Japan is a food lover’s paradise. From street food stalls to high-end restaurants, there’s no shortage of delicious options to explore. But if it’s your first time visiting, you might be wondering where to start. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of the top 10 Japanese foods you absolutely have to try when you’re in Japan. Each one offers a unique taste of the country’s culinary traditions, so get ready to eat your way through Japan!
1. Sushi: The Iconic Japanese Dish
Let’s start with the most famous of all Japanese foods: sushi. If you’ve never had sushi in Japan, you’re in for a treat. Sushi in Japan is all about freshness and simplicity. The fish is so fresh that it practically melts in your mouth, and the rice is perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of vinegar.
You can find sushi everywhere in Japan, from casual conveyor belt restaurants to high-end sushi bars. If you’re new to sushi, try starting with classic options like maguro (tuna), ebi (shrimp), or tamago (sweet egg). And don’t forget to dip it in a little soy sauce and wasabi for an extra kick!
2. Tempura: Crispy, Golden Perfection
Tempura is another must-try Japanese food that’s perfect for first-time visitors. It’s made by lightly battering seafood and vegetables and then deep-frying them to a crispy golden brown. The result is a dish that’s crispy on the outside but tender and juicy on the inside.
Shrimp tempura is a popular choice, but don’t miss out on vegetable tempura either. You’ll often find tempura served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi, which adds a delicious umami flavor to the dish.
3. Ramen: Japan’s Comfort Food
Ramen is one of those Japanese foods that you can’t leave Japan without trying. This noodle soup is a staple of Japanese cuisine and comes in many different varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile.
A typical bowl of ramen includes wheat noodles served in a savory broth, topped with ingredients like sliced beef, green onions, bamboo shoots, and a soft-boiled egg. The broth is the star of the show, and you’ll find different types depending on where you are in Japan. Shoyu (soy sauce) ramen, miso ramen, and shio (salt) ramen are all popular options.
Ramen shops are everywhere in Japan, so you won’t have any trouble finding a bowl that suits your taste.
4. Soba: Buckwheat Noodles with a Twist
Soba noodles are a traditional Japanese food made from buckwheat flour, and they’re usually served either hot in a broth or cold with a dipping sauce. Soba is a great option if you’re looking for something light and refreshing, especially during the hot summer months.
Cold soba, known as zaru soba, is served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. You simply dip the noodles into the sauce and slurp them up—yes, slurping is totally okay in Japan!
Hot soba, on the other hand, is served in a steaming bowl of broth, often topped with green onions, a tempura shrimp, or a slice of beef. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that showcases the natural flavors of the ingredients.
5. Yakitori: Grilled Skewers of Goodness
Yakitori is a type of Japanese food that’s all about simplicity. It’s made by skewering pieces of chicken, beef, or vegetables, and grilling them over an open flame. The skewers are usually seasoned with salt or a sweet soy-based sauce called tare, which gives them a deliciously savory flavor.
Yakitori is often enjoyed at izakayas (Japanese pubs), where you can order a variety of skewers to share with friends. Some popular options include negima (chicken with green onion), tsukune (chicken meatballs), and shiitake mushrooms.
Yakitori is a great way to experience Japanese food culture in a casual, relaxed setting.
6. Unagi: The Delicacy of Grilled Eel
Unagi, or grilled eel, is a delicacy in Japan and a must-try for anyone interested in Japanese foods. The eel is typically grilled over charcoal and brushed with a sweet soy sauce glaze, which gives it a rich, smoky flavor.
Unagi is often served over a bed of steamed rice in a dish called unadon or unaju. The combination of the tender, flavorful eel and the fluffy rice is absolutely mouthwatering. Unagi is especially popular in the summer, as it’s believed to provide stamina and energy during the hot months.
7. Matcha: The Flavor of Japanese Green Tea
No trip to Japan is complete without trying matcha, a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. Matcha has a unique, slightly bitter taste that’s both refreshing and invigorating.
You can enjoy matcha in many forms, from traditional tea ceremonies to modern desserts. Matcha-flavored sweets like mochi, ice cream, and cakes are incredibly popular and offer a perfect introduction to this quintessentially Japanese flavor.
For the full experience, try attending a traditional tea ceremony, where you’ll learn about the art of making and drinking matcha.
8. Onigiri: The Humble Rice Ball
Onigiri, or rice balls, are a staple of Japanese foods that are simple but incredibly satisfying. These handheld snacks are made from rice that’s shaped into a triangle or oval, often with a filling inside, and wrapped in a sheet of nori (seaweed).
Common fillings for onigiri include salmon, pickled plum (umeboshi), and salted cod roe. You can find onigiri at convenience stores all over Japan, making them a perfect on-the-go snack.
Onigiri might seem basic, but they’re a great way to experience the simplicity and flavor that’s at the heart of Japanese food.
9. Takoyaki: A Taste of Osaka
Takoyaki, or octopus balls, are a popular street food that originated in Osaka but can now be found all over Japan. These bite-sized balls are made from a batter filled with chunks of octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onions. They’re cooked in a special takoyaki pan, giving them a crispy exterior and a soft, gooey interior.
Takoyaki is usually topped with a sweet and savory sauce, mayonnaise, and a sprinkle of bonito flakes. It’s a fun and tasty snack that’s perfect for sharing with friends as you explore the streets of Japan.
10. Miso Soup: The Classic Comfort Food
Miso soup is a traditional Japanese food that’s served with almost every meal in Japan. This simple soup is made from dashi (a type of broth) mixed with miso paste, which gives it a savory, slightly tangy flavor.
Miso soup is often garnished with ingredients like tofu, seaweed, and green onions. It’s a comforting dish that’s both nourishing and delicious.
While miso soup might not be the most exciting dish on this list, it’s a staple of Japanese cuisine that you have to try at least once. Plus, it pairs perfectly with just about any other Japanese food you’ll encounter on your trip.
Conclusion: Dive into Japanese Foods
Japan’s culinary scene is rich, diverse, and full of surprises. From the iconic sushi to the comforting miso soup, there’s a wide range of Japanese foods to discover. Whether you’re eating at a fancy restaurant or grabbing a quick bite at a street food stall, these dishes offer a delicious introduction to Japan’s incredible food culture.
So, the next time you find yourself in Japan, make sure to try these top 10 Japanese foods. Each one is a must-try that will give you a deeper appreciation for the flavors and traditions of this amazing country. Happy eating!