Japanese cuisine is world-renowned, but there is so much more to taste in Japan than sushi! Of course, many of us are familiar with sushi, tempura, and ramen. However, Japanese cuisine culture is far more diverse. So, what food in Japan should be on your bucket list if you visit the country? To help you decide, we’ve produced a list of 32 popular Japanese dishes that everyone should taste.
1. Buta-No-Shogayaki (Ginger Pork)
There’s a yummy meal from Japan that you can find in many places. You can get it in different types of restaurants, fast food spots, and even grocery stores. They also sell it in a lunch box called a “bento box”.
The name of this meal has the word “yaki” in it, which means “grilled” in English. To make it, you grill small pieces of pork. Then, you cover them with a special sauce. This sauce is made from mirin (a sweet cooking wine), soy sauce, sake (a kind of Japanese wine), vegetable oil, onions, and ginger. This meal is perfect for any time of the year and it’s a quick and tasty dinner option.
2. Champon
There’s a special meal that might look like ramen noodles, but it’s actually different and unique. It’s called Champon and it’s a classic dish you should try.
Champon comes from Nagasaki, a city in Japan. It was first made in a Chinese restaurant a long time ago, during a period called the Meiji era. What makes Champon different from other ramen dishes is that its noodles are cooked right in the soup, not separately.
What goes into Champon can change with the seasons. Sometimes it has pork, seafood, vegetables, or a mix of these. These ingredients are first cooked in lard, which is a type of fat. Then, they’re added to a soup made from chicken and pig bones. This gives Champon a rich and yummy taste that’s hard to find anywhere else. In fact, you can find different versions of Champon not just in other Asian countries, but also in different parts of Japan. Each version has its own unique taste.
3. Edamame
Edamame isn’t exactly a dish, but it’s a favorite food in Japan. These soybeans aren’t fully grown yet and are still in their pods. You can eat them hot or cold. Sometimes, they’re grilled instead of boiled. Usually, they’re just seasoned with salt. Edamame is a great snack to start a meal with.
Once you try a few, you’ll find yourself wanting more. In Japan, edamame is often served with meals at izakayas, which are like pubs. But you can also find edamame at most Japanese restaurants in Japan.
4. Fugu
If you’re looking for a fun and tasty adventure in Japan, try eating Fugu! Fugu is a kind of pufferfish that’s really yummy. But be careful, because some parts of it can be dangerous if not prepared correctly.
Fugu is usually served as sashimi, which is raw fish, or in a type of Japanese soup called nabe. Because it can be risky to eat, the Japanese government makes sure only specially trained chefs can cook it. These chefs spend at least three years learning how to safely prepare Fugu.
The liver of the Fugu is said to be the tastiest part. But it’s also the most dangerous part, so it’s been illegal to eat it in Japan since 1984. If you decide to try Fugu, make sure to do it at a restaurant with a trained chef. And remember, never try to prepare it yourself! It’s a unique experience that you’ll definitely remember.
5. Gyoza
Gyoza are like little moon-shaped dumplings. You can find them in almost every Japanese restaurant, but some people might not notice them. Even though Gyoza originally came from China, the ones you’ll find in Japan can be quite different.
In Japan, there are many types of Gyoza. One of the most loved is called “yaki-gyoza”. These are dumplings filled with ground pork, cabbage, garlic, onion, and ginger. They’re cooked until they’re crispy and turn a beautiful dark-gold color. You usually eat them with a dip made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and spicy oil. So, if you’re ever in a Japanese restaurant, don’t forget to try some Gyoza. They’re a tasty treat that you’ll definitely enjoy!
6. Gyudon
Gyudon is a yummy meal that’s just beef and rice. “Gyu” means beef in Japanese. You can find Gyudon at some restaurants and fast-food places like Yoshinoya.
To make Gyudon, you put thin slices of beef and soft onion on top of steamed rice. The beef and onion are cooked in a special broth called dashi and flavored with mirin and soy sauce. Sometimes, they put a lightly fried egg on top.
If you want to know what it’s like to have lunch like a worker in Tokyo, try eating Gyudon. Even though you don’t have to go back to work after lunch, you’ll be happy to have more time to look around and explore with a full belly.
