Winter's comfort pot of daikon, egg and fish cake.
What it is
Oden is a simmered pot of assorted ingredients — daikon radish, boiled egg, fish cakes (chikuwa, hanpen), konnyaku and more — gently cooked in a light soy-dashi broth. You pick the pieces you like, with a dab of karashi mustard.
What it means
A soul-warming winter staple sold everywhere from specialist counters to convenience stores. Oden is the taste of a cold Tokyo night and unhurried company.
Why it's wonderful
Each piece drinks up the savory broth differently — silky daikon, springy fish cake, jammy egg. Humble, soothing and endlessly customizable.
What to order
- Daikon, tamago, chikuwa
- Konnyaku & atsuage
- A dab of karashi mustard
- Great in winter
For special diets
Broth is fish-dashi (not vegan); many items are fish cakes. Daikon, egg and tofu items suit pescatarians/vegetarians who accept dashi.