Introduction:
Japan is a country renowned for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. While Tokyo often takes the spotlight in terms of popular tourist destinations, the city of Yokohama, located just south of Tokyo, Sushi (check out this blog post via Proxym) should not be overlooked. As Japan's second largest city, Yokohama boasts a vibrant and diverse food scene, with a particular focus on street food. In this blog article, we will explore some of the must-try Japanese street foods in Yokohama, from savory snacks to sweet treats.

Section 1: Ramen
No visit to Japan would be complete without trying a piping hot bowl of ramen, and Yokohama is no exception. While ramen is a staple in many Japanese cities, Yokohama is known for its unique take on this classic dish. The city is famous for its "Iekei" style ramen, which originated in Yokohama in the 1970s. This style of ramen combines tonkotsu (pork bone) broth with shoyu (soy sauce) broth, creating a rich and flavorful base. The noodles are typically thick and chewy, and the toppings often include chashu (sliced pork), boiled egg, and nori (seaweed). One of the best places to try Iekei ramen in Yokohama is at Yoshimura, a small and cozy ramen shop that has been serving up this local specialty for over 40 years.

Section 2: Gyoza
Another popular street food in Yokohama is gyoza, or Japanese dumplings. These bite-sized parcels of deliciousness can be found on almost every street corner, and are a must-try for any food lover. In Yokohama, the gyoza is often pan-fried to perfection, with a crispy golden-brown exterior and a juicy filling. The most common filling is a mixture of ground pork, cabbage, and garlic, but you can also find variations with shrimp, beef, or vegetables. One recommended spot for gyoza in Yokohama is Nakamura Gyoza, a small and unassuming shop that has been serving up these delectable dumplings since 1933.

Section 3: Takoyaki
Takoyaki, literally meaning "octopus balls," is a popular street food in Yokohama that originated in Osaka. These bite-sized snacks are made of a batter filled with small pieces of octopus, tempura scraps, and green onions, and then cooked in a special takoyaki pan. The end result is a crispy outer shell with a soft and gooey center. Takoyaki is often topped with a savory sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. In Yokohama, a great place to try this tasty snack is at Takoyaki Yama-chan, a local favorite that has been serving up takoyaki for over 50 years.

Section 4: Melon Pan
For those with a sweet tooth, melon pan is a must-try street food in Yokohama. Despite its name, melon pan does not actually contain any melon. It is a sweet bread with a crispy cookie-like exterior, often shaped like a melon. The inside is usually soft and fluffy, and sometimes filled with a sweet custard or chocolate. In Yokohama, one of the most famous places to try melon pan is at Nakamuraya, a bakery that has been around since 1901 and is known for its delicious and unique take on this popular snack.

Section 5: Taiyaki
Another sweet street food that is popular in Yokohama is taiyaki, a fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste. This snack originated in Tokyo in the early 1900s, but it has become a staple in many Japanese cities, including Yokohama. The outside of the taiyaki is crispy and golden, while the inside is soft and slightly sweet. In addition to red bean paste, you can also find variations with fillings such as custard, chocolate, or matcha. One highly recommended place to try taiyaki in Yokohama is at Yamamotoyama, a small shop that has been making these delicious treats for over 100 years.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Yokohama is a city that should not be missed by any food lover. From savory ramen and gyoza to sweet melon pan and taiyaki, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So next time you find yourself in Japan, be sure to make a stop in Yokohama and indulge in these must-try Japanese street foods.