It is rightly said that you can know about the culture of a country by tasting its food. There is a deep history hidden behind the flavours and that history and traditions define a region’s identity. Japanese cuisine is also rooted in centuries of tradition and also blends modern flavours to put emphasis on seasonality, freshness, balance and presentation. Some popular Japanese cuisines are made with simple ingredients yet they deliver a rich taste.
Japanese cuisine is the best example to explain that even simple things can offer exciting flavours if the techniques used are right.
Japanese traditions while eating food are also important. They put heavy emphasis on respecting the food that is offered to you. Some cultural experiences you can enjoy at restaurants are to eat while being seated on the floor in a seiza position and on tatami mats. This whole traditional setting makes you connect to the culture and enjoy the food even more.
Some popular Japanese cuisines to try in Japan are:
1. Sushi
Sushi has become most people’s go-to dish now. The popularity of Sushi has made it a global favourite dish. However, the iconic Japanese Sushi has to remain the best, following the authenticity. You might be aware that sushi is made with vinegared rice and you can add a mix of many different toppings like vegetables, cooked or raw seafood, and even eggs.
You can even try many different types of sushi. The first is Nigri, in which they put a slice of fish over the ball of rice. Now typically the fish used is Tuna, it’s the ultimate topping. Then there is Maki, in which the Sushi is rolled with seaweed, again a very famous and beloved topping and probably the best.
Then there is another type of Sushi known as Temaki, which is basically a hand-rolled cone-shaped Sushi. It goes without saying that you have to try authentic Japanese Sushi when in Japan.
2. Ramen
A bowl of good Ramen is like a warm hug. Ramen is a comfort food as it has great ingredients like noodles, broth, good seasoning and toppings which is enough to make someone’s day. Today, each country has its own variations of ramen depending on their own preferred flavours and cultural impact. Japanese ramen, too, has many variations, with each region offering something unique.
The most popular remains Tonkotsu in which the broth is made from pork bone and is extremely creamy. This ramen is a must try in Fukuoka. Some other popular ramen broths remain Shoya, Miso and Shio.
The different broths bring a unique twist to existing ramen and with multiple topping options, it is a mouth watering kind of situation. People put green onions, boiled eggs, cooked meat and vegetable toppings to enhance the taste of ramen.
3. Okonomiyaki
The easy way to describe this dish would be to just call it a Japanese pancake but however it is more than that. Okonomiyaki is made from flour, eggs, cabbage and includes various fillings like pork, squid and cheese.
Then this pancake is topped with a sweet savory sauce and you can add on some toppings like Bonita fish flakes, dried seaweed and mayonnaise for extra punch. You can try the Kansai-style okonomiyaki in which all ingredients are mixed together.
You can even try the Hiroshima style okonomiyaki which is cooked in stages and layered with noodles. This popular Japanese cuisine is a must try when in Japan.
4. Takoyaki
Takoyaki is a very popular Japanese cuisine that you will find in the street food stalls. They are basically made from a batter consisting of minced octopus, green onions and tempura scraps which are then rolled into bite sized balls.
The toppings include Takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, dried bonita flakes and aonori which is nothing but seaweed powder and all together they offer an enriching flavour. It is perfectly cooked with the outside being crunchy and the inside being soft. Osaka serves the best Takoyaki and you should definitely try them there.
5. Sukiyaki
Hotpot dishes are very popular and common in Japan. They are like a speciality of Japan and the experience of dining with family and friends and enjoying hotpot dishes is the best. Sukiyaki makes for a great hotpot dish.
The thinly sliced beef, tofu, shirataki noodles, napa cabbage and toppings will give a burst of flavours in your mouth. You can use green onions, mushrooms and carrot slices as toppings.
You will love the broth made with soya sauce, sugar, mirin and sake, which gives it a sweet flavour. Do not miss out on the fun in traditionally trying this dish, by dipping it first into a raw beaten egg sauce before devouring it. It is a very popular Japanese cuisine and is best enjoyed with family and friends.
6. Unagi
A popular and healthier dish, Unagi is loved by people for providing rich flavour and tender texture and ticks the brackets for providing nutritional benefits. It is freshwater eel which is combined with many different dishes. Unodon, Unaju and Hitsumbushi are some examples. You can also enjoy it with sushi rolls, fried tempura and even with a hotpot dish.
The unique thing about this dish is the way it is prepared and layered. The eel is split, deboned and then grilled over charcoal. It is then covered in a tare sauce. As mentioned above, it can be paired with other dishes and so it is served along with a bowl of rice, with various other toppings. Unagi is a very popular and traditional Japanese cuisine.
7. Donburi
Donburi is another comforting food and has rice as its base ingredient. It is basically a rice bowl which is topped with various ingredients. You can try different versions of donburi like Tendon donburi which has a tempura topping.
There is Oyakodon donburi which is paired with chicken. Another popular one is Gyudon donburi which is served with beef, and finally Katsudon that includes pork cutlet served with eggs. You can try this dish in donburi chains like Yoshinoya and Sukiya and in other small restaurants too.
Conclusion
Japanese cuisines show emphasis on simple and natural ingredients which make their dish stand out. The preparation methods and the presentation of food is carefully done to enhance the flavours. There is nothing fancy or extraordinary about its food, but the way every dish is paired and layered with unique combinations, that is what steals the show.
In this article we mentioned some popular Japanese cuisines that you can try in Japan. You can get a glimpse of Japanese culture and traditions tasting the authentic food as every regional dish has a story to share.