7. Gyukatsu (Beef cutlet)
Imagine a meal with deep-fried beef that’s been breaded. It’s usually served with cabbage, barley rice, a soup called miso, potato salad, and pickles. This is a beef version of a popular pork dish called tonkatsu. We think you should definitely try it!
The way they cook it makes the beef crispy and light. It tastes really good, but the flavor isn’t too strong. You might not find this beef dish as often as the pork one, but if you do, you’ll be super happy!
8. Gyutan
This dish might seem strange at first, depending on where you’re from. But keep reading, it’s really interesting!
Gyutan is a Japanese word that means “cow tongue”. And that’s exactly what this food is: grilled cow tongue. You can usually find it at a type of restaurant called yakiniku. It’s often served with salt, different sauces (especially a lemon one), and scallion. The meat is thin, yummy, and tender.
Gyutan first showed up in a city called Sendai in 1948. It was served in a new restaurant by the owner of a yakitori restaurant. Since then, Gyutan has become popular all over Japan. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s so loved!
9. Karaage
When you visit Japan, one of the first things you’ll see is their famous fried chicken called karaage. Usually, karaage is made with chicken, but sometimes other meats like pork are used instead.
To make karaage, the meat is lightly covered with wheat flour or potato starch. Then, it’s deep-fried in oil. Sometimes, the meat is marinated before it’s cooked. It’s often served with a slice of lemon, but you can eat it without the lemon too.
You can find karaage at restaurants, street food carts, izakayas (Japanese pubs), and convenience stores. It’s pretty much everywhere! Karaage is cheap, delicious, and fast to make. The only problem? It’s so good that you might find yourself wanting more and more!
10. Katsudon
There’s another popular meal in Japan that some people might not know about. It’s a lot like gyudon, but it’s made with pork instead of beef. This meal is perfect for people who are in a hurry. You can find it at special restaurants and fast-food places that serve Japanese food. It’s a bowl of rice with a deep-fried pork cutlet, an egg, veggies, and sauces on top.
This dish is common in Japan, but there are different kinds. Some have tonkatsu sauce, some are called demi katsudon (a special kind from Okayama), some are shio-katsudon (seasoned with salt), and some are miso-katsu (from Nagoya). No matter which kind you try, you’re sure to love it!
11. Kushikatsu
Kushiage is a tasty dish from Japan. It’s made by skewering meat, fish, or veggies and then deep-frying them until they’re crispy. The name “kushiage” comes from how it’s made. “Kushi” means skewers and “katsu” means deep-fried beef cutlet.
There are many kinds of kushiage. Some are made with bamboo shoots, lotus root, cartilage (called nankotsu), and gizzard (called sunagimo). They’re all really yummy.
Different places in Japan have their own versions of kushiage. In Osaka and Tokyo, they make it with pork ribs and a special brown sauce. In Nagoya, they’re known for a dish called doteni. It’s a rich soup made with beef tendons, offal (animal organs), and a type of radish called daikon. They serve this soup with their kushiage. Each place also uses different sauces and batters.
12. Miso Soup
When you think of food in Japan, you have to think of miso soup. This soup is a big part of Japanese food. You can have it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s a good side dish because it’s easy to make and tastes good.
One of the main things in miso soup is dashi. Dashi is a kind of broth. It’s mixed with miso paste, which is made from fermented soybeans. Then, other ingredients are added based on what you like.
Miso soup usually has tofu, scallions, and a type of seaweed called wakame. You can also add daikon (a type of radish), shrimp, fish, mushrooms, potatoes, onions, or meat. If you ever visit Japan, you have to try miso soup. It’s especially good to have on cold winter days.
13. Nabe
Nabe is a type of cooking pot in Japan. It’s also a meal that you can eat all year round, but it’s especially good in the winter. You make it by boiling different things like meat, fish, shellfish, veggies, and tofu in water. Sometimes the water is seasoned, sometimes it’s not.
Nabe is a favorite food of Sumo wrestlers. They like to eat a special kind of nabe called “chanko nabe”. It has meatballs, chicken, veggies, and noodles. It’s made to help wrestlers gain weight.
