Let's hit Japan for a snacking menu

Watching athletes do their higher, faster, stronger thing from the couch sure works up an appetite.

Kitsune udon Source: Alana Dimou

All this strenuous Olympics-watching has made us very hungry indeed. The energy expended cheering on athletes straining for gold has to be replenished somehow. Lucky we're in Tokyo as there's no better way to refuel than taking a stroll around Shinjuku, snacking as we go.

What's that? We're not actually at the Olympics in Tokyo right now? We've been so invested in swimming we kind of thought we were. (Though it has to be said, not quite as invested as Ariarne Titmus' coach Dean Boxall!)

We can't hit the Tokyo streets right now, we'll have to hit the kitchen instead. Fortunately, we've got everything you need right here. Just close your eyes and pretend the dish you've made is from one of Tokyo's iconic vendors.

Takoyaki

Toppings are an important element of takoyaki, so get your takoyaki sauce, Kewpie, bonito and nori flakes ready. Source: Getty Images

One of the many 'yakis' sold in stalls all over Tokyo, takoyaki is the version filled with octopus. These little balls of yum are especially popular at festivals, so they're bound to bring something extra to your late-night viewing.

In Tokyo: head to Ginza Fukuyoshi, 3 Chome-12-19 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061.

Okonomiyaki

Source: Getty Images

This iconic favourite originated in Osaka, but you can find excellent okonomiyaki all over Tokyo. Incidentally, if your okonomiyaki isn't messy and literally dripping with condiments, you're doing it wrong.

In Tokyo: try Sakura Tei, 3 Chome-20-1 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001

Yakitori

This is how to put some sizzle in your skewer. Source: John Laurie

Skewered chicken satisfies in just about every Olympic country, but Japanese yakitori takes it next level. The marinade of sake, mirin, soy, sugar and ginger makes for an unbelievably moreish snack. Start the day before to really power up the flavour.

In Tokyo: go straight to the Michelin-starred Bird Land Ginza, 4 Chome−2−15 Chuo City, Ginza, 104-0061 Tokyo

Udon

Udon has a gold medal-worthy knack for soaking up every bit of flavour in a dish. Source: Alana Dimou

Slurping on a bowl of udon is just the thing when you're strolling along the Sumida River. Or watching the 20km race walk in your pyjamas. However, you find yourself.

In Tokyo: Go straight to Daitsune, 7 Chome−15−17 Chuo City, Ginza, 104-0061 Tokyo

Oyakodon

Meaning parent and child, this popular donburi features both chicken and egg simmered together with rice in a tasty broth. Source: Adam Liaw

Oyakodon is probably what powered Japanese skateboarder Momiji Nishiya to a gold medal at the tender age of 13. So eat up!

In Tokyo: go to Honke Abeya, 1 Chome−9−1 Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 100-0005 Tokyo

Mochi

Remember to chew and chew then chew some more. Source: China Squirrel

If you fancy something sweet, mochi will quickly have your heart. It has a delightfully chewy bite that is so satisfying to munch on. Similar to winning a gold medal, we expect.

In Tokyo: Toraya has been serving mochi since the 17th century,  1 Chome−9−1 Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 100-0005 Tokyo

Gyoza

We can't imagine a more delicious way to snack mindlessly in front of the tele. Source: Chris Chen

Keep your strength up with Japan's juicy take on dumplings. Gyoza is often filled with pork mince and vegetables, but this version keeps it plant-based for budding athletes like ourselves.

In Tokyo: you can't beat Ebisu no Yasube, Hagiwara Bldg. 1F, Ebisu 4-9-15, Shibuya-ku 150-0013

Kasutera

This wonderfully simple, honey-scented sponge cake is a specialty of the Nagasaki area. Source: Alan Benson

Have you noticed all of the athletes sitting around smashing castella cake before their event? We haven't either. But don't let that stop you.

In Tokyo: indulge at Ginza Bunmeido Higashi Ginza, 4 Chome-13-11 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061

Tonkatsu

This style of Japanese breadcrumb is delicious, especially in pork cutlets (tonkatsu). Source: Murdoch Books

Crumbed pork (tonkatsu) is in our lane and we're okay with it. According to Jane Lason, "The Japanese, in a never-ending quest to better the world in most things, have managed to breed a nation of super fryers, and fried food is eaten more commonly than one might assume – always in combination with other ingredients that help digest the oil and cut through the richness." This is one of those satisfying dishes to eat in the middle of winter – dressed with a sharp, sweetish brown sauce. 

In Tokyo: you can't beat Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten, 4 Chome-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001

Dorayaki

This version of dorayaki is filled with irresistible combination of cream, chocolate and red bean paste. Source: Donal's Asian Baking Adventure

Another sweet treat the athletes are pretending not to eat is dorayaki. You can't blame them for scoffing down on a fluffy pancake sandwich every chance they get.

In Tokyo: don't go past Kamejū, 2 Chome-18-11 Kaminarimon, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0034

Kakigori

This will hit the spot after a morning spent watching other people run very quickly. Source: The Sweet Life with Elise Strachan

While it might seem a little wintry for kakigori, all this sitting around does work up a sweat. Plus this version of the shaved ice dessert does contain plum wine, so that should warm you up nicely.

In Tokyo: run to Mamatoko, 3 Chome-7-9 Yayoicho, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0013