai Lunch Set

A collection of Kyoto-style home cooked dishes served at lunch time, including pickles, vegetables, tofu and rice.
  • Traditional: Taste authentic Kyoto cuisine in a family-run restaurant
  • Variety: Enjoy several dishes at once, each with a distinct flavor profile
  • Budget-friendly: Affordable meal that offers great value for money

3. Teriyaki Donburi

A bowl of steamed rice topped with grilled meat or fish in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
  • Quick Bite: Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal on the go
  • Flavorful: Enjoy a popular Japanese dish with a Kyoto twist
  • Inexpensive: A budget-friendly option for travelers on a tight budget

4. Tsukemono Market

Visit the Nishiki Market to try fresh pickles and taste Kyoto's famous vegetables, including cucumbers and radishes.
  • Authentic: Experience a quintessential Kyoto food market
  • Variety: Taste numerous pickle varieties and explore the market stalls
  • Bargain: Pick up affordable snacks for later or to take home as souvenirs

5. Kyoto Ramen

A Kyoto-style ramen with a milder flavor compared to other regions of Japan, featuring thin noodles and a soy sauce-based broth.
  • Unique: Experience a different take on the popular ramen dish
  • Affordable: A wallet-friendly option for travelers
  • Tasty: Enjoy a delicious bowl of noodles in a cozy, local ramen shop

6. Matcha Softcream

A popular dessert made from green tea ice cream, served at many cafes and dessert shops around Kyoto.
  • Authentic: Taste high-quality matcha from Kyoto's famous tea fields
  • Light: Enjoy a refreshing treat on a warm day
  • Affordable: A budget-friendly dessert option for travelers

7. Takoyaki Stand

Try this popular street food made of a ball-shaped snack filled with diced octopus, tempura scraps and green onion.
  • Street Food: Experience Kyoto's vibrant street food culture
  • Flavorful: Enjoy a savory snack with a unique texture and taste
  • Bargain: Affordable street food that is also filling

8. Yuba Rolls

Thin layers of tofu skin rolled around vegetables and served with a dipping sauce.
  • Light: Enjoy a healthy, light meal option
  • Unique: Experience another Kyoto culinary specialty
  • Budget-friendly: A budget-conscious meal for travelers

9. Ginkaku Okonomiyaki

A savory pancake filled with ingredients such as cabbage, meat, and seafood, served with a sweet and tangy sauce.
  • Unique: Taste a regional variation of okonomiyaki in Kyoto
  • Flavorful: Enjoy a delicious, customizable pancake-like dish
  • Budget-friendly: A budget-conscious option for travelers

10. Kyoto Sushi

A Kyoto-style sushi featuring seasonal ingredients and a delicate flavor profile.
  • Traditional: Experience a unique take on traditional sushi
  • Fresh: Taste seasonal, high-quality seafood
  • Budget-friendly: A budget-conscious option for travelers

11. Machiya Meal

Experience a traditional Kyoto meal in a renovated machiya (townhouse), featuring a kaiseki-style multi-course meal.
  • Authentic: Taste a traditional Kyoto meal in an authentic setting
  • Variety: Enjoy numerous courses, each featuring seasonal ingredients
  • Expensive: A special treat for travelers looking for an unforgettable dining experience

12. Kyoto Obento

A packed lunch featuring Kyoto-style bento boxes filled with a variety of dishes, including pickles and rice.
  • Portable: Enjoy a convenient, ready-to-go meal on the go
  • Traditional: Taste Kyoto's unique culinary flavors in a convenient format
  • Affordable: A budget-friendly option for travelers looking for a quick meal

13. Yuba Udon

Udon noodles served in a light dashi broth topped with thin layers of tofu skin.
  • Comfort Food: Enjoy a warm, comforting meal on a rainy day
  • Unique: Taste another Kyoto culinary specialty
  • Affordable: A budget-friendly option for travelers

14. Matcha Latte

A hot or cold beverage made from green tea powder and milk.
  • Relaxing: Enjoy a tranquil moment in a café amidst Kyoto's serene atmosphere
  • Refreshing: Sip on a cooling beverage on a hot day
  • Affordable: A budget-friendly option for travelers looking to rest and relax

15. Tempura Yasai Stand

Try this popular street food made of battered and deep-fried vegetables, served with a dipping sauce.
  • Street Food: Experience Kyoto's vibrant street food culture
  • Flavorful: Enjoy a crispy, savory snack with a unique texture and taste
  • Bargain: Affordable street food that is also filling