Food in Japan - Best Japanese Foods and Drinks to Try
Rich flavor, freshness and beautiful presentation are the perfect reasons why Japanese food is popular.
From the most famous dish, sushi to the savory warmth of ramen. Today we will explore the world of Japanese cuisine and check out the top Japanese dishes and drinks. Are you visiting Japan soon? Let’s make sure that you (your taste buds) will be so happy during your visit. Check the list below!
1. Signature Japanese Dishes
Sushi: Cold dish, containing rice, prepared with sushi vinegar, with toppings such as tuna, salmon, and avocado.
Ramen: Savory noodle soup with a variety of meats and vegetables, often topped with a boiled egg.
2. Famous Japanese Snacks
Takoyaki: Ball shaped Octopus meat, made of flour batter and served with a savory sauce and dried bonito flakes.
Okonomiyaki: Cabbage pancake, grilled, with toppings which can vary from meat, to seafood, wasabi and cheese.
3. Traditional Japanese Beverages
Sake, saké or saki: Japanese rice wine, alcoholic drink, made from fermented rice, polished to remove the bran.
Matcha: Green tea powder from highest quality tea leaves, widely used in traditional tea ceremonies and getting more popular today in modern drinks.
4. Unique Japanese Desserts
Mochi: Sticky rice cake, both sweet or savory with soft and chewy texture, the most famous flavor is red bean paste, other flavors include chocolate, strawberry and peanut.
Dorayaki: Honey pancake sandwich made from castella, with sweet red bean paste, soft and fluffy.
5. Favorite Regional Flavors
Tokyo’s Tonkatsu: Breaded, deep fried, thick slices of pork, and served with tonkatsu sauce.
Osaka’s Kushikatsu: Food on a stick, meat and vegetables covered in batter, deep fried.
Kyoto’s Kaiseki: Artful culinary tradition. Luxurious meal made up of multiple courses.
Nagoya’s Miso Katsu: Pork cutlet, crispy, with flavorful thick red miso sauce.
Now you are ready to begin exploring the best Japanese food and drinks. Go, enjoy the flavors, discover your own favorites and just feel each bite and sip.