The Best Food To Get In Japan

Discovering Japan’s Culinary Treasures

Japan is known for its unique and diverse cuisine, with a rich history that dates back centuries. From its famous sushi and ramen to its savory meats and seafood dishes, Japanese cuisine has something to offer for everyone. With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to decide what to try first.

Whether you’re a foodie looking to taste new flavors or a traveler looking to experience Japanese culture, this guide will help you navigate the best food to get in Japan. Here are the top culinary treasures you don’t want to miss out on:

🍱 Sushi

When people think of Japanese food, sushi is usually the first dish that comes to mind. This traditional dish consists of vinegar rice, fresh raw fish, and other ingredients, such as avocado, cucumber, or crabmeat, wrapped in seaweed. Sushi is not only delicious but also a work of art, with skilled chefs carefully preparing each piece. You can find sushi restaurants all over Japan, ranging from affordable conveyor belt sushi places to high-end sushi bars.

🍜 Ramen

Another popular Japanese dish is ramen, a noodle soup that varies in flavor and style depending on the region. Typically, ramen consists of wheat-based noodles in a meat or fish-based broth, topped with sliced pork, egg, and various vegetables. Whether you prefer a rich and hearty bowl of tonkotsu ramen or a lighter shoyu ramen, Japan has a variety of ramen shops to choose from.

🍗 Yakitori

If you’re a fan of grilled meat, then you must try yakitori, skewered chicken that’s grilled over charcoal. Yakitori is a popular street food in Japan, and you can find it at small food stands or izakayas, Japanese-style pubs. With a variety of cuts and flavors to choose from, yakitori is perfect for those who want to try something new and delicious.

🍤 Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake that’s made with flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and other ingredients such as meat or seafood. The name literally means grilled as you like it, as you can customize the toppings to your liking. Okonomiyaki is a popular dish in Osaka, where it originated, and you can find it at local restaurants or street food stalls.

🏠 Tempura

Tempura is a dish made of battered and fried seafood or vegetables. The batter is made with flour, water, and sometimes eggs and is fried to a golden brown. Tempura is a popular dish in Japan, and you can find it at upscale tempura restaurants or casual izakayas. The dish is usually served with a light dipping sauce and grated daikon, a type of radish.

🍣 Takoyaki

Takoyaki is a popular street food that originated in Osaka and is made of small balls of batter filled with octopus, green onions, and tempura bits. They are typically served hot and topped with a sweet and savory sauce, mayonnaise, and green onion. You can find takoyaki stands all over Japan, and they’re perfect for a quick and delicious snack.

🍟 Kaiseki

Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multicourse dinner that consists of small, artfully arranged dishes. The dishes are typically made with seasonal ingredients and are meant to be savored and appreciated. Kaiseki meals are usually served at high-end restaurants and are an excellent way to experience the beauty and elegance of Japanese cuisine.

🍣 Shabu-Shabu

Shabu-Shabu is a popular Japanese hot pot dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Thinly sliced meat and vegetables are cooked in a flavorful broth and dipped in a variety of sauces. Shabu-Shabu is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal, and you can find it at specialized restaurants or izakayas.

🍲 Wagyu Beef

Wagyu beef is a premium type of beef that’s known for its marbling and tenderness. It’s a delicacy in Japan and is often served in high-end restaurants. If you’re a meat lover, you must try wagyu beef at least once during your trip to Japan. The beef is usually grilled or served as shabu-shabu and is a true culinary delight.

🍥 Matcha Desserts

If you have a sweet tooth, you must try Japanese matcha desserts. Matcha is a type of green tea that’s finely ground into a powder and is used to flavor various sweets and desserts. You can find matcha ice cream, cakes, and even Kit Kats in Japan. Matcha desserts are not only delicious but also beautiful, with their vibrant green color and delicate flavors.

🍞 Soba

Soba is a type of noodle made from buckwheat flour and is often served cold with a dipping sauce or hot in a soup. Soba is a staple food in Japan and is consumed all year round. You can find soba restaurants all over Japan, from casual eateries to high-end restaurants.

🍛 Sake

Last but not least, no Japanese food experience is complete without trying sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine. Sake is made by fermenting rice and is served in small cups. There are many different types of sake with varying flavors and levels of sweetness. You can find sake at restaurants, izakayas, and specialized sake bars.

FAQs About Japanese Food

💬 What is the typical Japanese meal?

A typical Japanese meal consists of rice, miso soup, and a main dish such as grilled fish or meat, tempura, or sushi. Vegetables and pickles are also often served as side dishes.

💬 Is it rude to leave food on your plate in Japan?

No, it is not rude to leave a small amount of food on your plate in Japan. However, it is considered polite to finish your food, especially if you’re a guest in someone’s home.

💬 What is the difference between sushi and sashimi?

Sushi is a dish that consists of vinegar rice, raw fish, and other ingredients, while sashimi is just thinly sliced raw fish that’s often served as a side dish.

💬 What is the most expensive sushi in Japan?

The most expensive sushi in Japan is typically found at high-end sushi restaurants and can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The price is usually determined by the quality and rarity of the ingredients used.

💬 What is the difference between ramen and udon?

Ramen is a noodle soup made with wheat-based noodles, while udon is a thick, chewy noodle made from wheat flour. Udon is often served in a hot broth or cold with a dipping sauce.

💬 What is yakiniku?

Yakiniku is a Japanese-style barbecue, where diners grill their own meat at the table. The meat is usually served with sauces and garnishes and is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal.

💬 What is the difference between shabu-shabu and sukiyaki?

Shabu-shabu is a hot pot dish where thinly sliced meat and vegetables are cooked in a broth and dipped in sauces, while sukiyaki is a dish where thinly sliced beef is cooked with vegetables in a sweet and savory broth.

💬 What is the best way to eat sushi?

The best way to eat sushi is with your fingers, not chopsticks. Dip the sushi in soy sauce, fish-side down, and eat it in one bite.

💬 What is tonkatsu?

Tonkatsu is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet that’s often served with rice and cabbage. It’s a popular Japanese dish that’s enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

💬 What is the difference between miso soup and clear soup?

Miso soup is a soup made with miso paste, while