Japan offers a wide range of delicious foods, making the country a foodie paradise! When it comes to eating your way through Japan, you are in for a real treat. There is an abundance of different cuisines to try, and Japan, indeed masters fusion food; however, local Japanese food is the star of the show. Visit a bakery, street stall, or mom-and-pop shop for fantastic eats.
While sushi and ramen are famous across the globe, there are many other delicious Japanese dishes to choose from. However, even if you aren’t able to make the trip to Japan now. You can search for these items in your town and give them a try. Check out these five foods in Japan!
1. Takoyaki
Popularized in Osaka, takoyaki is a staple of street food stalls. These “octopus balls” quickly became popular across Japan and can now be found in restaurants and convenience stores.
Traditionally made with wheat flour batter and filled with octopus, pickled ginger, green onion, tempura bits, and topped with takoyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. Modern takoyaki boasts a wide variety of unique toppings and flavors. For instance, the first takoyaki I tried in Japan had BBQ sauce and potato salad on top. Keep your eye out for unique flavor combinations or seasonal specials!
2. Taiyaki
Taiyaki are a fish-shaped batter-fried dessert with a center filling; the taiyaki fish shape resembles the red sea bream (tai), which is said to be good luck. Traditionally these fish-shaped cakes were only filled with red bean paste. However, this sweet treat has spread across the world, resulting in many new variations. These days you can find various shapes, sizes, and fillings. How about trying taiyaki filled with ice cream? My favorite is a custard-filled taiyaki.
If you are a Pokemon lover, you can even find a Magikarp-shaped taiyaki in Akihabara!
3. Yakitori
Yakitori is another popular street food; chicken skewers cooked over a charcoal fire. Street stalls, food courts, or festivals offer yakitori in salty or sweet varieties. Stop into an izakaya to sit and enjoy a beer with your grilled chicken!
If you happen to attend a festival during your travels be on the lookout for this delicious grilled snack. If you aren’t craving chicken, look for other grilled meets, such as Yakiniku!
4. Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake-like dish with a wheat flour base and various ingredients, including cabbage, meat, and fish. Okonomi means “how you like,” and it’s up to you to customize your okonomiyaki!
It is common for Japanese dishes to have regional variations. Osaka style and Hiroshima style are two of the most common types of okonomiyaki. Osaka-style okonomiyaki mixes and fries the ingredients. Whereas, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki layers the ingredients. Additionally, the Hiroshima style incorporates yakisoba noodles and more cabbage than its Osaka counterpart. Okonomiyaki sauce rounds out the dish. Japanese mayonnaise, seaweed powder, and bonito flakes are other popular toppings. It truly is delicious comfort food!
Check out an Osaka-style okonomiyaki restaurant if you want to try your hand at the okonomiyaki cooking experience. Many of these restaurants offer the chance to cook your okonomiyaki.
5. Curry Rice
First introduced to Japan by British sailors from India, curry is one of the most popular dishes in Japan today. A choice of meat, onions, carrots, and potatoes are common ingredients in Japanese curry. The most common meat choices are beef, chicken, and pork. Katsu curry, topped with a deep-fried pork cutlet (tonkatsu), is incredibly delicious! Many curry-centric restaurant chains will offer a quick bite to eat; stop into one and give Japanese curry a try!
