The development of Kawagoe’s historic castle town was supported by the farming villages surrounding it. Today, those same areas produce high-quality agricultural products such as rice, leafy vegetables and root vegetables. The abundance of fresh local ingredients is what makes Kawagoe food so special.
Popular foods include Kawagoe sweet potato, highly praised as "authentic" in the Edo era, and various potato dishes and confections that are culturally valued. Since Kawagoe is largely surrounded by rivers, freshwater fish and eel dishes are also popular.