Kyoto is often referred to as the cultural heart of Japan, teeming with history and traditions. In Kyoto, there are amazing old-fashioned and cultural touches in the architecture reminding people of a past Japan. Kyoto is a land that prides itself on keeping alive cultural customs and traditons, and that is reflected in so much of what you see, hear, and taste.

Kyoto has some delicious foods that in some cases have a deep-rooted history behind it. Here is a food guide to Kyoto to help you choose what to try while visiting!

Tofu

Although tofu itself doesn't seem like a dish or a dish that would be too different from any other tofus in terms of flavors, but you'd be wrong. Tofu is actually extremely versatile, and can be used in numerous types of dishes and cooked many different kinds of ways. The tofu itself can vary in flavor subtely much like to those who can taste a difference in rice or waters, and the textures and firmness of the tofu can vary quite a bit.

In Kyoto, tofu is a well known food source. The quality of the ingredients that make up the tofu are accounted as the reason why their tofu is one of the best. Quality soybeans are used but it is really their water source that they believe accounts for their amazing tofu. Tofu is served all kinds of different ways here including as agedashi tofu, a salty, dashi broth with fried tofu as the main component. I grew up eating agedashi tofu with ginger in the dashi broth, which really adds another element to the dish. Trust me, it's actually really good! Tofu can also be eaten plain but covered with soy sauce and garnished with some various toppings like bonito flakes and green onions.

Of course in Kyoto, you cannot forget yudofu and yuba tofu. Yudofu is tofu that has been simmered in broth. Essentially it is like eating plain tofu, except something about simmering tofu in hot water, really makes the tofu taste good. It's softer, hot, and comforting to eat. Yuba tofu is actually the "skin" of tofu. Soy milk is boiled so that a film can form on the surface. (The actual process is a bit more complex and longer than this) The film is what "yuba" is and it's usually eaten with soy sauce. A bit different than conventional tofu, yuba is well-loved and well-known in Kyoto, and is also served as a dish to go alongside famous Kyoto tea ceremonies.

Matcha/Tea

Tea is well-loved in Kyoto. Tea-ceremonies have been a huge part of Japanese culture throughout history, and Kyoto has kept the tradition very much alive. It's considered a well-respected art. Therefore, it can be said that Kyoto really knows its tea. If you're a matcha lover and can't get enough, Kyoto is definitely the perfect place to get matcha everything!

Matcha is whole green tea leaves that are ground up into a powder. It is said to have more concentrated nutrients and be better for you, and be a far more potent alternative to green tea in terms of flavor. If you're not a big tea drinker, the shops around Kyoto also sometimes sell match flavored snacks and desserts including some traditional snacks like a match dorayaki. There is also matcha flavored soft-serve that is a favorite in Japan!

Shojin Ryori

Shojin Ryori is a must try if you're in Kyoto, and a great option for those who are vegetarian. Shojin ryori consists of a series of vegetarian dishes that were originally made as a diet for Buddhist monks who did not eat any meat. Because of this a lot of shojin ryori consisted of tofu, which as you know is a specialty in Kyoto. 

Shojin ryori can be quite diverse in terms of dishes, and although it may seem simplistic, it is not lacking in flavors. The monks beliefs tended to really center around balance, and the used the "Rule of Five" for shojin ryori, so the meals each have five flavors as well as five colors, as a form of balance. Each meal is also made with as little waste as possible, so even the peels of vegetables are utilized. Within shojin ryori, there also tends to be a trend of having one soup dish and three side dishes along with pickled vegetables. This follows the principle of ichiju sansai. Kyoto prides itself on embracing traditional Japanese culture even in their cuisine, and as a result, shojin ryori is still widely-served and well-known in Kyoto.

Kaiseki Ryori

Kaiseki Ryori is well-known all throughout Japan and is a cuisine that holds prestige. It features a series of small dishes usually that are served in a series of courses. In fact, kaiseki ryori is considered the ultimate fine-dining in Japan.

Usually the kaiseki dishes feature seasonal ingredients and are enjoyed with sake. There is also something called a tea kaiseki in which the courses are enjoyed with tea instead of sake, and are often lighter in flavor to not overpower the flavors of the tea. Usually kaiseki ryori takes a while to complete, and each dish is meant to be savored. The portions therefore, are not too big, and the dishes are fairly simple for the most part. 

Wagashi

Wagashi are Japanese sweets and confectionaries that are both an art form as well as a dessert. Wagashi tends to bge more of a all-encompassing term as wagashi can be either mochi, cake, or other types of desserts. It's known for being shaped into beautiful flowers, and the art is usually reflective of the season.

Kyoto has many shops that sell wagashi, and there are even sometimes workshops where you can make your own wagashi. It's definitely a cute and fun things to try in Kyoto for those who have a sweet tooth.

You can read more on the art of wagashi here.