Top Japanese Dishes to Try in Japan

Japanese dishes have captivated taste buds around the world. From exquisite sushi to warm and comforting ramen, traditional Japanese food offers diverse flavors and textures that appeal to all palates.

Did you know that in 2013, UNESCO added Japanese cuisine to the Intangible Cultural Heritage List, recognizing its cultural significance? This recognition highlights that this culinary tradition has been passed down through generations. Moreover, as of 2023, Japan has the second-most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, right after France. That's a lot of delicious food!

Whether you're a food connoisseur or simply enjoy eating, you will find a variety of Japanese dishes to satiate your appetite in Japan.

Tempura

For tourists from other countries, tempura is like a magnet that draws them in and makes them want to order it immediately. It is similar to crispy fried foods from KFC but features seafood and vegetables covered in a thin, golden-brown batter and deep-fried.

Eel Dishes

Eel, a delicacy in Japan, has been enjoyed for centuries, dating back to the Edo period. It's like the king of fish, luxurious and indulgent. Grilled eel is a favorite for many Japanese people, and if you're ever in Japan, you must try their unagi dishes like Kabayaki, Shirayaki, and Hitsumabushi.

Sushi

Authentic sushi is incomparable to Western or American counterparts. In Japan, you will be surprised to see sushi wrapped not only in seaweed but also in cucumber, egg, soy paper, and avocado. In Japan you will enjoy the stunning sushi rolls that look like art – a meal, originally sold as a cheap snack, is now a delicacy.

Sashimi

Sashimi is another Japanese favorite made of raw fish meat seasoned with soy sauce. Do not confuse it with sushi; sashimi and sushi are two distinct dishes. Sushi is made with vinegared rice, while sashimi consists of raw fish slices served on their own. Interestingly, beef, horse, and deer can also be cooked as sashimi.

Hot Pot Dishes

In the cozy comfort of our homes, we often cook soup in the kitchen and serve it on the dining table. But imagine a big pot in the middle of the table filled with a delicious (typically spicy) broth that's bubbling away. Everyone sits around the table and puts the ingredients into the pot. You can add a variety of ingredients, such as thinly sliced meat, seafood, veggies, leafy greens, exotic mushrooms, and much more.

This is the Japanese hot pot, a popular Japanese dish. Whether Shabu Shabu, Mizutaki, or Sukiyaki, it is about gathering with friends and family to savor the moment while enjoying delicious and healthy food.

Matsutake Gohan

If you plan a trip to Japan during the fall, between September and early November, get ready for a culinary delight — Matsutake Gohan. This dish is made with matsutake mushrooms, highly valued for their earthy, slightly spicy flavor and considered one of the finest wild mushrooms in the world.

Yakiniku

Yakiniku, a Japanese style of BBQ, is similar to hot pot, but involves grilling your own food. In a Yakiniku restaurant, diners order fresh, thinly sliced meat, veggies, and seafood. Then, the excitement begins as they grill the food right at their table, piece by piece. Before grilling, thinly sliced ingredients are dipped in a sweet and sour sauce, which makes this barbeque so yummy.

Yakiniku is a great way to gather with friends, family, or colleagues and enjoy a fun and interactive dining experience.

Ramen

Ramen, a slurp-worthy Japanese dish, has become one of the iconic Japanese dishes celebrated worldwide. No matter which region you visit in Japan, you will find a delicious bowl of rich, flavored broth topped with tender noodles and various extras, like green onions, seaweed, and pork slices. Originally from China, ramen has evolved into an exceptional dish in Japan.

Soba Noodles

Soba noodles are buckwheat-based noodle dishes made with 80% buckwheat, giving them a unique taste and texture. 'Soba' means 'buckwheat' in Japanese, signifying its authenticity. You can enjoy buckwheat noodles cold with a tasty dipping sauce or slurp them up in a hot soup.

Warabimochi

Wagashi is a general term for Japanese sweets, usually made from glutinous rice, sweet bean paste, and soy powder. Unlike most wagashi, Warabimochi uses bracken starch. It’s a nice cold dessert to enjoy in the summer. Be sure it’s something different from the ice cream you savored before.

Matcha

Which traditional Japanese beverage pairs well with various Japanese dishes? Of course, it is the green Matcha tea. Besides, this type of tea is so popular that the Japanese use it to make lattes, mousses, cakes, and all kinds of cookies. Even fortune cookies get their famous green color from matcha.