Japanese cuisine is known for its unique flavours, presentation, and use of fresh ingredients. 

Japan has a diverse range of foods that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Let’s dive more into the 10 must-try foods in the cuisine that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Here are 10 Japanese dishes you must try:

Sushi

Sushi is a well-known Japanese dish that consists of bite-sized pieces of vinegared rice topped with raw or cooked fish, seafood, or vegetables.

It’s a favourite among foodies worldwide and is a must-try when in Japan.

Sushi is served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger, and the flavour combinations are endless.

Places you can try ramen at:

Ramen

Ramen is a staple food in Japan and is a popular comfort food worldwide. 

It consists of wheat noodles in a savoury broth made of a variety of ingredients such as: soy sauce, miso, salted, or pork bone broth.

The toppings can vary, but the most common toppings are sliced pork, green onions, and bamboo shoots.

For people trying for the first time, be sure to try the different types of ramen broths such as Shio ramen, Miso ramen, Shoyu ramen and Tonkotsu ramen.

Places you can try ramen at:

Tempura

Tempura is a dish of battered and deep-fried seafood, vegetables, or meat.

The batter is made with flour, water, and eggs and is mixed to a smooth consistency.

The key to good tempura is using fresh ingredients and a light and crispy batter. 

Tempura is usually served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, ginger, and mirin.

Places to try Tempura:

Yakitori

Yakitori is a popular Japanese dish that consists of skewered grilled chicken.

The chicken is marinated in a sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, and then grilled over charcoal.

Yakitori is usually served with a side of rice or as a snack with beer or sake.

Places to try Yakitori:

Takoyaki

Takoyaki is a popular street food in Japan and consists of small round balls of batter filled with diced octopus, pickled ginger, and green onion. 

The dish is cooked in a special takoyaki pan and served with a savoury sauce and mayonnaise.

Places to try Takoyaki:

Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a savoury pancake made with a variety of ingredients such as cabbage, meat, seafood, and noodles. 

The batter is made of flour, eggs, and dashi stock, and is cooked on a griddle. 

It is usually topped with a sweet and savoury sauce, mayonnaise, and dried bonito flakes.

Places to try Okonomiyaki:

Udon

Udon is a thick and chewy wheat noodle that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine.

It is usually served in a hot broth made of soy sauce, miso, or dashi stock, and can be topped with a variety of ingredients such as tempura, tofu, and green onions.

The Udon with its thick white chewy noodles and the umami broth, it’s a bowl of true comfort.

Places to try Udon:

Mochi

Mochi is a sweet rice cake made of glutinous rice that is pounded into a sticky paste and moulded into various shapes. 

It is usually served as a dessert and can be filled with sweet bean paste, strawberries, or ice cream.

Places to try mochi:

Tonkatsu

Tonkatsu is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet that is served with a side of cabbage, rice, and miso soup. 

The pork is usually seasoned with salt and pepper, and the breading is made of panko breadcrumbs.

It is not complete without a drizzle of tonkatsu sauce.

Places to try Tonkatsu :

Matcha

Matcha is a powdered green tea that is famous for its health benefits and unique flavour.

It is commonly used in Japanese tea ceremonies and is also used as an ingredient in desserts and sweets.

It is usually consumed traditionally in East Asia

Places to try Matcha:

FAQs:

Q. What makes Japanese cuisine unique?

A. Japanese cuisine is known for its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, precise preparation, and attention to detail in the presentation. 

The flavours in Japanese dishes are often delicate and subtle, and there is an emphasis on balance and harmony in the dish.

Q. What are some popular Japanese drinks to pair with food?

A. Japanese sake, beer, and green tea are popular drinks to pair with Japanese cuisine. 

Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice, while Japanese beer is known for its light and crisp taste. 

Green tea is a healthy and refreshing drink that pairs well with many Japanese dishes.

Q. Can vegetarians find options in Japanese cuisine?

A. Yes, there are vegetarian options such as vegetable tempura, mushroom-based Ramen, and Kitsune Udon.

Conclusion

Japanese cuisine is a culinary delight that offers a range of flavours, textures, and presentations.

These are the top 10 must-try foods in Japanese cuisine that will give you a taste of the best that Japan can offer.

So the next time you find yourself in a Japanese restaurant, be sure to try one of these delicious dishes and experience the unique flavours of Japanese cuisine.