Joanna James
When it comes to Japanese cuisine, the first things that often come to mind are sushi and rice. While these are indeed iconic dishes, Japan offers a rich array of flavours beyond these staples. Here are five of the most popular dishes you absolutely must try when visiting Japan.
Let's begin with the world-famous duo of Sushi and Sashimi. Sushi is renowned for its artful combination of vinegared rice, and various ingredients like vegetables, seafood, and nori (seaweed). It's a delightful blend of flavours that you can enjoy by picking up a piece with chopsticks and dipping it into soy sauce or wasabi. There are various types of sushi, including Nigiri, Maki, Oshi, and Temaki, each with its unique style.
Sashimi, on the other hand, is all about the pure essence of raw fish or seafood, and is typically served with wasabi and soy sauce. Slices of radish accompany the dish, helping diners identify the fish they're savouring. The term 'sashimi' even reflects this tradition, with its kanji characters translating to 'spine' and 'body,' symbolising the presentation of the fish.
Ramen has become a global favourite, and in Japan, it's a culinary sensation. A steaming bowl of wheat noodles swims in a savoury soy sauce or miso soup, garnished with an array of ingredients. Typical toppings include slices of tender pork, seaweed, fresh green onions, and a perfectly cooked egg. The real star, though, is the broth; it can range from subtly mild to boldly robust, depending on your preference. The pork, often so tender it practically melts in your mouth, is a testament to the artistry of ramen chefs. With a serving of ramen and a side of rice, your taste buds are in for an unforgettable treat. Don't forget to try this delicious dish while spending a wonderful holiday at Travelodge Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi or any of the other family hotels in Kyoto.
Tempura is a delightful Japanese fried dish that showcases the art of culinary craftsmanship. Made primarily from seafood and vegetables, each piece is lightly coated in a batter and fried to perfection. What makes tempura distinct is its seasoning, featuring a sauce infused with soy sauce, sugar, and ginger. While tempura can encompass nearly any vegetable, the key is that each piece must be bite-sized and devoid of an oily texture. It's often served with a tantalising Tetsuyu sauce, a blend of consommé, radish, ginger, sweet sake, soy sauce, and spices.
Japan's take on curry, known as Kare-Raisu, is a simple yet delectable dish. It's a blend of rice and curry with a unique flavour profile. Japanese curry incorporates a variety of meats and vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and sweet potatoes, and meats like chicken, pork, beef, or even duck. The spice level can be customised, with mild, regular, and hot options available. Which level of spiciness would you choose?
Okonomiyaki may resemble a pancake, but its ingredients take it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Typically composed of flour, yam, and egg, this savoury dish offers endless customisation. Common additions include green onions, beef, shrimp, squid, vegetables, mochi, and cheese. What makes dining on okonomiyaki even more exciting is that some restaurants offer an interactive experience. The chef prepares it on a griddle at your table, and you get to participate by adding your preferred ingredients.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
