Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re reading this, you probably have a soft spot for Japanese cuisine. I mean, who doesn’t? From sushi to ramen, Japan has gifted the world with some seriously delicious dishes. But if you’re planning a trip to Japan or just want to explore Japanese food a bit more deeply, you might be wondering, “What are the must-try Japanese dishes?” Well, buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a mouthwatering journey through the top 10 must-try Japanese dishes. Grab your chopsticks and let’s dive in!
1. Sushi
Sushi - Image Source: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/01/12/00/16/sushi-596930_960_720.jpg
Let’s start with the obvious superstar: sushi. Sushi is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Japanese food, and for good reason. It’s not just food; it’s an art form. You’ve got nigiri (those little rice-and-fish morsels), sashimi (just the fish, no rice), maki rolls (fish, veggies, and rice all wrapped in seaweed), and so many more varieties. The best part? It’s super fresh.
If you’re in Japan, you have to visit a sushi bar where the chefs prepare the sushi right in front of you. It’s an experience. And don’t just stick to tuna or salmon; try something adventurous like uni (sea urchin) or toro (fatty tuna). Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
2. Ramen
Ramen - Image Source: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2022/05/10/18/50/ramen-7187809_960_720.jpg
Next up, ramen. This isn’t your college dorm room instant noodles. Oh no, real ramen is a steaming bowl of heaven. There are several types of ramen, but the most common are shoyu (soy sauce-based), miso (soybean paste-based), shio (salt-based), and tonkotsu (pork bone broth). Each type has its own unique flavor profile and loyal fanbase.
One of the best things about ramen is the toppings. Think sliced pork, green onions, soft-boiled eggs, bamboo shoots, and sometimes even corn. Slurping your noodles is totally acceptable (and encouraged) because it’s believed to enhance the flavor. So go ahead, make some noise!
3. Tempura
Shrimp Tempura - Image Source: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2019/12/01/15/08/shrimp-tempura-4665687_960_720.jpg
Tempura is the Japanese answer to fried food, and it’s absolutely delightful. Vegetables, seafood, and sometimes even sweet potatoes are battered and deep-fried until they’re golden and crispy. It’s usually served with a dipping sauce called tentsuyu, which is a mix of dashi (a type of Japanese stock), soy sauce, and mirin (a sweet rice wine).
The key to good tempura is the batter. It’s light and airy, not heavy like some other fried foods. When done right, it’s a perfect balance of crunchy and tender. Make sure to try shrimp tempura and some veggie varieties like bell peppers and eggplant.
4. Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki - Image Source: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2022/07/10/10/11/okonomiyaki-7312548_960_720.jpg
Okonomiyaki is often referred to as Japanese pizza, but honestly, it’s in a league of its own. It’s a savory pancake filled with ingredients like cabbage, pork, shrimp, and sometimes cheese. The name “okonomiyaki” actually means “grill what you like,” so you can customize it with whatever ingredients you fancy.
What makes okonomiyaki special is the toppings. It’s usually slathered with a tangy sauce similar to Worcestershire, drizzled with Japanese mayonnaise, and sprinkled with bonito flakes (dried fish flakes) and aonori (seaweed powder). The result is a savory, umami-packed delight that you just can’t stop eating.
5. Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It’s usually served with shredded cabbage and a thick, tangy sauce. You can find tonkatsu in many Japanese restaurants, but for the best experience, visit a specialty tonkatsu restaurant.
There are variations of tonkatsu, like katsudon (tonkatsu served over rice with egg and onion) and miso katsu (tonkatsu with a miso-based sauce). No matter which version you try, it’s a comfort food that’ll make you feel right at home.
6. Yakitori
Yakitori - Image Source: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/11/05/04/36/grilled-chicken-3795433_960_720.jpg
Yakitori is Japanese skewered chicken, grilled to perfection over a charcoal fire. Each part of the chicken is used, from the breast to the thigh, and even the skin and liver. The skewers are usually seasoned with salt or a sweet soy sauce glaze called tare.
What makes yakitori fun is the variety. You can order different parts of the chicken and even some non-chicken items like shishito peppers or mushrooms. It’s a popular street food, so if you’re in Japan, be sure to grab a few skewers from a local stall or izakaya (Japanese pub).
7. Udon
Udon - Image Source: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2019/03/19/10/12/udon-noodles-4065311_960_720.jpg
Udon noodles are thick, chewy, and incredibly satisfying. They can be served hot in a broth or cold with a dipping sauce. The broth can vary from a light soy-based one to a rich, curry-flavored one.
One of the most popular udon dishes is kitsune udon, which comes with a piece of sweet, fried tofu on top. Another favorite is tempura udon, which features a couple of pieces of tempura alongside the noodles. The combination of the chewy noodles and the flavorful broth is pure comfort in a bowl.
8. Sashimi
Sashimi - Image Source: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/08/28/11/28/salmon-times-3637245_960_720.jpg
Sashimi is raw fish sliced into thin pieces and served without rice. It’s incredibly fresh and allows you to fully appreciate the natural flavors of the fish. Common types of sashimi include tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and octopus.
Sashimi is often served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. The key to enjoying sashimi is to savor each piece slowly, letting the flavors unfold in your mouth. It’s a true delicacy that highlights the beauty of simplicity in Japanese cuisine.
9. Takoyaki
Takoyaki - Image Source: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2019/07/14/08/07/eat-4336401_960_720.jpg
Takoyaki are little balls of batter filled with pieces of octopus, pickled ginger, and green onions. They’re cooked in special molds that give them their round shape and are typically topped with takoyaki sauce (similar to Worcestershire), Japanese mayo, bonito flakes, and aonori.
These bite-sized treats are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a deliciously savory filling. They’re a popular street food, especially at festivals, so if you get the chance, grab a tray and enjoy!
10. Miso Soup
Miso Soup - Image Source: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/05/02/01/04/miso-soup-749368_960_720.jpg
Last but certainly not least, we have miso soup. This staple of Japanese cuisine is made from a base of dashi (a broth made from seaweed and bonito flakes) mixed with miso paste. It’s often served with tofu, seaweed, and green onions.
Miso soup is simple, comforting, and packed with umami flavor. It’s usually enjoyed as a side dish with meals, but it’s so delicious that you might find yourself sipping it on its own.
Bonus Round: More Japanese Delicacies
Now, if you’re still hungry for more, here are a few additional Japanese dishes that are worth trying:
Shabu-Shabu: A Japanese hot pot dish where you cook thin slices of meat and vegetables in a boiling broth.
Nabe: Another type of hot pot, typically enjoyed in the winter, featuring a variety of ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables.
Unagi: Grilled eel, often served over rice and glazed with a sweet and savory sauce.
Chawanmushi: A savory egg custard dish that’s delicate and flavorful, often containing ingredients like shrimp, chicken, and mushrooms.
Mochi: Chewy rice cakes that come in various flavors and fillings, often enjoyed as a sweet treat.
Wrapping It Up
Japanese cuisine is incredibly diverse and offers something for every palate. Whether you’re a fan of fresh seafood, savory meats, or hearty noodles, there’s a Japanese dish out there that will make your taste buds sing. So next time you’re in a Japanese restaurant or visiting Japan, be sure to try some (or all!) of these dishes.
And remember, eating is not just about filling your stomach; it’s about experiencing new flavors and cultures. So take your time, savor each bite, and enjoy the journey. Happy eating, food lovers!