28-05-2025
Thanks to Shohei Ohtani, These Are the Japanese Food and Drinks to Try at Dodger Stadium
Even with the fanfare surrounding Shohei Ohtani's move from the Angels to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023, few predicted the season-altering force he would become. Many call it the Ohtani Effect, especially after the team won the 2024 World Series. When Ohtani comes to bat, cheers erupt through Chavez Ravine, with fans clamoring to catch a home run. TV ratings are up for Dodgers games, the number of Japanese tourists flying in to watch the Dodgers play has increased, and as of March 2025, Major League Baseball jerseys bearing the name 'Ohtani' are the most popular on earth.
But the Ohtani effect extends beyond just the scoreboard. Dodger Stadium has embraced the popularity of the Japan-born star, along with pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, expanding its Japanese concessions to reflect the increased interest '[Ohtani] has brought new fans,' Dodgers CEO Stan Kasten told 'He's changed the mix of demographics at our stadium for games. We have changed some of the merchandise [and] some of the concession offerings.'
Below are some of the existing and expanded Japanese options at Dodger Stadium for the 2025 season.
Field Level The 2025 season introduced an LA-ified chicken katsu double-decker sandwich that uses Texas toast, Kewpie mayonnaise, creamy avocado, arugula, and applewood bacon. Find it on the Field Level near Section 8.
In 2024, the Tokyo-based Tsukiji Gindaco and the Dodgers formed a partnership that introduced traditional takoyaki in Section 45. The savory octopus ball is filled with green onion, pickled ginger, and tempura. It's also a staple at baseball stadiums throughout Japan, including the Tokyo Dome. In the era of Ohtani, the stand also serves a takoyaki sauce-flavored Dodger Dog.
In Field 8, shockingly good sushi is served at Delicious Hospitality. Is it more comparable to retail (read: grocery store) sushi? Absolutely. But quite good for what's being offered at one of the nation's last standing original ballparks. Japanese chicken katsu curry with steamed rice is served at the Field Level Cantina, Right Field Entrance, and the Reserve Level. During Japanese Heritage Night on April 28, the culinary team prepared a beef teriyaki bowl and a multi-layered wanpaku sandwich.
Head to Section 8 for Delicious Hospitality's miso ginger chopped salad, or the hearty home run platter with teriyaki chicken skewers, steamed rice, dumplings, and shishito peppers.
Reserve Level At Fan Fare in Sections 4 and 31, you can find a Kurobuta teriyaki mayo hot dog.
Centerfield Plaza Tons of options are in Section 5's LA Feeds Blue with rotating specials like the Kurobuta pork sausage dogs, Kurobuta yakisoba dogs, miso ginger salad, and a chicken katsu bowl.
Loge Level In the centerfield loge courtyard's Section 165, find Think Blue Craft Beer Bar for Nikaido shochu cocktails.
One of the most refreshing cocktails in the entire park is an off-menu item. Ask any Loge Bar (Section 160) bartender for the Nikaido Highball with Nikaido Oita Mugi Shochu, yuzu, and a splash of soda.
Top Deck Order the Kurobuta terimayo dog on the Top Deck at Section 5.
Shochu Nikaido and the Dodgers partnered in early 2025 to make the Japanese distilled beverage the official shochu of the team. Nikaido's shochu is made with barley and can be found throughout the ballpark (see the map below).
Related The Eater Guide to Dodger Stadium
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