Another kind of nabe is called shabu-shabu. For this dish, you dip thin slices of meat into a hot pot. The meat is usually beef or pork. There are also veggies and tofu. You eat it with a sesame dipping sauce, a lemony sauce called ponzu, or both.
Sukiyaki is like shabu-shabu, but the ingredients are cooked in sweet water and soy sauce. It’s served with a raw egg for dipping. Yose nabe is a nabe where everything is cooked together at the same time. It’s usually made with a miso or soy sauce soup.
14. Natto
Natto is a dish from Japan that a lot of people from other countries don’t like. But most people in Japan eat it regularly.
Some people find it hard to eat natto because it’s made from soybeans that have been fermented, which gives it a strong smell. It’s also sticky, which can seem weird if you’re not used to it. But it’s a real Japanese food, so it’s worth trying.
People usually eat natto with rice. You can also find it rolled up in convenience stores and sushi restaurants. It’s often dipped in a little bit of soy sauce. Sometimes, it’s served with karashi, which is a spicy mustard from Japan.
We’ll admit, natto might be hard to get used to. It’s something you have to learn to like. But we think you should try it. Who knows? You might find out that you like Japanese food more than you thought!
15. Oden
Oden is a yummy, light, warm dish that’s perfect for a cold winter day. It’s a type of meal that’s all cooked in one pot. It usually has things like eggs, konjac (a type of food made from a plant), fish cakes, and daikon (a type of radish). All of these are served in a soup made from dashi (a type of broth) and soy.
You can find Oden at some restaurants that specialize in it. But it’s also available at many fast-food places and convenience stores in Japan.
There are many ways to make Oden, and sometimes its name changes. For example, in a city called Nagoya, they might call it Kanto-ni. The way the ingredients are cooked can also change depending on where you are.
16. Okonomiyaki
If you ever visit Japan, you should try a traditional meal called Okonomiyaki. It’s kind of like a pancake or an omelette, but it’s really unique.
The name “Okonomiyaki” means “what you like, grilled”. This refers to the many different ingredients you can use to make it.
There are two popular types of Okonomiyaki: one from the Kansai area and one from Hiroshima.
Kansai Okonomiyaki is probably the most common type in Japan. It’s made with flour, a type of yam called nagaimo, dashi (or water), eggs, cabbage, pork belly, octopus, squid, shrimp, mochi or cheese, and konjac. Osaka, a city in Kansai, is famous for its Okonomiyaki.
Hiroshima Okonomiyaki, also known as Hiroshima-yaki or Hiroshima-okonomi, is a bit different. The ingredients are layered instead of mixed together. It usually has a topping, noodles like yakisoba or udon, eggs, and lots of sauce.
There are many other types of Okonomiyaki in different parts of Japan, like Tokushima, Hamamatsu, and Okinawa. So, if you’re ever in Japan, be sure to try some Okonomiyaki. It’s a delicious adventure that you’ll definitely enjoy!
17. Omuraisu
Omuraisu is a yummy meal from Japan. The name “Omuraisu” comes from two words: “omelet” and “rice”. It’s an omelet filled with fried rice. Often, it’s topped with ketchup.
This dish was first made about 100 years ago in Tokyo, at a restaurant that served western-style food. You can find Omuraisu at most Japanese cafes that serve food and some restaurants. If you’re visiting Japanese friends, they might know how to make it. That’s because it’s a favorite meal for many people in Japan.
Omuraisu is a complete meal that’s not expensive and tastes great. It’s a good lunch option that both adults and kids will love.
18. Onigiri
Have you ever seen a Japanese rice ball called onigiri in cartoons, movies, or videos? It’s a famous food in Japan that’s perfect for when you’re on the go. You can find it in almost every grocery store and convenience store.
Onigiri can be a simple rice ball with some seasoning. Or, it can be filled with all kinds of things like veggies, meat, fish, and seafood. Sometimes, it’s wrapped in a sheet of nori, which is a type of seaweed.
