As you embark on your journey to Japan, be prepared to tantalize your taste buds with a myriad of delectable dishes. Japanese cuisine is renowned worldwide for its exquisite flavors, meticulous preparation, and diverse range of dishes. To help you navigate through this culinary wonderland, we have curated a list of the top five must-try Japanese dishes for people visiting Japan. From hearty rice bowls to sizzling skewers, let’s dive into the irresistible world of Japanese cuisine.
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Table of Contents – List of Japanese Cuisine
1. Okonomiyaki / Monjayaki
Prepare yourself for a unique dining experience with Okonomiyaki and Monjayaki. These savory pancakes are made from a batter of flour, cabbage, and a variety of ingredients such as seafood, meat, or vegetables. In Okonomiyaki, you’ll savor the smoky flavors of the grilled pancake topped with a tangy sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. Monjayaki, on the other hand, offers a gooey and melted consistency that you cook right at the table. Both dishes are interactive, allowing you to unleash your inner chef while indulging in deliciousness.
Okonomiyaki has historucally been more populer in Osaka. So you should definitely try Okinimiyaki if you’re visiting Osaka. On the other hand, if you are only staying in Tokyo, Monjayaki may be a better choice to go for.
2. Donburi
Donburi, a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine, is a bowl of steamed rice topped with various ingredients. From succulent slices of beef simmered in savory sauce (Gyudon) to tender pieces of raw fish over sushi rice (Chirashizushi), there’s a donburi for every palate. Each mouthful offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, leaving you craving for more. Donburi is not only delicious but also convenient, making it a go-to choice for a quick and satisfying meal. Here are some popular Donbri you can try in Japan.
- Gyudon (Beef Bowl): Thinly sliced beef simmered in a savory soy-based sauce, served over a bowl of steamed rice, creating a comforting and flavorful combination.
- Katsudon (Pork Cutlet Bowl): Crispy and tender breaded pork cutlet, accompanied by onions and eggs, all cooked together in a sweet and savory sauce, resulting in a satisfying and hearty dish.
- Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg Bowl): A delightful combination of chicken, onions, and beaten eggs, simmered in a lightly seasoned broth, delivering a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and nourishing.
- Unadon (Grilled Eel Bowl): Grilled eel marinated in a rich and sweet soy-based sauce, served over a bed of rice, offering a luxurious and indulgent dining experience with its delicate and luscious flavors.
- Tendon (Tempura Bowl): Crispy and lightly battered tempura, consisting of various seafood and vegetables, served on a bed of rice and drizzled with a flavorful sauce, providing a delightful contrast of textures and tastes in every bite.
3. Curry Rice
While curry might not be traditionally Japanese, it has become a beloved comfort food in Japan. Japanese curry stands out with its thick and rich gravy, packed with aromatic spices. The curry is often accompanied by various toppings such as crispy tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) or juicy chicken katsu. Warm, satisfying, and full of flavor, Japanese curry rice is a true crowd-pleaser that will warm both your heart and stomach.
4. Ramen
No visit to Japan would be complete without a steaming bowl of ramen. This iconic noodle dish has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. From the creamy and pork-based Tonkotsu ramen to the soy sauce-based Shoyu ramen, and the fiery and spicy Miso ramen, there’s a ramen flavor profile to suit every palate. With a medley of toppings such as tender chashu (roasted pork), marinated bamboo shoots, and a perfectly boiled egg, each ramen is a harmonious symphony of taste and texture.
Here are some of popular types of ramen in Japan.
- Tonkotsu Ramen: A rich and creamy pork-based broth, with thin noodles, topped with tender slices of chashu (roasted pork), green onions, and other optional toppings, delivering a flavorful and hearty experience.
- Shoyu Ramen: A classic soy sauce-based broth, showcasing a balanced blend of umami flavors, accompanied by curly noodles, slices of chashu, bamboo shoots, and a soft-boiled egg, resulting in a comforting and savory bowl.
- Miso Ramen: A robust and savory broth made from fermented soybean paste, featuring thick and chewy noodles, complemented by chashu, bean sprouts, corn, and other toppings, providing a satisfying and slightly sweet flavor profile.
- Shio Ramen: A delicate and clear broth seasoned with salt, offering a light and refreshing taste, combined with straight and thin noodles, and garnished with bamboo shoots, seaweed, and a variety of toppings, creating a harmonious and subtly seasoned dish.
- Tsukemen: A unique style of ramen where the noodles are served separately from the concentrated dipping broth, allowing the noodles to be dipped and coated in the intensely flavored broth, resulting in a textural delight and an explosion of flavors.
For an authentic and diverse ramen experience in Japan, consider exploring renowned franchises. You can find these ramen franchises in almost any large city in Japan.
- Ichiran Ramen: https://en.ichiran.com/ramen/
- Tenkaippin: https://www.tenkaippin.co.jp/
5. Yakitori
Trying Yakitori at an Izakaya in Japan is a must for those seeking an authentic and lively dining experience. Izakayas are traditional Japanese gastropubs known for their casual atmosphere, extensive drink selections, and delectable small plates. Yakitori, grilled skewers of succulent chicken, is a staple dish found in Izakayas across the country
Here are some of the most popular yakitoris in Japan
- Negima: Tender pieces of chicken thigh meat skewered with green onions, grilled to perfection, creating a delightful combination of juicy meat and slightly charred flavors.
- Tsukune: Flavorful chicken meatballs made from ground chicken mixed with seasonings like soy sauce and spices, offering a succulent and slightly sweet taste that is a favorite among Yakitori enthusiasts.
- Momo: Succulent chicken thigh meat skewers, grilled to perfection. Momo are known for their juicy and tender texture, making them a classic and crowd-pleasing choice.
- Tebasaki: Chicken wings marinated in a savory sauce and grilled until crispy and caramelized, providing a perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat, delivering a finger-licking experience.
- Torikawa: Crispy and flavorful chicken skin skewers, grilled to perfection, known for their delightful crunch and rich, smoky taste that satisfies both texture and flavor enthusiasts.
In conclusion, embarking on a culinary journey through Japan promises an unforgettable experience for food enthusiasts. The rich tapestry of Japanese cuisine, celebrated globally for its meticulous preparation and diverse array of dishes, unveils a world of flavors that captivates the senses. From the interactive and savory delights of Okonomiyaki and Monjayaki to the comforting and convenient allure of Donburi, each dish showcases the artistry and depth of Japanese culinary traditions.
