Famous Foods in Japan

food japan

While in Japan, don’t forget to try their flame-grilled foods, such as yakimono. This famous street is located in Shinjuku and is famous for its grilled chicken hearts and pig penis. The Japanese also consider their beef to be some of the best in the world, and you must try Kobe beef. This steak is known to be tender and flavorful. It is also the most expensive cut of beef in the world.

Tempura

Tempura in Japan is an iconic Japanese dish. It is a type of fried batter that is used to coat vegetables, seafood, and other food items. Tempura originated with Portuguese Catholic missionaries, who brought the technique to Japan. It was adapted to the tastes of Japanese people and became a fast food staple in Tokyo in the late nineteenth century. Tempura in Japan is made with vegetables, shellfish, and fish.

Ramen

The first ramen shops in Japan were established after the government lifted restrictions on certain foods. It was an easy business to start because it only required basic equipment, such as a soup base, hot water, and toppings. The popularity of ramen grew after the war, but it retained its low-brow reputation. The humble beginnings of ramen were closely tied to Japan’s political history. In 1928, the Shina Soba Producers’ Trade Union was founded in greater Tokyo. It represents the political power of the working class in Japan.

Onigiri

Onigiri, also known as omusubi and nigirimeshi, are rolled rice balls, usually made from white rice. They are commonly wrapped in nori. These bite-sized bites are a popular Japanese snack. Unlike their American counterparts, onigiri is served as a side dish. A popular Japanese street food, onigiri is also enjoyed by visitors outside of Japan.

Doteni

Doteni is a specialty dish of Nagoya. It is a Japanese dish made from beef tendon and intestines, topped with daikon radish and a miso sauce. This dish is served at izakayas and is highly addictive. This dish pairs well with Japanese beer or sake and is a must-try for lovers of sweet and exotic meat dishes.

Yakitori

The history of yakitori in Japan is fascinating. It all started with the introduction of chicken as livestock at the end of the Neolithic period. Later, the Heian period banned the eating of chicken and replaced it with wild birds. This led to the rise of yakitori stalls. During this time, yakitori shops began to sprout across Japan and chicken meat, entrails, and pork and beef skewers became available for purchase.

Udon

There are several different types of udon in Japan. In Aichi Prefecture, you can find Miso-nikomi udon. This dish features elastic noodles and a soup broth seasoned with Aka-miso. In Ise City, you can find Ise udon. This dish is a traditional food in the city. This is a thick type of udon steamed in a rich dipping broth.

Matcha

Adding matcha to ice cream is a popular way to incorporate this flavor into everyday meals. The sweet, green tea flavour adds a delicate sweetness to ice cream. Many cafes and restaurants offer matcha ice cream with additional toppings like red bean or azuki, a Japanese rice cake. Other ways to enjoy matcha include drinking it on its own or adding it to savory dishes like sushi.