What Food To Try in Sendai and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Sendai for 2024.
National currency: Yen, symbol — ¥ (international currency code JPY).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Sendai cafes and restaurants
$6.2
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $4.15
$27.7
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $24.2
$4.8
Combo Meal
Starting from $4.48
What to Try in Sendai
Must-try Dishes
Sakura Don - 桜丼 (cherry blossom rice bowl) - A fragrant bowl of rice topped with fresh sashimi, typically made from local salmon and seasonal vegetables. Locals often enjoy this dish in spring, celebrating cherry blossom season with picnics.Zunda Mochi - ずんだ餅 (sweet soybean rice cake) - Sticky rice cakes covered in a vibrant green, sweetened edamame paste, offering a unique texture. Commonly enjoyed as a snack in street food stalls, especially during festivals.
Gyutan - 牛タン (beef tongue) - Grilled slices of tender beef tongue served with a side of barley rice and flavorful broth. A staple dinner option found in many casual izakayas, it’s juicy and has a slight smoky flavor.
Hiyashi Chuka - 冷やし中華 (chilled Chinese noodles) - Cold noodles topped with an assortment of colorful vegetables, cooked chicken, and a tangy sesame or soy dressing. This dish is especially popular in summer when locals seek refreshing meals.
Jaga Butter - じゃがバター (buttered potatoes) - A simple but satisfying combination of steamed potatoes slathered in rich butter and a sprinkle of salt. It’s typically enjoyed as a street food snack during winter festivals and a comfort food classic at home.
Shiroi Koibito - 白い恋人 (white lover's sandwich) - A surprising blend of crispy wafers and rich white chocolate filling, often shared among friends. This local treat combines sweet and savory, making it a beloved gift among Sendai locals.
Sake-zuke - 酒漬け (sake marinated fish) - Fish marinated in sake and served with pickled vegetables on the side, delivering bold flavors and a tender texture. It's a seasonal dish that pairs perfectly with autumn harvests and is commonly enjoyed with friends over drinks.
Desserts & Drinks
Gyokuro - 玉露 (high-grade green tea) - This premium green tea is brewed at lower temperatures, which brings out its sweet, umami flavor. Locals often enjoy it during leisurely afternoons, savoring the delicate taste while practicing the art of tea preparation.Bancha - 番茶 (coarse leaf tea) - A more robust green tea made from mature leaves, often enjoyed cold during warmer months. It's common for locals to sip it during picnics or community gatherings; sometimes, it’s paired with light snacks to enhance its flavor.
Hiyaoroshi - 冷やおろし (seasonal sake) - A special type of sake that is pasteurized once and then stored cold, developing a rich flavor profile. Often enjoyed during the autumn to celebrate the harvest, it's typically shared at festivals or gatherings where locals toast to good fortune.
Sendai Cheese Tart - センダイチーズタルト (cheesy pastry) - A crispy tart shell filled with creamy cheese custard, perfectly sweet and indulgent. These tarts are a popular treat for afternoon tea, showing up in many cafes as a go-to dessert to share with friends.
Zunda Shakes - ずんだシェイク (sweet soybean elixir) - Creamy milkshakes blended with zunda, a sweet paste made from edamame. Commonly found during warmer months at local festivals, it's a refreshing grayish-green delight that surprises first-timers with its unique taste.
By the way, don't be surprised if you see locals pouring their sake into small cups over ice during summer gatherings — it's a refreshing way to enjoy the drink when the weather gets hot!
Food and Groceries in Sendai
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.19 |
| Bananas | $2.12 |
| Oranges | $5.93 |
| Potatoes | $3.02 |
| Apples | $7.05 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.59 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.21 |
| Imported Beer | $2.77 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $8.3 |
| Milk 1L | $1.24 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $21.66 |
| Chicken | $7.56 |
| Cigarettes | $4.49 |
| Rice | $2.77 |
| Local Cheese | $15.44 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
In Sendai, it's common to see people gathering for dinner by around 6 PM. This early dining habit often creates a bustling atmosphere in popular districts like Kokubuncho and Ichibancho, where restaurants fill up quickly. Locals tend to enjoy their meals over lengthy conversations, and it's not uncommon to see diners lingering over their final sips of sake even an hour or more after finishing their main dishes.
You’ll find that meal prices can vary significantly depending on the area. In downtown Kokubuncho, a decent bowl of ramen might set you back about ¥800, while a meal at a nicer izakaya could range from ¥2,500 to ¥5,000, especially if you’re indulging in seasonal dishes like grilled fish or kaiseki. In contrast, smaller eateries in quieter areas often offer lunch specials for as low as ¥500, which can be quite a steal.
Payment customs also differ here. Most restaurants accept cash—essential for places that might not have taken to credit card systems yet. I’ve personally found that many places in Sendai still prefer cash transactions, particularly those in older districts. It's courteous to be ready with yen in hand. Oh, and before I forget, it's fairly usual to collect your change in a small tray rather than handing it directly, which might feel a bit unusual initially.
Tipping is generally not customary here, and leaving extra money could even be seen as rude. Instead, you’ll find that good service is built into the culture, so it’s just not something that’s expected or required. The dining experience often cultivates its own friendliness that feels more intrinsic than transactional.
When it comes to dining patterns, it’s best to avoid the rush hours, particularly on weekends when most locals will pour into popular establishments between 6 PM and 8 PM. If you’re looking for more relaxed dining, hitting up restaurants after 8 PM can lead to a quieter experience. And if you're keen on trying a specific restaurant, you might want to make a reservation—especially if you’re aiming to enjoy a kaiseki course or dining in a small izakaya, as seating fills up fast.
With seasonal variations, the culinary choices also shift. For instance, during the warmer months, you’ll notice more places offering refreshing cold soba or chilled tofu dishes, while winter brings out hearty options like hot pots, often sought after by locals. This seasonal fluctuation reflects the spirit of Sendai, where food not only satisfies hunger but embodies the local rhythm.
You’ll find that meal prices can vary significantly depending on the area. In downtown Kokubuncho, a decent bowl of ramen might set you back about ¥800, while a meal at a nicer izakaya could range from ¥2,500 to ¥5,000, especially if you’re indulging in seasonal dishes like grilled fish or kaiseki. In contrast, smaller eateries in quieter areas often offer lunch specials for as low as ¥500, which can be quite a steal.
Payment customs also differ here. Most restaurants accept cash—essential for places that might not have taken to credit card systems yet. I’ve personally found that many places in Sendai still prefer cash transactions, particularly those in older districts. It's courteous to be ready with yen in hand. Oh, and before I forget, it's fairly usual to collect your change in a small tray rather than handing it directly, which might feel a bit unusual initially.
Tipping is generally not customary here, and leaving extra money could even be seen as rude. Instead, you’ll find that good service is built into the culture, so it’s just not something that’s expected or required. The dining experience often cultivates its own friendliness that feels more intrinsic than transactional.
When it comes to dining patterns, it’s best to avoid the rush hours, particularly on weekends when most locals will pour into popular establishments between 6 PM and 8 PM. If you’re looking for more relaxed dining, hitting up restaurants after 8 PM can lead to a quieter experience. And if you're keen on trying a specific restaurant, you might want to make a reservation—especially if you’re aiming to enjoy a kaiseki course or dining in a small izakaya, as seating fills up fast.
With seasonal variations, the culinary choices also shift. For instance, during the warmer months, you’ll notice more places offering refreshing cold soba or chilled tofu dishes, while winter brings out hearty options like hot pots, often sought after by locals. This seasonal fluctuation reflects the spirit of Sendai, where food not only satisfies hunger but embodies the local rhythm.