A lot of people who visit Japan eat onigiri while they’re out exploring. It’s cheap (usually about 100 yen), easy to find, and simple to eat. So, if you’re ever in Japan, be sure to try some onigiri. It’s a tasty treat that you’ll definitely enjoy!
19. Ramen
You might know about ramen, especially the instant kind. But in Japan, ramen tastes amazing and there are so many different kinds to try.
The soup for ramen can be made with chicken, pork, beef, fish, or veggies. It’s flavored with things like soy sauce, miso, dashi, and other ingredients. Usually, they add scallions, seaweed, tofu, and bamboo shoots. But there are so many ways to make ramen, it’s hard to list them all.
Each place in Japan has its own way of making ramen. And each restaurant has its own special recipe. This means you can find some really unique and tasty dishes.
The noodles for ramen are special. They’re soft but still have a bit of a bite. The soup is often made with miso, salt, soy sauce, or curry. Ramen is a popular meal to have at the end of the day or night out. It’s a fast food that’s usually served hot, which is great on cold days.
Robatayaki, or robata, is a special Japanese dish. It’s food that’s cooked over charcoal on a flat, open hearth. You can usually only find it at special restaurants. The menu at robata restaurants has all kinds of things, but it’s usually a mix of fish and veggies.
21. Soba
Soba is a special kind of noodle from Japan. It’s made from buckwheat. You can find it at regular noodle places and fancy noodle places.
You can also make Soba at home. All you need are the noodles and the broth for dipping, which you can get from the grocery store. You can eat Soba cold, like a dip, or hot, like a soup.
Soba can taste different depending on the time of year and where you are. So, next time you’re at a Japanese restaurant, don’t forget to try some Soba. It’s a yummy adventure that you’ll definitely enjoy!
22. Somen
Somen is a kind of noodle from Japan. It’s a lot like other noodles you might find in Asia. Somen is usually served cold and it’s made from wheat flour. These thin noodles are eaten with a cold dipping sauce. The sauce can be plain or flavored with onion, ginger, and myoga, which is a special kind of ginger.
Somen is a favorite meal in the summer. When it’s really hot outside, a bowl of cold Somen with ice cubes is just what you need. It helps you feel refreshed, full, and cool. Plus, it gives you a break from the hot summer weather in Japan.
23. Sushi and sashimi
You’ve probably heard of sushi and sashimi, two famous Japanese foods. Even though they’re known worldwide, many people don’t know about the different ways to prepare them. Sushi chefs are like artists. They spend years, sometimes decades, learning how to make sushi and sashimi.
But that doesn’t mean it’s hard to find good sushi or sashimi at a fair price. In Japan, there’s something for everyone’s taste and budget.
There are sushi restaurants where you order on a small tablet. Then, your sushi is brought to you on a rolling mat. Each dish costs only 100 yen. These places are often called 100 yen-sushi or sushiro.
There’s also a kind of sushi called temaki zushi, or hand-rolled sushi. You can find it at restaurants, but it’s also fun to make at home. All you need is sushi rice, thin slices of your favorite fish, seaweed sheets, and any other ingredients you like. Common ones are cucumber, crab, avocado, and wasabi.
To make it, spread the rice on a sheet of seaweed. Add the fish and other fillings. Then, roll the seaweed into a cylinder or cone shape. Serve it with soy sauce. If you’re in Japan, try having a “temaki zushi party”. It’s sure to be a hit!
24. Takowasa
Takowasa is a food from Japan. It’s made with raw octopus (that’s the “tako”) and a sauce made from wasabi (that’s the “wasa”). Depending on where you’re from, it might seem a little weird. But you should definitely try it!
You can find Takowasa at many places, especially at izakayas, which are like pubs in Japan. It’s a favorite appetizer for a lot of people. And there’s a good reason for that. It’s tasty, unique, and a big part of popular food culture in Japan.
25. Tempura
Tempura is a yummy food that’s good to eat any time of the year. It’s especially nice if you’re hanging out with friends and having some beers.
Tempura is made with shellfish, fish, chicken, or veggies. They’re covered in a tasty batter and then deep-fried until they’re just the right amount of crispy. You can eat Tempura by itself or dip it in a sauce.
