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Nov 29, 2023 · While our list is not as exhaustive, the above are some of the top traditional Japanese dishes. From the simplicity of sushi to the complexity of kaiseki ryori. All you need is to create the time, pack, and appetite and immerse yourself in the diverse and delicious world of traditional Japanese cuisine.
Mar 1, 2023 · Tempura prawns are very popular, as are grilled shrimp, octopus, squid, and eel. Fried green peppers, carrots, potatoes, and eggplant are just a few more popular choices. Tempura is often served alongside rice and side dishes, such as salads and pickled vegetables. 6. Takoyaki. Takoyaki is popular street food in Japan.
- The Popular Foods of Japan
- Japanese Meat Dishes
- Noodle Dishes
- Mixed Ingredient Japanese Dishes
- Japanese Veggie Dishes
- Japanese Desserts & Drinks
- Other Japanese Dishes to Try
1. Sushi
I honestly find the history of sushi so fascinating, because it’s been around for such a long time, and it’s taken on so many different forms. In fact, sushi wasn’t always raw. It used to be a way to preserve fish, and they would do this by wrapping the fish in fermented rice. And of course, it’s changed throughout the different periods of Japan. And now we have so many different types of sushi to enjoy! Now if you want to try it yourself, then here are some quick tips: 1. Don’t put the pickl...
2. Sashimi
Sashimi, translating out as “pierced body,” is simply thin cut raw fish, that can be eaten with soy sauce and other sides. But it doesn’t always have to be fish, it can even be uni, and other types of raw meat. I personally like raw fish sashimi a lot; it can have a very delicate texture, and a mild flavor. Also, the coolness is very refreshing!
3. Ramen
If you haven’t been to a ramen house yet, then I promise you, ramen is so much more than those instant packets or cups. When you go to a good restaurant with fresh noodles, rich homemade broths, tasty meats, and marinated eggs, it kind of becomes one of your favorite Japanese foods. I remember the first time I went to a ramen house. It was for my seventeenth birthday. I got something call tonkotsu ramen, which was this rich creamy pork bone broth. This photo isn’t from my seventeenth birthday...
15. Karaage
If you like fried food, like me, then I think you’ll like karaage. It’s a Japanese style of cooking, where they deep fry different types of meat. Chicken Karaage is one of the most common versions of this Japanese dish, and it looks so tasty! Also, the ingredients sound so good. You’re getting things like sake, soy sauce, ginger, and a garlic marinade. Then it’s coated in a potato starch and fried until crispy. Sounds amazing! Karaage Recipe
16. Buta-No-Shogayaki
You’re getting thinly cut slices of grilled pork that have a nice sauce of ginger, soy sauce, sake and other delicious sounding ingredients. It’s something you can get at a lot of different restaurants in Japan, but if you don’t want to wait to travel, then here’s a good recipe for Shogayakihere.
17. Gyudon
A simple but delicious beef and rice bowl. It’s a Japanese dish of thinly sliced beef, well-cooked sweet onions, and fresh hot steamed rice. I’ve had it before and it’s verysatisfying. You’re getting amazing bites of tasty and savory beef and onions, and rice that’s soaked in the juices In my opinion, it’s great comfort food, and if you want to try it too, then here’s a good recipe for Gyudon!
24. Udon
Udon is probably my husband’s favorite noodle dish. They’re these super thick noodles made of wheat flour, and they’re so much fun to eat. Traditionally, they’re served with soup, and can be very comforting on a cold day. But you can also have them cold, which can be great when it’s hot out! Also, here are just a few of the different types of udon dishes you might see: 1. Kake Udon:Udon noodles served with a hot broth and green onions. 2. Kamaage Udon: These noodles are dipped in a hot sauce,...
25. Soba
Soba are thin, buckwheat flour noodles that can be served cold, and with a nice dipping sauce. So basically, it makes for a great dish to have on hot days. Or, you can have it with a hot broth on a cold day, but it’s up to you! I’d personally test out both methods. However, it’s said that they are best appreciated cold, since soaking them in the hot broth changes its texture. Here are three good soba dishes to look out for: 1. Mori Soba: Cold soba noodles in a bowl, with a sauce poured over t...
26. Yakisoba
Yakisoba are Japanese stir-fry noodles that first started showing up in the 1930s. And since then, it’s been widely enjoyed at home, and in Japanese diners (Teishoku-ya). But it’s also very popular as a Japanese street food. But in this stir-fry dish, you’re going to be getting thinly sliced meat, Chinese-style wheat noodles, and veggies like carrots, cabbage, and onions that are tossed in a tasty sauce. I can’t wait to try this at a Japanese street food stall, but for now, I think I’ll have...
27. Onigiri
Onigiris are one of my favorite Japanese snacks to eat. They’re rice balls formed into a triangular shape, with different tasty fillings. Also, they have a nori seaweed wrap at the bottom, or sometimes all the way around. Here are some fillings you might want try: 1. Tuna-mayo 2. Dried bonito mixed with soy sauce 3. Red bean 4. Tempura 5. Boiled egg 6. Japanese fried chicken Onigiris are fun to make, and if you want to try it yourself, then here’s a cute onigiri recipeto try.
