When it comes to Japanese food, the go to for people is more often than not, Sushi. While Sushi is a popular dish in Japan, there is a whole other cuisine beyond Sushi waiting to be explored. From the rich ramen broth, to the sweet and bouncy texture of Mochi, there are so many delicious food options just waiting to be tasted.
So get ready to get hungry, because we think that you should definitely try these famous Japanese foods if you are able to. If you are heading to Japan soon, then these dishes must be on your “to-eat” list.
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Noodles & Soups
Ramen
Ramen is one of the most famous Japanese noodle dishes, characterised by thin wheat noodles served in a savoury broth. It typically includes toppings such as sliced pork, green onions, soft boiled egg, nori seaweed, and various other ingredients. Ramen is known for its rich flavours and is enjoyed worldwide.
There are several different types of ramen, each with distinct characteristics. Here are a few notable variations: Shoyu Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen, Shio Ramen, Miso Ramen, and Tsukemen. Gyoza is a popular side-dish with Ramen.
Yakisoba
Yakisoba is a popular stir-fried noodle dish that translates to “fried noodles.” Despite its name, yakisoba uses wheat noodles instead of soba noodles. The dish typically includes stir-fried noodles, vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions, and protein such as chicken, pork, or shrimp. It is seasoned with a savoury sauce made from soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings. Yakisoba is often cooked on a hot griddle or skillet, adding a delightful charred flavour. It is commonly garnished with pickled ginger, bonito flakes, and mayonnaise. Yakisoba is a delicious and quick street food favourite in Japan and one sure to please.
Udon
Udon is a type of thick wheat noodle that originated in Japan. It is known for its chewy texture and versatility. Udon noodles are typically served in a hot broth, often made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi (a Japanese soup stock). Typical toppings include green onions, tempura, sliced meat, and seaweed. Udon can also be enjoyed in cold preparations, where the noodles are chilled and served with a dipping sauce. Udon’s simplicity and comforting nature have made it a beloved dish in Japan and worldwide, with variations and regional specialties adding to its popularity.
Soba
Soba is a thin noodle made from buckwheat flour and often mixed with wheat flour. Soba noodles have a nutty flavour and a slightly chewy texture. They are commonly enjoyed in various hot and cold preparations.
In hot dishes like Kake Soba, the noodles are served in a hot broth made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. Toppings such as green onions, tempura, and sliced meat can be added for extra flavour. Another popular hot variation is Kitsune Soba, which features fried tofu (kitsune) as a topping.
Shabu-Shabu
Translating to “swish-swish” in Japanese, this communal meal centers around a bubbling pot of flavorful broth at the table’s center. Thinly sliced, premium cuts of beef or other meats, alongside a selection of fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and noodles, are artfully prepared for a quick, elegant dip in the simmering broth. The name reflects the gentle, swishing motion of the ingredients being cooked to perfection in the fragrant concoction. Complemented by an array of savory dipping sauces, shabu-shabu celebrates the essence of shared dining, harmonizing both taste and companionship.
Fish & Seafood
Sushi
When it comes to Japanese food, perhaps there is none more famous than Sushi. Sushi typically consists of vinegared rice combined with various ingredients such as raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, and sometimes tropical fruits. Sushi is often served with soy sauce, wasabi (a spicy green paste made from horseradish), and pickled ginger.
Nigiri
Nigiri is a type of sushi made by shaping a small mound of sushi rice by hand and topping it with a slice of raw or cooked seafood such as tuna, salmon, shrimp, or eel.
Sometimes a small amount of wasabi is placed between the rice and the topping.
Takoyaki
Takoyaki is a popular street food that originated in Osaka. It is a ball-shaped snack made of a wheat-flour batter filled with small pieces of octopus, known as tako, along with various other ingredients. Takoyaki is typically cooked in special round molds on a hot griddle, giving them their distinctive shape and crispy exterior.
Sashimi
Although not technically sushi (or, technically sushi depending on who you ask), sashimi is often served alongside sushi. It consists of thinly sliced raw seafood, typically served without rice. Common types of sashimi include tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and octopus.
One of the most famous sashimi dishes comes from Fugu, or the pufferfish. Due to the toxins in the fish, it takes chefs many years of practice preparing the fish in a way that is safe for consumption.
