If you’re thinking of visiting Japan, there’s no better time to try its cuisine than now. Tempura, which are deep-fried discs of batter and vegetables, is a popular street food, and Oden, a type of hotpot that is usually filled with proteins and vegetables. But what else should you try? Keep reading to discover more about some of the most popular foods in Japan. And don’t miss the onigiri, which are tiny balls of rice.
Imagawayaki are pancake-like desserts
Imagawayaki are Japanese pancake-like desserts, and have been around for quite a while. They are traditionally filled with adzuki bean paste, but you can also find these topped with jam, curries, or custard. They are best served warm, as the crispiness and flavor fades quickly when cold. Imagawayaki are also available frozen in many Japanese grocery stores, but are best served hot.
In a failed attempt to popularize imagawayaki, the seller decided to make them in the shape of a red seabream, or tai, a fish-like symbol. Tai fish in Japanese means “happy”, and taiyaki, which resembles an actual fish, quickly caught on. This new version of imagawayaki has since become one of Japan’s most popular desserts, and can be found in many popular Japanese restaurants.
Tempura is a popular street food in Japan
Tempura is a type of deep-fried batter, and the process of frying it depends on the type of oil used. Traditional batter consists of flour, water, and egg yolks; modern varieties may also include baking soda, cornstarch, or potato starch. Tempura batter can be flavored with anything from herbs or vegetables to uni wrapped in shiso leaf.
Tempura has been popular in Japan since at least the sixteenth century, when Portuguese sailors arrived on the island of Tanegashima in the eastern part of the country. Portuguese sailors soon started trading goods with the local people and exchanging their lifestyle. In time, the exchange of food continued to increase. In 1543, a group of Portuguese sailors landed on Tanegashima Island, a part of the Osumi Islands.
Oden is a type of hotpot with vegetables and proteins
You can buy pre-packaged oden soup and cook it in the microwave or stovetop to make a delicious meal. Your Japanese partner, however, will prefer to prepare the oden from scratch. To cook the dashi, you should buy the necessary ingredients and boil them for about 10 minutes. In addition, you can also buy meat in the form of pork ribs, chicken wings, or chicken breasts.
Oden is a traditional winter dish in Japan. Served in a donabe (Japanese earthenware pot) with karashi mustard, oden is a dish that is filled with protein and vegetables. The oden ingredients are similar to those used in other types of hot pot dishes, including Sukiyaki, Negima Nabe, and Shabu-Shabu.