Japan is renowned for its diverse and delicious cuisine that is always beautifully presented. As a family, we’ve taken two trips to explore the cities, countryside and foods of Japan. Here’s our top 10 foods that you must try while you’re there;
- Sushi and Sashimi: Experience the artistry and freshness of raw fish and seafood such as nigiri (fish on top of rice) and maki (rolled sushi). We actually found it pretty difficult to find sushi as we know it, like a California roll, in Japan. I think we’re used to a very Western version of Japanese food that is available in our home country of New Zealand. But we sought it out as the kids love it.
- Ramen: Indulge in a steaming bowl of Japanese ramen, consisting of wheat noodles served in a flavorful broth with various toppings like pork, eggs, green onions, and seaweed. Rob loves to make his own Ramen broth. Here is a great website with easy to follow explanations. Our favourite place for Ramen was Ichiran Ramen in Dotonburi, Osaka where they take their ramen super seriously. You could customise everything in your bowl from how firm you wanted your noodle to how much garlic in the broth. And it appeared at your booth from a super cute whole in the wall through to the kitchen.
- Tempura: Enjoy light and crispy battered and deep-fried seafood, vegetables, or even ice cream. Tempura is a popular dish often accompanied by a dipping sauce.
- Takoyaki: Try these savoury octopus balls, made from a batter of wheat flour and filled with diced octopus, pickled ginger, and green onion. They are typically topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes and seaweed.
- Okonomiyaki: Relish this savoury pancake that combines cabbage, meats or seafood, and batter, cooked on a griddle. Top it with a variety of condiments and sauces. We first came across this local specialty in Hiroshima with Okonomiyaki specific restaurants.
- Yakitori: Savor skewered and grilled chicken (or other meats) seasoned with soy sauce or salt. Yakitori is a popular street food often enjoyed with a cold beer.
- Matcha: Experience the traditional Japanese green tea, known as matcha. Our favourite is to have the matcha flavoured ice cream that’s available all over Japan.
- Wagyu beef: Treat yourself to the world-renowned Japanese Wagyu beef. Known for its marbling and tenderness, it offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Kobe beef is supposed to be pretty much the best in the world. On our travels to Kobe however, our budget for dining for 4 didn’t quite stretch to the Kobe Wagyu and we opted instead for a simple beef don while dining out for the evening.
- Kaiseki: Immerse yourself in the fine dining tradition of kaiseki, a multi-course meal showcasing seasonal and meticulously prepared dishes, often served in traditional ryokans or upscale restaurants. On a trip to Hagi, staying in a beautiful ryokan, we were served Fugu/Pufferfish as part of the Kaiseki dinner.
- Street Food: Explore the vibrant street food scene in Japan. From savoury takoyaki and yakisoba to sweet treats like taiyaki (fish-shaped pancake filled with sweet red bean paste) and mochi (chewy rice cakes), street food offers a wide range of flavours and delights.
Each region in Japan also has its own specialties, so be sure to explore the local delicacies wherever you go. Enjoy the culinary adventure and savour the unique flavours of Japan.
Trying the food is a big part of why we travel. Check out our blog on foods in Cambodia here and in Vietnam here.
