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Top 7 Dishes to Try at Nishiki Market in Kyoto
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Nishiki Market is known as the central kitchen of Kyoto, where you'll find various gourmet meals. This article features seven of the market's must-try dishes, including potato tempura and tofu croquettes.
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Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is a must-visit spot known as the "central kitchen of Kyoto." You'll discover a wide variety of food, including local vegetables, freshwater fish, yuba (tofu skin), and fu (wheat gluten). These ingredients are used in high-end restaurants, as well as Japanese households.
With a history spanning 400 years, the shopping arcade stretches across nearly 400 meters, and is home to a few unique dishes and sweets.
This article features seven exceptional dishes offered at this bustling market!
Nishiki Market's Top Seven Dishes
1. Konna Monja: Soymilk Doughnut
2. Fuka Nishiki Shop: Mushi Fu Manju ("Wheat Gluten Bun")
3. Marutsune Kamaboko Store: Buttered Potato Tempura
4. Uoriki: Tai-kushi ("Skewered Sea Bream")
5. Miki Keiran: Dashimaki Tamago ("Rolled Omelet with Dashi")
6. Kai: Tako Tamago ("Octopus Eggs")
7. Hanayori Kiyoe: Yuba ("Tofu Skin") Cream Croquette
How to Get to Nishiki Market in Kyoto
The market is located between the Karasuma and Kawaramachi Stations of the Hankyu Kyoto Line. Thanks to the shopping street's colorful roof, visitors can browse without an umbrella on rainy days.
- Three-minute walk from Shijo Station (Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line)
- Three-minute walk from Karasuma Station (Hankyu Kyoto Line)
- Four-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Kyoto Line)
- Ten-minute walk from Shijo Station (Keihan Main Line)
1. Konna Monja: Soymilk Doughnut
Konna Monja's cute storefront really stands out in the market!
Their specialty is soymilk doughnuts, which come in three flavors (brown sugar, chocolate, and caramel). These rich doughnuts made from carefully selected soybeans are sure to hit the spot!
2. Fuka Nishiki Store: Mushi Fu Manju ("Wheat Gluten Bun")
This store specializes in nama-fu (*1), an ingredient used in various Japanese confections. Their most popular treat is the mushi fu manju (steamed wheat gluten bun).
*1: Wheat gluten combined with mochi rice. It is often used as an ingredient in miso soup.
Nori (dried seaweed) from the Seto Inland Sea is kneaded into the manju skin, giving it a soft, sticky texture. It's then filled with jam made from sweet azuki beans.
The manju even comes with complimentary hot tea!
3. Marutsune Kamaboko Store: Buttered Potato Tempura
Marutsune is a tempura store with over 50 years of history. They serve a wide variety of freshly fried products.
The specialties are buttered potatoes, and bacon with onions. Our writer tried the potato and loved the firm texture and salty, buttery taste.
4. Uoriki: Tai-kushi ("Skewered Sea Bream")
Uoriki specializes in grilled fish, and offers a selection of seafood cooked with different methods and ingredients. Their signature product is the tai-kushi (skewered sea bream).
There are two types of skewer: grilled and fried. The former has a firm texture that pairs well with sauce. The latter has a delightfully soft and light texture.
5. Miki Keiran: Dashimaki Tamago ("Rolled Omelet with Dashi")
Miki Keiran specializes in dashimaki tamago ("rolled omelet with dashi"); their store is a great place to buy utensils and eggs!
The omelet is made with fresh eggs and broth, creating a moist and appetizing dish.
6. Kai: Tako Tamago ("Octopus Eggs")
The tako tamago ("octopus egg") at Kai is one of the most popular dishes at the market.
It consists of an octopus stuffed with a quail egg and seasoned with soy sauce.
7. Hanayori Kiyoe: Yuba ("Tofu Skin") Cream Croquette
This store serves croquette, squid, and deep-fried chicken. Their specialty is the yuba cream croquette.
This croquette is made with tofu skin and cream. Customers can enjoy the crispy outer layer, thick yuba, and fluffy cream all in one bite!
FAQ
What day is Nishiki Market closed?
Nishiki Market in Kyoto, Japan, is typically open every day of the week. However, some individual shops within the market might have their specific closure days. Some shops are closed usually on a Sunday or Wednesday. It's always a good idea to check with specific vendors or sections of the market for any scheduled closures, as operating hours and days can vary based on individual shop policies.
What is the best time to visit Nishiki Market?
The best time to visit Nishiki Market in Kyoto, Japan, is usually during the late morning to early afternoon on weekdays. Visiting around this time allows you to experience the market when it's bustling with activity and vendors are fully stocked with fresh produce, seafood, traditional snacks, and unique local goods. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, offering a more relaxed atmosphere for exploring the market's narrow alleys and sampling a variety of culinary delights. Early afternoon can be a good time to enjoy lunch at one of the market's many food stalls and eateries, where you can savor traditional Kyoto flavors and specialties.
What is Nishiki Market famous for?
Nishiki Market in Kyoto, Japan, is famous for its vibrant and bustling atmosphere, offering a wide range of traditional Japanese foods, fresh seafood, Kyoto specialties, and local ingredients. Also known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," Nishiki Market is renowned for its historic charm and diverse array of culinary delights, including pickles, sweets, tea, fresh produce, kitchenware, and unique Japanese snacks. Visitors flock to Nishiki Market to explore its narrow streets lined with shops and stalls selling an assortment of traditional and modern Japanese foods, making it a prime destination for food enthusiasts and travelers looking to experience Kyoto's rich culinary heritage.
How far is it from Nishiki Market to Gion?
Nishiki Market and Gion are both located in Kyoto, Japan, relatively close to each other in the central part of the city. The distance between Nishiki Market and Gion is approximately 1.5 kilometers (about 0.9 miles). This distance can easily be covered by walking, making it convenient for visitors to explore both the bustling food market at Nishiki and the historic district of Gion with its traditional wooden buildings, teahouses, and the iconic Yasaka Shrine.
Where to go after Nishiki Market?
After immersing yourself in the culinary delights of Nishiki Market in Kyoto, several attractions nearby beckon for exploration. We recommend strolling along the neighboring Pontocho, and alley lined by cozy izakaya bars and restaurants. Or make your way to the historic Gion district, renowned for its traditional machiya houses and the possibility of encountering geisha and maiko. Visit the tranquil Yasaka Shrine for cultural insights and architectural beauty, then venture to the impressive Kiyomizu-dera Temple with its iconic wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto. Relax in the picturesque Maruyama Park, perfect for a leisurely stroll, especially during cherry blossom season. These post-Nishiki Market destinations promise a diverse tapestry of cultural experiences, historical landmarks, and natural beauty to further enrich your exploration of Kyoto's captivating offerings.
A Must-Visit Spot in Kyoto
There are over 100 stores in Nishiki Market that sell items such as pickles, tsukudani (food boiled in soy sauce), and Japanese confections. When you visit Kyoto, definitely drop by this unique food haven!
Official website of Kyoto's Nishiki Market: https://www.kyoto-nishiki.or.jp/en_lp/
Written by
The MATCHA editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
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