The Ultimate Japan Foodie Guide: 9 Must-Try Dishes
Sushi may be the first thing you think of when you think of Japanese cuisine.
But as a person who’s eaten my way across Japan, I can say the country’s cuisine is as diverse as it is delicious.
Whether it’s savory street foods or refined kaiseki meals, Japan is a culinary adventure like none other.
Whether you’re a foodie or a less-experienced traveler seeking to try new flavours, you cannot get enough of Japan’s culinary offerings.
In this guide, I’ll be taking you on a gastronomical journey throughout Japan and will be introducing you to nine of the best Japanese foods for you to enjoy.
And these dishes extend beyond the familiar and provide a taste of many aspects of Japan’s rich culinary traditions, from regional specialties to inventive twists.
So, loosen your belt, mentally prepare your taste buds, and dive into the only Japan foodie guide you need.
1. Ramen (ラーメン)
Ramen is not just a bowl of noodles — it’s a cultural touchstone in Japan.
Of Chinese origin, we feel that the Japanese embraced and perfected this dish, with each region contributing its share of varieties.
But ramen, which can be found in countless regional variations, from the rich, pork-based tonkotsu ramen of Fukuoka to the lighter, soy sauce-flavored shoyu ramen of Tokyo, is an essential dish to try.
Why You Need to Try Ramen
> Different Flavors: There are many different types of ramen, each with its own unique flavor.
Whether you like the creamy richness of tonkotsu, the light and clear shio (salt) broth, or the bold flavor of miso, there’s a ramen for everyone’s palate.
> Cultural Experience: Eating ramen in Japan is an experience in of itself.
Ramen shops, called ramen-ya, are typically small, bustling joints with chefs working their magic in front of you.
> Regional Specialties: Each region in Japan has its own variation of ramen, making it a great food to eat as you travel across the country.
There are several types of ramen that are inextricably linked with specific cities, such as Sapporo’s miso ramen, Hakata’s tonkotsu ramen, and Kitakata’s shoyu ramen.
2. Sushi (寿司)
Sushi is possibly Japan’s best-known culinary product, but there’s nothing quite like having it at its source.
In Japan, sushi is an art form, with chefs spending years honing their craft.
From eating sushi at a fancy sushi-ya to dining at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, eating sushi in Japan should be on everyone’s food bucket list.
Why You Need to Try Sushi
> Quality of Ingredients: Fish and seafood have to be at their freshest, highest quality possible; in Japan, that means sourcing directly from local markets.
The rice, or shari, is also prepared carefully, with the right balance of vinegar, sugar, and salt.
> Range of Options: Sushi in Japan isn’t just a bunch of rolls and nigiri.
Sample different styles of nigiri or other sushi like Chirashi (sushi over rice), temaki (hand rolls) and edomae sushi, which is a traditional style that originated in the streets of the capital, Tokyo.
> Cultural Importance: Sushi is an integral part of Japanese culture, and eating sushi in Japan gives you a chance to savor the craftsmanship and tradition behind this cherished cuisine.
Rich in flavors and textures, from the precise preparation to the attentive presentation, it’s a culinary tradition that is both delicious and culturally enlightening.
3. Tempura (天ぷら)
Tempura is a Japanese dish made from seafood, vegetables, and occasionally meat that is covered in a crispy, delicate batter and fried to perfection.
Though tempura is enjoyed around the world, it’s in Japan that you’ll discover the most authentic and refined versions of the dish.
Why Tempura is a Must-Try
> The batter: The secret to good tempura is the batter, which should be light, airy, and crisp.
Japanese chefs know how to make tempura batter, leveraging cold water and barely mixing to get the texture down.
> Diverse Ingredients: Tempura offers a great variety, including fancier versions made with shrimp and fish, although just as often it’s made with seasonal hack vegetables like sweet potatoes, eggplant, and mushrooms.
All of the toppings are fried separately to bring out their distinct flavor.
>Tempura Styles: Tempura can be served in a few different ways in Japan.
It is commonly served with a julienne dipping sauce based on dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, or it can be made part of a larger meal, like tempura soba (tempura paired/served with buckwheat noodles) or tendon (tempura served over rice).
4. Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き)
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake consisting of batter made from flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage as well as a variety of other ingredients like meat, seafood, or vegetables..
Okonomiyaki translates to something along the lines of “grill what you like” and this is a very fitting description of this food.
It’s an emblematic comfort food of Japan, particularly in Osaka and Hiroshima.
The Appeal of Okonomiyaki
> Customize: One of the wonderful things about okonomiyaki is that it’s totally customizable.
You can also choose your own ingredients like pork, shrimp, cheese, or even mochi (rice cake).
> Interactive Dining: At many okonomiyaki restaurants, you’ll get to cook your own okonomiyaki on a hot griddle at your table.
Such an interactive dining experience also brings a fun and social aspect to the meal.
Regional variations: Okonomiyaki is prepared differently based on region — two of the most prominent styles are Osaka-style (where everything is blended) and Hiroshima-style (where ingredients are layered).
They are both delightful in their own way, so be sure to give them a go if you can.
5. Kaiseki (懐石料理)
Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner that emphasizes seasonal ingredients and cooking techniques.
Often described as the ultimate form of Japanese cuisine, kaiseki is an experience that’s as much about artistry and presentation as it is about flavor.
