When you’re visiting Japan, you’re likely to be tempted to try food that’s unique to the country. Ramen, Sushi, Okonomiyaki, Curry rice, and many other traditional dishes are found on the menu at every corner store, but which ones are the best? Here are a few recommendations. For the most delicious Japanese food, make sure to try them all! There’s truly something for everyone!
Sushi
The earliest records of Sushi date back to the ninth century. In that period, people started to use fish as a staple. Buddhism, which is based on abstinence from meat, also contributed to the popularity of Sushi. While it is unclear who first created this meal, the Japanese are generally credited with developing the concept of sushi as a complete dish. In the past, they would eat fermented rice that had been mixed with preserved fish, a process known as nare-zushi. In the Edo Period, sushi was further developed and was served on vinegared rice.
Ramen
While ramen is an iconic Japanese food, the culture behind it is a little more complex than that. The concept of ramen is actually about the entire dining experience, which is a combination of good taste, a great culinary experience, and meticulous attention to the ingredients. Despite this, ramen in Japan continues to attract large crowds, even without elaborate marketing campaigns. Here are some of the reasons why. A little history.
Okonomiyaki
When visiting Japan, you should definitely try okonomiyaki, the popular Japanese savory pancake. This type of pancake is made from flour and eggs and can include shredded cabbage, shrimp, bacon, or other ingredients. Okonomiyaki is also known as okonomi, which means “what you like,” or “what is cooked.”
Curry rice
A curry rice dish is a staple of the Japanese diet, and has a long history. It originally came from the Indian subcontinent, but was introduced to Japan via Europe. Although the Japanese considered curry a Western dish, the rice was quickly adapted to their own tastes and became an important staple of the Japanese diet. Today, curry rice is a popular meal served both at home and in restaurants, and the dish’s unique flavors and spices make it a staple of Japanese culture.
Miso ramen
One of the most popular types of ramen is miso. Miso is a popular Japanese soup seasoning and ramen topped with grilled pork is a traditional favorite in Japan. The broth is delicate and perfectly balanced, and is typically paired with thick, chewy noodles. A small, ramen shop in Kanazawa, Japan, serves grilled miso ramen. It is only served during the colder months of the year, though.
Onigiri
Onigiri is a popular snack in Japan. It is made from sticky rice, sushi rice, or Japanese white rice. The rice is sticky and can be eaten with chopsticks. The rice should be slightly cool before making an onigiri. Once you have the rice ready, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Some people wrap onigiri in extra layers of paper or tea towels to keep it soft. Onigiri are best eaten within 24 hours of preparation.
Udon
The word ‘udon’ in Japanese has several variations. The noodle is most commonly served chilled and can be enjoyed cold or warm. It is topped with different toppings like azuki beans or shitake mushrooms simmered in soy sauce. Other variations include eating udon with tsuyu or ingredients, as well as stir-fried udon. The price of a bowl of chilled udon is around Y200, or around USD$2.
Soba
Soba is a simple noodle with two essential ingredients: water and buckwheat flour. To ensure quality and consistency, soba noodles must be prepared from the best ingredients. In some cases, a small amount of wheat flour may be added to the noodles to improve their texture. Inaoka restaurants have relationships with suppliers that span generations. They source buckwheat flour from the village of Otoineppu on the island of Hokkaido.
Tako tamago
The famous street food of Kyoto and Osaka is Tako Tamago, a delicious combination of octopus and egg. It’s typically served on a stick and is one of Japan’s most popular street snacks. You can find tako tamago vendors at popular markets like Nishiki Market or Kuromon Ichiba Market. If you are in the mood for a delicious street food treat, you can order Tako Tamago at a stall at Nishiki Market in Kyoto, or at Osaka’s Kuromon Ichiba market.
Hatcho miso
The process for making Hatcho miso in Japan is still the same, but the technology has changed dramatically. The soybeans are steamed, and the resulting mash is mixed with a starter culture called koji. This fermented soybean mixture is then left to sit for a few days. Afterwards, dietary salt and water are added. The finished miso is then aged for a few months, ideally over two years.