Japanese food is more than just sushi and ramen—it’s a rich and diverse culinary experience shaped by centuries of tradition, regional specialties, and meticulous preparation. From the umami-packed flavors of miso soup to the crispy perfection of tempura, every dish tells a story of Japan’s deep connection to seasonality and craftsmanship. Whether you’re savoring fresh sashimi at a Tokyo fish market or enjoying a comforting bowl of udon in Kyoto, Japanese food offers a taste adventure like no other.
So get ready to get hungry, because we think you should try these famous Japanese foods where possible. If you are heading to Japan soon, these dishes must be on your “to-eat” list.
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.
Udon
Udon is a type of thick wheat noodle that originated in Japan. Udon noodles are typically served in a hot broth, often made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. Typical toppings can include green onions, tempura, sliced meat, and seaweed. Udon can also be enjoyed in cold, where the noodles are chilled and served with a dipping sauce.
Yakisoba
Yakisoba is a popular stir-fried noodle dish that translates to “fried 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.
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 both hot and cold, with some form of soup or dipping sauce. While often overlooked by most tourists, soba has a satisfying bounce and delicious taste.
Shabu-Shabu
Translating to “swish-swish” in Japanese, this communal meal centres around a bubbling pot of flavorful broth at the table’s centre. 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.
Fish & Seafood
Sushi
When it comes to Japanese food, perhaps none is more famous than Sushi. Sushi typically consists of vinegared rice combined with various ingredients such as raw or cooked seafood and vegetables. It is often paired 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.
Onigiri
Onigiri is a Japanese riceball, wrapped with a seaweed sheet, and filled typically with some sort of fish or protein. Onirigi are enjoyed by both locals and tourists, thanks to their convenience, variety of fillings, and low cost. Onigiri can be purchased from convenience stores, making them the perfect snack while out exploring.
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.
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.
Grilled & BBQ
Gyoza
Gyoza is a popular dumpling, typically filled with a 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.
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.
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.
Traditional
Natto
Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. It is produced by steaming soybeans and then fermenting them. 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.
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.
Inarizushi
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.
Japanese Curry
Japanese curry, known as “kare” in Japan, is a beloved comfort food with a unique twist on traditional curries. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. The three common types of dango are mitarashi (soy sauce glaze), hanami (pink cherry blossom flavor), and kibi (millet flour).
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.
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
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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