Japanese cuisine is famous around the world, and people love Japanese food for its authenticity and taste. Whether you visit Japan or not, it’s worth trying a few choices from the Japanese cuisine. In this post, we’ve discussed the top 10 Japanese foods you should try at least once in your lifetime.
Sushi
In simple terms, sushi is raw fish served with rice seasoned with vinegar. It’s available in a wide range of textures and flavours, such as plump, creamy and tangy. With a lot of options, things always remain interesting. Despite the lofty image, sushi is still considered to be street food in Japan.
Ramen
Ramel egg noodles are extremely popular in a salty broth. In fact, they are considered to be the most popular night meal in Japan. Ramen is also an excellent choice for an imported dish. This dish was imported from China, and the Japanese successfully made it their own.
Most people enjoy this dish in four different soup styles, including tonkotsu, miso, salt and soy sauce. Fukuoka is quite popular for its rich and diverse tonkotsu ramen. On the other hand, pungent miso ramen noodles are a specialty of Hokkaido.
Unagi
Unagi is a very popular dish, which includes a river eel grilled with charcoal and sweet barbecue sauce. As per legend, Unagi is the perfect antidote to humidity and heat of Japan’s summer season. It’s a popular delicacy of old Japan. Most restaurants in the country specialize in eel, and offer excellent choices. Wild-caught, fresh Unagi is easily available in most restaurants from May to October.
Tempura
Fluffy and light tempura is considered to be Japan’s most famous contribution to a long list of fried foods. People believe that this dish likely originated from Portuguese traders. Batter-coated vegetables and seafood are fried traditionally in sesame oil. They are served with either a dish of soy sauce or pool of salt with grated radish for dipping. You shouldn’t miss tempura prawns.
Kaiseki
Considered to be an important part of Japan’s haute cuisine, Kaiseki is an excellent choice when you’re looking for authentic Japanese foods. The dish originated centuries ago. It doesn’t come with a menu, and there’s just a procession of some small courses properly arranged with crockery. Every dish is designed to support the current season and only fresh ingredients are used.
Soba
Soba are thin, long buckwheat noodles. For a very long time, they have been a part of the Japanese cuisine. It’s extremely popular in the mountain regions, where buckwheat is considered to be much better than rice. Noodles are served either at room temperature with side dipping or in hot soy-sauce flavored broth.
Shabu-Shabu
This is the Japanese variation for thin slices of pork or beef being swished around with long chopsticks in broth. It’s one of the most popular dishes in Japanese cuisine. It comes with a wide range of marbled meat choices. In order to cook this dish, chef don’t have to make a lot of efforts or spend a lot of time. The dish can be cooked within minutes.
Okonomiyaki
The English translation of the term is ��grilled as you like’. This dish is considered to be comfort food among the Japanese. It’s a violation of the presumed refined image of authentic Japanese food. It’s available in the form of a savoury pancake filled with a wide range of things, especially pork and cabbage. The dish is topped with dried seaweed, mayonnaise and Worcester-style sauce. This dish is a lot of fun. In most restaurants, diners grill this dish themselves in a hot plate, which is built into the table.
Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu dates back to the late 19th century. It’s deep fried and breaded pork cutlet. According to culinary experts, Western influence can be clearly noted in the preparation and taste of this dish. However, the attention to detail and ingredients are thoroughly Japanese. Tonkatsu tends to melt in your mouth and served with a miso soup side and mountain of shredded cabbage.
Yakitori
A few skewers and a cold beer of yakitori is considered to be an evening ritual for a lot of Japanese people. Basically, this dish is charcoal grilled chicken. Almost every part of this chicken is on the menu and grilled to perfection. It’s seasoned with either sweet soy sauce or salt. It’s served with a side of banter.
When you’re looking to try Japanese cuisine, these foods will be your best choice. They will not only satisfy your craving for good food, but also provide you with essential nutrients. These dishes are perfect for every food lover.
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