Japanese Basic Popular Food 

Welcome to Japanese Cuisine

As autumn arrives, it brings along a delightful season of food. And there’s no better place to experience these flavours than in Japan. Get ready for a culinary adventure as we explore the diverse and mouthwatering dishes that make Japanese cuisine a favourite among foreigners.

From the artistry of sushi to the comforting warmth of sukiyaki, and the sizzling delights of yakitori and tempura, Japan offers a truly unique gastronomic experience. So, let your taste buds rejoice and join us in discovering the delicious wonders of Japanese cuisine.

Sushi すし

Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish that consists of vinegared rice combined with various ingredients such as raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, and sometimes tropical fruits. It is often served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. Sushi is known for its delicate flavors, beautiful presentation, and the skill required to prepare it. There are different types of sushi, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi with a slice of fish on top of rice), maki (sushi rolls wrapped in seaweed), and sashimi (sliced raw fish served without rice). Sushi has become popular worldwide and is enjoyed both in casual settings and high-end restaurants.

Tempura 天ぷら

Tempura is a popular Japanese dish consisting of deep-fried seafood or vegetables. The ingredients are coated in a light, crispy batter and fried until golden. Tempura is typically served with a dipping sauce called tentsuyu, which adds a savory flavor to the dish. It is enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish in Japanese cuisine.

Sukiyaki すき焼き

Sukiyaki is a hot pot dish that is often enjoyed during the colder months in Japan. It consists of thinly sliced beef, tofu, various vegetables, and noodles, all cooked together in a sweet and savory broth. Sukiyaki is typically served with a raw egg for dipping the cooked ingredients and adding richness to the flavors. It is a comforting and hearty dish that is often shared among family or friends.

Yakitori 焼き鳥

Yakitori is a popular Japanese street food and bar snack that consists of skewered and grilled chicken. The chicken pieces are typically seasoned with a salty and slightly sweet sauce called tare while grilling, giving them a flavorful and smoky taste. Yakitori can be made with various cuts of chicken, including thigh, breast, or even chicken meatballs. It is often enjoyed as a finger food or paired with a cold beer.

Misoshiru みそ汁

Misoshiru, or miso soup, is a staple of Japanese cuisine. It is a simple and comforting soup made with dashi (a Japanese soup stock) and miso paste. Additional ingredients such as tofu, seaweed, and green onions are often added to enhance the flavour and texture of the soup. Misoshiru is typically served as a side dish with meals in Japan and is known for its umami-rich taste.

Sashimi 刺身

Sashimi is a Japanese delicacy that consists of thinly sliced raw seafood, typically fish, that is served without rice. It showcases the freshness and quality of the seafood, which is often carefully selected and sliced by skilled chefs. Sashimi is served with soy sauce and wasabi for dipping, and it is enjoyed for its clean and delicate flavours. Popular types of sashimi include tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and octopus.

Okonomiyaki お好み焼き

Okonomiyaki is a savoury pancake-like dish that originated in Japan. The name “okonomiyaki” translates to “grilled as you like it,” as it allows for customization of ingredients. The batter is made with flour, grated yam, water, and shredded cabbage, and it is cooked on a griddle along with additional toppings such as pork belly, seafood, vegetables, and a variety of sauces. Okonomiyaki is often enjoyed at specialized restaurants where customers can cook their own on communal griddles.

Karaage 唐揚げ

Karaage refers to Japanese-style fried chicken that is marinated in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other seasonings before being coated in flour or potato starch and deep-fried until crispy. The result is juicy and flavorful chicken with a crunchy exterior. Karaage is often served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a bento box. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of mayonnaise or citrusy ponzu sauce for dipping.

Tofu 豆腐

Tofu is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that is widely used in Japanese cuisine. It is made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the resulting curds into blocks. Tofu has a delicate and mild flavor, making it adaptable to various cooking methods and flavours. It can be enjoyed in soups, stir-fries, stews, or even as a dessert. Tofu is a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans due to its high protein content and ability to absorb flavours.

Soba and Udon そば・うどん

Soba and udon are two types of Japanese noodles that are commonly enjoyed in different dishes. Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour and have a slightly nutty flavor. They are often served chilled with a dipping sauce or in a hot broth. Udon noodles, on the other hand, are thick wheat noodles with a chewy texture. They are typically served in a hot broth with various toppings such as tempura, green onions, or kamaboko (fish cake). Both soba and udon are popular and comforting noodle options in Japanese cuisine.

Shabu Shabu しゃぶしゃぶ

Shabu shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish that involves cooking thinly sliced beef, vegetables, and noodles in a flavorful broth. The name “shabu shabu” comes from the sound the ingredients make when swished in the hot broth. The beef and vegetables are dipped into a ponzu or sesame-based sauce after cooking to enhance their flavours. Shabu shabu is often enjoyed as a communal meal, where diners cook their own ingredients at the table.

Takoyaki たこ焼き

Takoyaki is a popular street food in Japan that originated in Osaka. It is a ball-shaped snack made from a batter of wheat flour, dashi, and eggs, filled with diced octopus, green onions, and pickled ginger. Takoyaki is cooked in special takoyaki pans, which have half-spherical moulds. Once cooked, they are typically topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. Takoyaki is enjoyed for its crispy exterior, soft interior, and savoury fillings.

Even though I care about my weight and health, I eat. And I run to burn the fat.