When it comes to the food of Japan , the first thing that comes to mind might be sushi. But did you know that there is much more to this famous dish? Japanese cuisine is so varied that trying it could keep you busy for a lifetime. From street ramen to sophisticated kaiseki. Japanese food has the ability to surprise at every turn. But before you embark on this gastronomic adventure, it is crucial that you know a little more about the food in Japan sushi near me.
Typical Japanese food is not just a matter of flavors and cooking techniques. It is a reflection of Japanese culture : its respect for nature, its appreciation for aesthetics, and its focus on harmony and balance.
Getting to know Japanese gastronomy
One of the main characteristics of Japanese food is its emphasis on fresh ingredients and seasonality. The fresh fish, the seasonal vegetables, the pure soy tofu. All of this is combined in a balanced way to create dishes that are not only delicious, but also visually appealing .
Cereals, especially rice , form the basis of the Japanese diet . At every traditional meal, gohan (steamed white rice) is served as the main course. Several foods are derived from it, such as sushi (rice combined with other ingredients, such as raw fish or shellfish), onigiri (stuffed rice balls or with ingredients inside) and mochi (glutinous rice cakes).
Fish and shellfish are common food in Japan. From tuna nigiri or octopus sashimi, to hot dishes like tempura or sukiyaki. It is also important to mention that soy is a fundamental ingredient in Japanese cuisine, whether in the form of tofu, miso or soy sauce.
Furthermore, ginger is a fundamental ingredient in food in Japan. Not only does it add a touch of spicy and fresh flavor to dishes, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help improve digestion.
Japanese gastronomy is also known for its rules and etiquette at the table:
It is common to say ” itadakimasu ” (appreciation for the food) before eating and ” gochisosama deshita ” (thank you for the food) after finishing.
Eating with chopsticks is another practice that you will surely already know. Eating with chopsticks can slow down your eating, allowing you to enjoy your food more and giving your body more time to recognize that you are full.
It is also a norm not to leave upright chopsticks in the rice , as it is associated with funeral rituals.
It is typically served in small portions . The idea is to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures without overeating. It is common to see a series of small plates, or bento, each containing a small serving of different types of food.
Finally, the food of Japan is full of umami flavors , considered the “fifth taste”, which is described as a pleasant and persistent taste that encompasses the mouth. Ingredients such as kombu (seaweed), dried bonito (katsuobushi), shitake mushrooms, and soybeans are natural sources of umami, and are critical to creating the deep flavor that is characteristic of Japanese cuisine.
Discover the typical food of Japan: essential dishes
Japan is world renowned for its exquisite cuisine, and there is no better time to explore it than on your first trip to the Land of the Rising Sun. Here is a list of dishes that you cannot miss on your culinary adventure:
most popular japanese food
Ok, let’s talk about the most popular Japanese food. Imagine strolling the light-filled streets of Tokyo, browsing food stalls in Osaka, or trying home-cooked dishes in Kyoto. From dishes we all know to those hidden gems you’ll only find in Japan, there’s something for everyone.
sushi and sashimi
Sushi and sashimi are undoubtedly the most recognized names when it comes to Japanese food . These dishes have conquered palates all over the world and are a true emblem of Japanese gastronomy .
Sushi is a dish that consists of vinegared rice mixed with other ingredients . The most common is to find it accompanied by fresh fish, but it can also include shellfish, vegetables, eggs and even a variety of meats. There are different varieties of sushi, such as nigiri (a rice ball covered with a sheet of fish), maki (sushi roll wrapped in nori seaweed) and temaki (nori seaweed cone filled with rice and other ingredients).
Sashimi , on the other hand, is a more minimalist proposal. These are very thin slices of raw fish or shellfish , served without rice. Although it may seem simple, sashimi is a real delight for fish lovers, as it allows you to appreciate the freshness and authentic flavor of each piece. It is usually eaten with a hint of wasabi and lightly dipped in soy sauce.
Ramen
No two ramen are the same in Japan, and each region has its own version. But make no mistake, authentic ramen goes way beyond those instant packets you might know.
Ramen is a broth noodle dish that can be customized in endless ways. The broth can be miso, soy, tonkotsu (pork bone), or even vegetarian, each offering a unique flavor.
Elastic and tasty wheat noodles are submerged in this delicious broth, and different toppings are placed on top . The most common are chashu (roasted pork), marinated egg , seaweed , chives , and bamboo shoots .
tempura
Tempura is a quick frying technique that has become one of the most popular ways to prepare seafood and vegetables in Japan. The key to good tempura is the batter, which should be light and crisp. The dough is prepared with very cold water and flour, sometimes with the addition of egg or baking soda.
The most common ingredients for tempura are shellfish , especially shrimp, and a variety of vegetables such as sweet potatoes, eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Tempura is quickly fried in very hot oil, resulting in a crispy exterior and a juicy-tender interior.
okonomiyaki
If you’ve ever wondered what a cross between a pizza and an omelette would look like , look no further than Okonomiyaki is the answer. Its name literally means “whatever you like, grilled”. Do you already have an idea?
Okonomiyaki is a kind of thick pancake made with a dough made from flour, eggs, and chopped cabbage. To these base ingredients are added “whatever you like” , which typically includes a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables. Once all the ingredients are mixed, the dough is grilled until golden and crisp.
Once the okonomiyaki is cooked, it is covered in a thick sweet sauce , similar to barbecue sauce, and sprinkled with flakes of dried bonito that move with the heat, giving the impression that the food is alive .
Takoyaki
It is difficult to walk through the streets of a Japanese city and not come across a Takoyaki vendor. These small, golden, crunchy balls are one of the most beloved snacks in Japanese food.
Takoyaki is a kind of dumpling filled with pieces of octopus, chives and pickled ginger. The dough is poured into a special griddle with hemispheres. Once the octopus pieces and other ingredients are added, the balls are rotated with a toothpick until golden brown and crisp on the outside, yet soft and juicy on the inside.
They are usually covered with a special sauce for takoyaki, similar to Worcestershire sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, dried bonito flakes, and nori seaweed powder. This combination of sweet, salty, and umami flavors makes takoyaki irresistible.