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- Who Doesn't Love Japanese Food? These Are Dishes You Have To Taste!
Summary
- Love Japanese food? Try Okonomiyaki, a customizable savory pancake made with various ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables. It's a beloved dish in Japan and can be found worldwide.
- Don't miss out on Takoyaki, golden-brown dumplings filled with tender octopus pieces. This popular street food from Osaka is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Enjoy it nationwide in Japan.
- Experience the unique flavors of Tonkatsu, a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet served with tangy tonkatsu sauce. This comforting dish is a staple in Japanese cuisine and has variations in other cultures.
Traveling to Japan is no small feat, but the good news is this: Many of the delicacies travelers would try overseas can be found right at home or made with a little time and patience. Although there are different types of sushi, Japanese cuisine has much more to offer.
Regardless of how one gets their Japanese food fix, some dishes deserve a spot at the dinner table.
No true love for Japan is complete without trying the foods that this cuisine is known for, and while Japanese food has a vast array of flavors and meals to choose from, no one should be without these staples. So whether someone is planning a trip for the future or just looking to celebrate Japan's award-winning cuisine, here are some good places to start.
UPDATE: 2023/11/06 17:21 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA
Who Doesn't Love Japanese Food? These Are Dishes You Have To Taste!
Japanese food is one of the world's tastier cuisines, and there are essential dishes one should try. Due to its vast number of dishes, this list has been updated to bring more Japanese dishes everyone should try.
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that translates to "grilled as you like it." It's made from a batter of flour, grated yam, shredded cabbage, and various ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables.
It is cooked on a grill and topped with savory sauce, mayonnaise, seaweed, and bonito flakes. Okonomiyaki is a beloved dish in Japan, especially in the Kansai region, where it originated (Osaka and Hiroshima styles are famous). However, it's enjoyed nationwide, with specialized restaurants and street vendors offering unique takes on this flavorful and customizable delicacy.
It can be found in many Japanese restaurants worldwide. Of course, New York City has plenty of restaurants serving the dish, including Dokodemo and Kintsugi Omakase.
Takoyaki
When visiting Japan for the first time, one must try its array of street foods. And when it comes to street food, there is no better place to be than Osaka, the country's street food capital and some dishes became popular overseas, such as Takoyaki, created in Osaka. These are spherical, golden-brown dumplings made from a batter of wheat flour filled with tender pieces of octopus, pickled ginger, and green onions. Cooked in a special takoyaki pan, they're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Takoyaki is immensely popular in Japan, especially in the Kansai region where it originated. However, it's enjoyed nationwide, with dedicated stalls and vendors found in many cities. Its delicious, bite-sized nature and distinctive octopus filling make it a cherished snack in Japanese cuisine.
- Places to try it in Japan: Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru, Aiduya, Takoyaki Douraku Wanaka
Yuba
Yuba, a delicacy in Japanese cuisine, is a nutrient-rich byproduct of tofu production. It forms on the surface of heated soy milk and is harvested, resulting in delicate, creamy sheets with a slightly nutty flavor. It is highly versatile and can be used in various dishes, from salads to stews.
Yuba is cherished for its high protein content and unique texture. While more commonly enjoyed in Japan and parts of Asia, its popularity is growing worldwide, particularly among those seeking plant-based and protein-rich alternatives.
Its subtle taste and health benefits make it an intriguing ingredient for culinary enthusiasts.
Tonkatsu
Minseong Kim, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish consisting of a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, and this hearty and satisfying dish is a favorite comfort food for many in Japan. The pork is typically tenderized, coated with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then fried until golden and crispy. It's often served with shredded cabbage and a tangy tonkatsu sauce.
The dish enjoys widespread popularity in Japan and is a staple in Japanese cuisine. While it's enjoyed throughout the country, it has solid roots in Tokyo, where various specialized tonkatsu restaurants can be found.
Other cultures have created their version of Tonkatsu. In France, for example, the dish originated the côtelette de veau.
Unagi
Wei-Te Wong from Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Going into Asian food with an open mind is the best possible thing to do because it is quite unlike anything else in the world. The seafood is unbelievably fresh and prepared in ways that make it shine, and even the cooking methods are a work of art.
Unagi, for example, is grilled eel - a type of seafood that's common throughout Japan. This dish can be found often in high-end restaurants and is considered a delicacy, but it's so delicious.
This fish is more popular during summer months because it's also believed to aid in digestion.
Onigiri
Many who are familiar with Japanese anime and video games will have likely heard of this one. Onigiri is basically a rice ball, similar to how Italy has arancini.
However, Japan has quite a different take on these rice balls, as they're usually flavored with a savory filling salmon, pickled plum, and even kelp.
These foods are eaten as snacks and can be found just about everywhere, from convenience stores to supermarkets, all in a wide assortment of flavors.
Sukiyaki
For a heartier meal, sukiyaki is to Japan what beef stew would be to the US. This dish also dates back to the 19th century, giving it some historical significance as well as cultural.
Various slices of beef, mushrooms, tofu, tomatoes, and green onions are commonly found in this flavorful sukiyaki sauce. Since it's usually the job of the diners to grill their own meat and veggies, another option is to dip the freshly grilled ingredients into a beaten egg.
There are two different types of Sukiyaki. While in the Kanto style, they heat the sauce before adding ingredients, in the Kansai style, the Sukiyaki is served in stages and adds soy and sugar.
Oden
pelican from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Oden basically means ingredients simmered in some type of broth. Perhaps one of the oldest meals on this list, Oden, has been eaten for centuries, with the earliest known date being around 1336.
There's a long list of things that can be dipped in this delicious broth with dashi flavors, including mild veggies, tofu, and even fish.
Oden can also be found in convenience stores but is widely popular during the winter months, as its another dish that will warm foodies from the inside out.
Miso Soup
Ocdp, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Most have heard of miso soup, but not many realize the health benefits behind the soup that's so popular at Japanese restaurants around the world. In Japan, travelers will find that this soup is sipped daily with breakfast and is a key part of starting the morning.
It's almost like a Japanese version of chicken noodle soup in the sense that the latter is also believed to have beneficial health properties.
Miso soup also ranges in style and flavor and will be seen in low-key, casual restaurants as well as in high-end dining establishments.