Unagi
Unagi is a Japanese term that refers to freshwater eel, particularly the species Anguilla japonica. It is a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine and is known for its rich, flavorful taste. Unagi is often prepared in a specific style called “Unagi no Kabayaki,” which involves grilling the eel and glazing it with a sweet soy-based sauce. If its then often served on a bed of rice.
Grilled & BBQ
Gyoza
Gyoza is a popular Japanese dumpling, typically filled with a savory mixture of ground meat (pork, chicken, or shrimp), vegetables, and seasonings. The dumplings are wrapped in thin, round dough, pleated along the edges to create a distinctive crescent shape. Gyoza is traditionally pan-fried until golden and crispy on one side, then steamed to perfection. Its delightful combination of flavors, including ginger and garlic, makes it a delectable appetizer or side dish. Served with a dipping sauce of soy, vinegar, and chili oil, gyoza is a beloved and flavorful treat enjoyed by people worldwide.
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a popular street food, most famously enjoyed in Hiroshima Popular, put popular all around the country.
Okonomiyaki is a type of savoury pancake, typically consisting of cabbage, pork belly, eggs, and is topped with okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, seaweed flakes, and dried bonito flakes.
You can often find Okonomiyaki during festivals from street vendors, and many Japanese pubs (Izakaya) will have Okonomiyaki on their menu.
Yakitori & Yakiniku
Both Yakiniku, and Yakitori are iconic street foods, often found at festivals or at Japanese pubs (Izakaya).
Yakiniku, translating to grilled meat, is marinated beef on a stick, typically grilled or cooked over fire.
Yakitori on the other hand, is grilled chicken. Both of which have a delightful savoury, sweet and charred taste.
Gyutan
Gyutan is probably one of the more obscure foods to try in Japan, but it is delightfully surprising. Gyutan is grilled beef tongue. Despite the off-putting description from a western prospective, Gyutan is tender, rich, juicy, and best paired with an acid Yuzu (or lemon) dipping sauce. It is a surprising taste for sure, and beautiful when prepared correctly.
Traditional
Natto
Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. It is produced by steaming soybeans and then fermenting them with the help of a bacterium called Bacillus subtilis var. natto. This fermentation process creates a unique stringy, sticky texture and a strong, pungent aroma. Natto is often enjoyed as a breakfast food or added to rice for added flavor. It is considered a nutritious food rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, particularly vitamin K2. While its distinctive taste and texture may not appeal to everyone, natto remains a beloved and culturally significant dish in Japan.
Oden
Oden is a traditional Japanese winter dish that consists of various ingredients simmered in a soy-based broth. It is a popular comfort food in Japan and is often enjoyed during cold weather. Oden is typically served in a bowl with the ingredients and broth, and it is commonly eaten with a dipping sauce called karashi, which is a spicy mustard.
The ingredients used in Oden vary, but typically include Daikon Radish, Tofu, Konnyaku (A gelatinous substance made from the root of the konjac plant. It has a chewy texture and absorbs the flavours of the broth.), fish cakes, and various other ingredients.
Inarizushi
Inarizushi is a traditional Japanese dish made of sushi rice stuffed inside seasoned aburaage, a thin deep-fried tofu pouch. The tofu pouch is typically simmered in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and sometimes dashi, imparting a sweet and savory flavor. The sushi rice absorbs these delicious flavors, creating a delightful taste combination. Inarizushi is often enjoyed as a portable and convenient snack or part of a bento lunch box. Its history can be traced back to the Edo period, making it a cherished and enduring aspect of Japanese cuisine, loved for its simplicity and delectable taste.
Japanese-Western
Chicken Karaage
Chicken Karaage is a popular Japanese fried chicken dish that boasts a crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy interior. Cubes or bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken are marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings, then coated with a light layer of potato starch or flour before deep-frying. The result is a delightful combination of umami flavors and a satisfying crunch.
Japanese Curry
Japanese curry, known as “kare” in Japan, is a beloved comfort food with a unique twist on traditional curries. It was introduced to Japan during the Meiji era and has since evolved into a popular dish. The curry sauce is rich, thick, and mildly spiced, made from a roux base combined with onions, carrots, and potatoes. Variations include adding meat, typically beef, pork, or chicken, and sometimes vegetables like peas or sweet potatoes. Japanese curry is commonly served over rice, and its sweet and savory flavors have widespread appeal, making it a staple in households, restaurants, and school cafeterias across Japan.
