Japan is known for its unique and delicious cuisine, which has captivated food lovers worldwide. From meticulously prepared sushi to warm bowls of ramen, Japan offers a vast array of dishes that cater to every palate. When visiting Japan, immersing yourself in the country’s culinary culture is an absolute must. Here are the top 10 foods to eat in Japan that will give you a true taste of the country’s gastronomic excellence.
1. Sushi (寿司)
When thinking of Japanese cuisine, sushi is often the first dish that comes to mind. This delicacy consists of vinegared rice (shari) paired with various ingredients (neta) such as fresh fish, seafood, vegetables, and even fruits. Sushi comes in many forms, such as nigiri (a small ball of rice topped with fish), maki (seaweed-wrapped rolls filled with rice and ingredients), and sashimi (thinly sliced raw fish without rice).
In Japan, sushi is often enjoyed at sushi bars where you can watch skilled chefs prepare it right in front of you. For an authentic experience, visit the famous Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo or splurge at a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant for some of the freshest and highest-quality fish.
2. Ramen (ラーメン)
Ramen is one of Japan’s most popular comfort foods and a must-try when visiting. This hearty bowl of noodles is served in a rich, flavorful broth and topped with ingredients like pork slices (chashu), boiled eggs, seaweed, and green onions. There are several types of ramen broths, including:
- Shoyu (soy sauce-based broth)
- Shio (salt-based broth)
- Miso (fermented soybean paste broth)
- Tonkotsu (pork bone broth)
Each region of Japan offers its own take on ramen, such as Hokkaido’s miso ramen and Fukuoka’s tonkotsu ramen. Slurping is encouraged in Japan, so don’t be shy about enjoying your ramen enthusiastically!
3. Tempura (天ぷら)
Tempura is a dish of battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables. The batter is light and crispy, and the tempura is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, dashi, and mirin, or sprinkled with sea salt. Common tempura ingredients include shrimp, squid, sweet potato, eggplant, and mushrooms.
Tempura is a versatile dish, often served as a side to rice or noodles, or as part of a tempura donburi (tempura over rice). For an authentic experience, visit a tempura-ya (tempura restaurant), where each piece is freshly fried and served immediately.
4. Tonkatsu (とんかつ)
Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish consisting of a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet. The cutlet is coated in panko breadcrumbs, fried until golden and crispy, and served with a tangy, savory tonkatsu sauce. It’s often accompanied by shredded cabbage, rice, and miso soup.
There are two main types of tonkatsu:
- Hirekatsu (leaner fillet)
- Rosukatsu (fattier loin)
Some variations include katsu-don, where tonkatsu is served over rice with an egg and onion sauce, and katsu curry, where it’s paired with Japanese curry.
5. Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き)
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made from a batter of flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and a variety of ingredients such as pork, shrimp, octopus, and cheese. It is then grilled on a hot plate and topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed powder.
The name “okonomiyaki” means “grill what you like,” which reflects its customizable nature. Different regions have their own styles, with Osaka being known for the traditional form, while Hiroshima offers a layered version with noodles.
6. Yakitori (焼き鳥)
Yakitori refers to grilled chicken skewers, a popular dish served in izakayas (Japanese pubs) and street stalls. The skewers can be made from different parts of the chicken, such as the breast, thighs, wings, or even offal. They are seasoned with either shio (salt) or tare (a sweet soy-based sauce).
Yakitori is the perfect accompaniment to a cold glass of beer, and it’s commonly enjoyed in a casual setting. The bite-sized portions make it easy to try a variety of different flavors, from simple salt-seasoned skewers to ones marinated in a rich sauce.
7. Udon (うどん)
Udon are thick, chewy wheat noodles that are often served in a hot broth made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. Udon can be enjoyed in various forms, with popular toppings including tempura, green onions, and kamaboko (fish cake). Some common varieties of udon include:
- Kake Udon: Simple broth with green onions.
- Tempura Udon: Topped with crispy tempura.
- Kitsune Udon: Served with sweet fried tofu.
Udon is also served cold during the summer months, known as zaru udon, where the noodles are dipped into a chilled soy-based sauce.
8. Soba (そば)
Soba is a type of thin noodle made from buckwheat flour. It can be served either hot in a broth or cold with a dipping sauce. In contrast to the thick udon noodles, soba has a more delicate texture and a nutty flavor. Popular variations of soba include:
- Kake Soba: Served in a hot dashi broth.
- Zaru Soba: Cold soba noodles dipped into a soy-based sauce.
- Tempura Soba: Soba served with crispy tempura on top.
Soba is a popular dish during the New Year in Japan, known as toshikoshi soba, symbolizing long life and resilience.
9. Takoyaki (たこ焼き)
Takoyaki is a beloved street food from Osaka, made of small, round balls of batter filled with diced octopus (tako), green onions, and pickled ginger. These crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside snacks are cooked in special molded pans and served with a generous drizzle of takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed powder.
Takoyaki is commonly found at food stalls during festivals, markets, or in specialized takoyaki shops. The dish is best enjoyed piping hot, right off the grill.
10. Gyoza (餃子)
Although originally from China, gyoza has become a staple in Japanese cuisine. These dumplings are filled with ground meat (usually pork), garlic, cabbage, and seasoning, and then pan-fried to crispy perfection. Gyoza can also be served boiled or steamed.
In Japan, gyoza is commonly enjoyed as a side dish with ramen or rice. Dipping gyoza in soy sauce mixed with vinegar and chili oil enhances its flavor.
Conclusion
Japan’s culinary landscape is vast, diverse, and deeply rooted in tradition. Whether you’re exploring street food stalls in Osaka, indulging in a kaiseki meal in Kyoto, or simply enjoying a bowl of ramen in a bustling Tokyo eatery, the food in Japan is an experience that goes far beyond just nourishment. These top 10 foods are only the tip of the iceberg, but they offer a delicious gateway into the heart of Japanese culture and cuisine. So, when you find yourself in Japan, be sure to try as many of these dishes as possible to get the full flavor of this incredible country.