Lots of places serve Tempura, but some places specialize in it. These places offer more choices, so you can really explore traditional Japanese food.
26. Teppanyaki
Teppanyaki is a fun and tasty type of food from Japan. The word “teppanyaki” comes from two Japanese words. “Teppan” means iron plate, and “yaki” means grilled.
This style of cooking includes many dishes like okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and monjayaki. But, it’s often used to talk about a special kind of cooking that’s influenced by Western food. Common ingredients for teppanyaki are beef, shrimp, vegetables, chicken, and scallops. These are usually cooked on a hot iron plate using soybean oil.
You might have seen this kind of cooking before. In the United States, these restaurants are quite popular and are known as hibachi.
27. Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu is a yummy dish from Japan that’s made of pork cutlet. It’s breaded and then deep fried in vegetable oil.
You can find this tasty, budget-friendly meal in many places. It’s served in chain restaurants and also packed in bento boxes at supermarkets and convenience stores. The best part? You can even make it at home!
First, you season the pork with salt and pepper. Next, you cover it with flour. After that, you dip it in a beaten egg and coat it with panko. Panko is a type of flaky bread crumbs from Japan. Then, you deep fry it until it’s golden and crispy. It’s usually served with cabbage, potato salad, and a special brown sauce or karashi.
28. Udon
Udon is a type of noodle from Japan, just like ramen. It’s a thick noodle made from wheat flour. You can eat udon plain with a simple broth made from dashi, mirin, and soy sauce. Or, you can mix it up with different toppings.
You can try udon with tempura for a hearty meal, or with tofu for a lighter taste. Udon can be served hot or cold, so you can enjoy it no matter the season. Plus, the way it’s cooked can change depending on where you are in Japan.
The word “udon” actually refers to the noodles themselves. But, the flavors, soups, and toppings you can add are countless. So, if you ever visit Japan, try to taste as many types of udon as you can. You’ll be happy with the delicious meals you’ll discover, and you’ll realize there are still so many more to try!
29. Yakiniku
Yakiniku is a type of food that means “grilled meat.” It’s also called Korean barbecue or Japanese barbecue. The main difference is that in Korean barbecue, the meats are usually marinated, but in Japanese barbecue, they’re not.
Yakiniku restaurants are really popular. There are fancy ones and also cheaper ones. Some even have all-you-can-eat menus!
At a yakiniku restaurant, you get to choose your favorite meat or veggies. You can choose if you want them seasoned or not. There are so many options! Then, you grill it yourself on a hot plate or grill that’s usually built into the table. After it’s cooked, you can add different sauces like lemon, barbecue, and others, or just use salt and pepper. It’s a fun and tasty experience!
30. Yakisoba
Yakisoba is a type of noodle dish from Japan. The name “yakisoba” means “grilled soba.” It’s often enjoyed at festivals. But, you can also make yakisoba by stir-frying the noodles.
You can add different things to yakisoba like pork, fish, or vegetables. Then, you sprinkle it with seaweed powder, ginger, and fish flakes. These add lots of flavor to the dish. Finally, you top it off with sauces like oyster sauce. Trust me, it makes the yakisoba even more delicious!
31. Yakitori
Yakitori is a type of food from Japan. Even though “yakitori” means “grilled chicken,” it can be any meat or vegetable that’s cooked on a skewer over a grill.
Yakitori is a simple but tasty meal. You can mix and match different meats and vegetables to create lots of yummy combinations. You can find yakitori in many restaurants and special shops. If you ever visit a good izakaya, which is a type of Japanese pub, you should definitely try yakitori. It’s one of the most popular dishes in Japan.
32. Yakizakana
Grilled fish, or yakizakana, is a must-try food in Japan. Even though sushi is more famous outside of Japan, grilled fish is actually more common in Japan.
Usually, a whole fish is grilled and served with veggies and rice on the side. You can try it at special restaurants for a full experience, or at chain restaurants for a quick, tasty, and affordable meal. It’s a great dinner option, especially after a long day of sightseeing!
By trying these foods, you’re becoming a pro at Japanese cuisine! But remember, there’s so much more to discover about Japanese food.