Katsu
Katsu refers to a popular Japanese dish that features breaded and deep-fried cutlets, typically made with pork (Tonkatsu) or chicken (Chicken Katsu). The preparation involves tenderizing the meat, coating it with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs, before frying until golden and crispy. The result is a delightful combination of a crunchy outer layer and a juicy, flavorful interior. Katsu is commonly served with shredded cabbage and accompanied by a tangy, savory sauce like Tonkatsu sauce or Bulldog sauce. Its delicious taste and satisfying texture have made Katsu a well-loved comfort food in Japan and beyond.
Omurice
Omurice is a popular Japanese dish that combines Western omelette and Japanese fried rice. It consists of fluffy seasoned rice stir-fried with vegetables, chicken, or ketchup-flavored sauce, then wrapped in a thin layer of egg omelette. The omelette-covered rice is usually topped with ketchup or a special demiglace sauce, creating a visually appealing presentation. Omurice is beloved for its comforting taste and playful appearance, appealing to both kids and adults alike. Its origins can be traced back to early 20th-century Japan and have since become a staple in Japanese cafes and home-cooked meals, capturing the essence of fusion cuisine.
Tempura
Tempura is a popular Japanese dish consisting of lightly battered and deep-fried seafood, vegetables, or even fruits. It traces its origins back to the 16th century when Portuguese traders introduced the frying technique to Japan. The batter, made with flour, water, and sometimes egg, results in a light, crispy texture. The key to excellent tempura lies in the precise timing and temperature control during frying to maintain its delicate taste and crispiness. Served with a dipping sauce called tentsuyu, tempura is a delightful, visually appealing dish loved both in Japan and around the world for its delectable flavor and crunchy texture.
Croquettes
Japanese croquettes, known as “korokke,” are popular and delicious deep-fried food items with a rich culinary history. Made from mashed potatoes, ground meat (commonly beef or pork), vegetables, and seasoning, they are coated with breadcrumbs before frying. Korokke can be found in various flavors like curry, shrimp, or cheese, catering to diverse tastes. Often served as appetizers, side dishes, or in bento boxes, they are enjoyed by people of all ages in Japan. Their crispy exterior and flavorful fillings make them a beloved comfort food, combining Western influences with Japanese culinary finesse.
Sweet Treats
Dango
Dango is a traditional Japanese sweet treat made from rice flour and typically served on skewers. These small, chewy dumplings come in various flavors and colors, often featuring red bean paste, soybean flour, or sesame coatings. Dango is a popular dessert during seasonal festivals, like Hanami (cherry blossom viewing), where it symbolizes the arrival of spring. The three common types of dango are mitarashi (soy sauce glaze), hanami (pink cherry blossom flavor), and kibi (millet flour). Its delightful taste and cultural significance have made dango a beloved and cherished delicacy both in Japan and internationally.
Taiyaki
Taiyaki is a delightful Japanese fish-shaped pastry, widely adored for its sweet and crispy exterior with a soft, cake-like interior. Traditionally filled with red bean paste (anko), it now offers a variety of fillings like custard, chocolate, cheese, or sweet potato. The name “taiyaki” translates to “baked sea bream” due to its fish-shaped mold. Originating in the Meiji era, taiyaki has become an iconic street food and dessert in Japan and has gained popularity worldwide. Whether enjoyed freshly made from food stalls or served in trendy cafes, taiyaki continues to enchant taste buds with its irresistible flavors and charming design.
Mochi
Mochi is a traditional Japanese treat made from glutinous rice, known as mochigome. The rice is first steamed and then pounded into a smooth, sticky, and elastic consistency. It is then shaped into various forms, including small round balls or rectangular cakes. Mochi is a versatile delicacy, enjoyed in different ways: sweet varieties filled with red bean paste, ice cream, or fruit; savory types used in soups like ozoni; and even grilled or coated with soy sauce and sugar. Often consumed during special occasions like New Year celebrations or festivals, mochi’s chewy texture and unique flavors have earned it popularity both in Japan and internationally.
We hope that this list has given you a taste for what foods can be found around Japan. Is there something on this list that you like the sound of? Or something on this list you don’t like the sound of? Well, you don’t know unless you try it. While some of these dishes may seem strange to some, these Japanese foods have been enjoyed for years. If you haven’t tried many of these foods, then your next trip to Japan is a perfect place to try out this beautiful cuisine.
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