28. Okonomiyaki
I really like this Japanese dish! It’s this really fluffy savory pancake, that can be made with egg, meats, cabbage, cheese, and other tasty ingredients. It also has awesome toppings like Japanese mayo (which is so creamy), and a delicious brown sauce. Also, depending on the region you’re in, the okonomiyaki can be prepared differently. So check out the local restaurants, and see how they’re making it! Here are the two main types of okonomiyaki: 1. Kansai-Style (or Osaka Style): The ingredien...
29. Oden
Whether it’s the middle of the winter, or not, I’m trying this Japanese cold-weather dish. Oden is going to be a hot pot filled up with amazing ingredients like eggs, fish cakes (which I personally love), daikon radish, potatoes, and a lot more. Also, the broth sounds delicious, but super simple. So you’ll see Dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, and sake make up the flavors for this hot pot. Also, if you do want to try it at home, then here’s a good recipe for oden. The Japanese food blogger, who...
43. Lotus Root
When I was in Japanand went grocery shopping, something made me go, “Yes, I need to buy this lotus root.” Why? I don’t know, but it tasted so good! 😂 And now whenever I see it on a menu, as a part of a recipe, I’m a lot more likely to order that dish. Lotus root has a wonderful texture when it’s cooked, and easily takes on the flavors you cook it with. And if you’re curious about it, then here’s a recipe for kinpira renkon, a Japanese lotus root dish.
44. Edamame
I love edamame, they have such a good texture when they’re added to different dishes! They’re very young beans that are picked before they’re ripe (and before they become soy beans). Also, they’re great for snacking, and they can be served as an appetizer in different Japanese restaurants.
45. Wagashi
Ilove wagashi, and it’s one of my favorite foods from Japan! It’s a traditional Japanese sweet and can take on many different forms. I love having mine with red bean paste; there’s something so delicious about the sweet flavors! Also, many of them are seasonal, so it can be fun to pick out ones that match the season you’re in. Here’s one I got at a tea shop in Kyoto during the fall. It’s so cute! Also, when I was in Japan, my husband took me to a wagashi shop called Sasaya Iori. It’s over 305...
46. Matcha
Matcha is a very traditional drink from Japan, and my husband, Silas, and I, fell in love with it when we visited. While we were living in Japan, we met a tea master who ran a tea shop close to where we stayed. We talked to him quite a bit, and he was super helpful for understanding the art of tea ceremony, and matcha. In fact, my husband ended up being trained by him, alongside other students, and found it very beautiful and enjoyable. But the reason why I’m bringing this up is because this...
47. Mochi
Mochi is such a fun Japanese sweet! It’s made from glutinous rice flour pounded into a soft chewy paste, and formed into a shape. Also, there are different types you can get. Some are made with ice cream wrapped in the mochi paste, and others have a sweet red bean paste inside. I think the best option is to probably just try out as many as you can, you know, as an experiment, not for enjoyment at all. Oh, and here’s a recipe for homemade mochi ice cream!
50. Natto
I keep on hearing conflicting views on this Japanese dish; you either love it or hate it. But essentially, natto is fermented soy beans, that can be served over rice with a few other ingredients. It’s been dubbed as a superfood by many since it’s packed with nutrients. However, even though natto is very healthy, it apparently has a strong acquired taste. So I’d say that if you ever see it at a Japanese food store, go ahead and get it, and see what you personally think.
51. Korokke
If you want something that looks really satisfying and tasty, then this deep-fried breaded patty might just hit the spot. It can be filled with ingredients like mashed potatoes and veggies, meat, or seafood. And apparently, you can get it almost everywhere in Japan. So if you’re visiting, then you should be able to easily get some! Here’s a recipe for korokkeif you want to make it at home.
- Sushi. You probably know that sushi originated from Japan and is the ultimate Japanese food. You will not find any Dragon Rolls, California Rolls, sweet sauces, spicy tuna, or fancy creations that are popular in western culture.
- Conveyor Belt Sushi. If you are curious what an extremely popular Japanese food is, let me introduce conveyor belt sushi. I feel that I had to differentiate sushi, from conveyor belt sushi, because in Japan they are very different experiences.
- Ramen. Japanese Ramen is a noodle soup dish with wheat noodles, broth, and different toppings. Ramen is one of the most popular traditional Japanese food items and is another must-eat.
- Udon. Another fantastic Japanese dish to try is Udon. Udon noodles are made from wheat flour and brine water and are usually very thick and mildly chewy.
Jun 6, 2022 · 1. 🍣 Sushi: the iconic Japanese dish. Who doesn't know the famous sushi, that typical Japanese dish that has crossed many borders? This delicious dish made of vinegared rice ( shari) with raw fish ( neta) and soy sauce has become the star of Japanese cuisine in Western countries.
Dec 25, 2023 · The popularity of traditional Japanese food is one of the many aspects that draw millions of visitors to Japan every year. Discovering new flavours, trying authentic dishes, and exploring regional food differences is one of the highlights of any Japan trip.
Feb 19, 2024 · When traveling to Japan, ordering food can be a bit intimidating so we are here to help you know what foods to keep an eye out for so you can try them in their most authentic forms. Keep reading, and we’ll tell you all about 20 Japanese dishes that you should try at home or abroad. 1. Sushi
