Famous Foods from Japan You Must Try Once in a Lifetime

Most of us when thinking about the most famous foods from Japan, only one dish comes to mind that is Sushi. But Sushi is only the start of it. Japanese cuisine offers a diversity of flavours, regional specialties and of course traditions. We have curated a list of unforgettable famous foods from Japan. So, let’s begin. 

Famous Foods From Japan You Must Try

1. Sushi 

   Sushi is one of the most popular Japanese cuisines. It consists of seasoned, raw fish, usually served on lightly vinegared rice. Where it begins to get interesting is in the flavour and texture combinations of sushi or “sashi,” as in the tangy, creamy, uni (sea urchin roe) or juicy, plump, amaebi (sweet shrimp). 

2. Ramen

   Ramen (egg noodles in a savory broth) is Japan's beloved late-night meal. It is also a shining example of an imported dish, in this case from China, that the Japanese culture has successfully adapted into their own, in this case delicious! There are different soup styles of ramen, the top four are: miso, soy sauce, salt and tonkotsu. Fukuoka city is also famous for rich tonkotsu ramen. 

3. Donburi 

   This is another of the beloved dishes, and one you can eat while you’re travelling through Japan, is donburi. This traditional Japanese meal consists of a ‘bowl’ of rice topped with many things from chicken & egg (Oyakodon) to pork cutlet (Katsudon) and if you’re adventurous, maybe give Unadon, which is eel donburi, a try!

4. Yakitori

   Though yakitori means grilled (yaki) chicken (tori), it can really be any grilled skewer. It's the whole chicken, with skewers on offer with chicken breast, gizzards, and every organ in between. It is a great dish to share with a cold Japanese beer or sake after a long day of exploring cities, and though they're primarily served as an appetiser in bars, it can still be enjoyed as a standalone meal.

5. Gyoza

   One of the underrated Japanese cuisines that you’ll savour is gyoza. Gyoza are small dumplings filled with minced meat and chopped vegetables and can either be steamed or grilled. These dumplings can be eaten by themselves or with other dishes for a light lunch or dinner.

6. Okonomiyaki

   It is a type of Japanese pancake made from wheat based batter mixed with shredded cabbage, vegetables, and either meat or fish, with toppings of bonito flakes or nori, and condiments (such as mayonnaise). The word ‘Okonomi’ translates to, “How you like it”, meaning that no toppings or fillings are set, so any number of options could be added, from prawns to pork belly.

7. Kaiseki

   Kaiseki, which is part evening meal, is the equivalent of haute cuisine in Japan. It originated centuries ago, along with the tea ceremony in Kyoto, which remains the capital of kaiseki. There is no menu; each course arrives in the same order. Your meal consists of a number of small courses served in an artistic way on beautiful dinnerware. Only fresh ingredients are used, and every course is produced with the current season in mind, creating a seasonal "dinner."

8. Soba

   Soba, which are long, thin buckwheat noodles, have always been a part of Japanese cuisine, especially in mountain areas where this hardy grain is more readily grown than rice. Soba can be served in a hot, soy sauce based broth or served on a bamboo mat at room temperature, with broth on the side to dip the noodles in. Purists, who generally frown upon soupy, soggy noodles, prefer it served the second way.

9. Dango 

   Japan is not well-known for its deserts, but there are some dishes to savour your sweet tooth. One of the most famous traditional Japanese foods is Dango, commonly served with a hot cup of green tea. Dango refers to the chewy steamed morsels of rice flour, traditionally served on a skewer, and you may encounter it topped with a sweet sauce known as mitarashi or bean paste called anko.

10. Udon 

    Udon is a type of thick Japanese noodle made from wheat flour, commonly served hot or cold. Udon has endless variations with toppings for everyone from tempura to tofu. Udon did happen to be one of our go-to dishes while we were exploring the country, and it remains a reliable favorite to this day.

    
    Read More : Best Time & Season to Visit Japan

Conclusion 

A fan of Japanese cuisine? Do you agree with our selection of famous foods from Japan, or have we missed your favourite? Share your must-try dishes below…