Japanese cuisine is a perfect blend of tradition, flavor, and artful presentation. Whether you’re visiting Japan or trying out authentic Japanese dishes at a restaurant near you, these ten must-try foods will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.
1. Sushi
A globally renowned Japanese dish, sushi consists of vinegared rice paired with fresh seafood, vegetables, or even egg. Popular variations include:
Nigiri: Hand-pressed rice topped with raw fish
Maki: Rolled sushi wrapped in seaweed
Sashimi: Thinly sliced raw fish without rice
2. Ramen
This beloved noodle soup dish has different regional styles, each offering a unique taste. Some famous types are:
Shoyu Ramen: Soy sauce-based broth
Tonkotsu Ramen: Rich pork bone broth
Miso Ramen: Miso-based soup with a savory, umami flavor
3. Tempura
A deep-fried delight, tempura features lightly battered seafood and vegetables fried until golden and crispy. The best tempura is airy, crunchy, and served with a dipping sauce.
4. Takoyaki
These octopus-filled, ball-shaped snacks are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Topped with bonito flakes, takoyaki sauce, and mayonnaise, they are a popular street food in Osaka.
5. Okonomiyaki
Often called Japanese savory pancakes, okonomiyaki is made with a batter of flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and various ingredients like pork or seafood. It’s cooked on a griddle and topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and seaweed flakes.
6. Unagi
Unagi, or grilled freshwater eel, is a delicacy in Japan. Typically served over rice with a sweet soy-based glaze, this dish is known for its rich, smoky flavor.
7. Yakitori
A popular izakaya (Japanese pub) snack, yakitori consists of grilled chicken skewers cooked over charcoal. Different parts of the chicken, including thigh, skin, and liver, are seasoned with salt or tare (a savory-sweet sauce).
8. Tonkatsu
This deep-fried breaded pork cutlet is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Served with shredded cabbage and a tangy tonkatsu sauce, it's a must-try comfort food.
9. Onigiri
A simple yet delicious rice ball, onigiri is usually wrapped in nori (seaweed) and filled with ingredients like pickled plum, salmon, or tuna mayo. It’s a convenient snack found in Japanese convenience stores.
10. Matcha Desserts
Matcha, or powdered green tea, is a key ingredient in many Japanese sweets. Must-try matcha treats include:
Matcha Ice Cream: Creamy and slightly bitter
Matcha Mochi: Chewy rice cakes filled with matcha-flavored sweet bean paste
Matcha Latte: A comforting and rich green tea beverage