
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