All the dishes play into the natural flavours of the ingredients used whilst also focusing on balance, harmony, and a true devotion to seasonality.
Why Kaiseki Is the Best Meal You Will Ever Eat
> Paeans to Presentation: Every dish in a kaiseki meal is artful.
The presentation is fussy, with an eye to color, texture, and arrangement.
Tableware and garnishes are selected to harmonize with the food and mirror the season.
> Seasonal ingredients: Kaiseki cooks lavish great care on ensuring the use of the freshest, seasonal ingredients, often as locally sourced as possible.
Then there are the seasonal ingredients — and lots of them — that make up a true reflection of the time of year and flavours that are ticking at their absolute peak.
> Culinary Techniques: Kaiseki highlights the various techniques of Japanese cooking, with each course demonstrating a different method of preparation, whether grilling or steaming or simmering or frying.
The menu is meticulously designed to ensure progression, balance, and harmony.
6. Takoyaki (たこ焼き)
Takoyaki (octopus balls) is a well known street food in Japan especially in Osaka since it originated there.
Cooked in a unique takoyaki pan, these bite-sized snacks are made from a batter containing diced octopus, green onions, tempura scraps, and pickled ginger.
The result is a crisp, deep brown crust with a soft, savory interior.
The Allure of Takoyaki — and What Makes It So Irresistible
> Flavorful Indulgence: Takoyaki offers a unique flavor experience, rich and savory from the octopus and batter combined with the acidity of pickled ginger.
They’re most commonly topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise and bonito flakes, giving them yet more layers of flavor.
> Ideal Street Food: Takoyaki is the model of Japanese street food — quick to prepare, convenient to eat, and impossibly delicious.
You can find takoyaki stalls everywhere at festivals, markets, and even these dedicated takoyaki restaurants where you can sit and watch these skilled chefs prepared them fresh.
Regional Specialty: Although you can find takoyaki throughout Japan, the most “real” and delicious tend to originate from Osaka.
Each takoyaki shop in Osaka has its own secret recipe and techniques, so they all differ slightly.
7. Sukiyaki (すき焼き)
Sukiyaki, a traditional Japanese hot pot dish, is best enjoyed with friends and family.
It’s cooked by simmering thin slices of beef, tofu, vegetables, and noodles in a sweet and savory broth of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin.
The ingredients are cooked tableside, with diners dipping each bite into a raw egg before the first bite.
Why Sukiyaki is a Must-Try
> Rich, Satisfying Flavors: Like the savory broth combined with the tender beef, sukiyaki is a comforting, hearty dish, especially in the cooler months.
The raw egg adds creaminess and body that makes it work with all the other components.
> An Interactive Meal: Like many Japanese dishes, sukiyaki is a communal meal that’s prepared and eaten at the table.
This makes for a fun and social dining experience and a delicious meal all at once, as you cook together with other participants.
> Traditional Experience: Sukiyaki is a dish that’s often eaten at special occasions and family gatherings in Japan.
To eat sukiyaki is to experience a traditional Japanese meal in a way that meets you both where you are and where you might want to go.
8. Unagi (うなぎ)
Unagi, or grilled eel, is a delicacy in Japan that is considered a summertime treat.
Usually, the eel is grilled with a sweet and savory soy-based sauce, called kabayaki, and served on a mound of rice.
Unagi is said to be a source of stamina and energy, and it’s a popular dish to consume on hot, humid days.
Unagi: The Timeless Culinary Wonder of Japan
> Rich Flavor: Unagi has a rich, buttery flavor that’s complemented with the sweet and savory kabayaki sauce.
Grilled eels come here with a crispy layer, while the color of meat will be white and much softer.
> Cultural Significance: People in Japan usually eat unagi on a day in summer called “Doyo no Ushi no Hi,” which is thought to help people get over the fatigue during the sizzling hot season.
This creates a cultural layer to unagi enjoyment.
> Luxury Food: In Japan, unagi is considered a premium ingredient often served in upscale restaurants.
An excellent unagi dish requires good eel and an experienced chef who knows how to grill it properly.
9. Mochi (餅)
Mochi is a traditional Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice that’s pounded into a tacky, chewy texture.
Mochi can take many forms, from sweet desserts stuffed with red bean paste or ice cream to savory variations, either in broths or grilled and glazed with soy sauce.
Why Mochi is a Must-Try
> Variety — Mohci odes in many different forms and flavors, making it a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Sweet mochi like daifuku (a sweet rice cake filled with red bean paste) or mochi ice cream are popular desserts, while savory mochi can be served grilled or as part of a soup.
> Cultural Significance: Mochi embodies strong cultural significance and is often used in traditional ceremonies and festivals that retain importance in Japanese culture.
One of the most well-known mochi-making traditions is mochitsuki, an event where families and communities get together to pound rice and make fresh mochi for the New Year.
> Different Texture: The chewy consistency of mochi is something entirely other, ensuring a novel and enjoyable eating experience.
Whether you’re sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy mochi or enjoying the crunchy outer crust of grilled mochi, the texture is a big part of what makes this treat so unique.
Conclusion
The Japanese food scene is vast and varied, with dishes that are sure to please every indulgence.
Japan’s food culture — from the rich, comforting flavors of ramen and sukiyaki to the delicate, artful presentation of kaiseki — is a feast for the senses.
As you make your way through Japan, be sure to savor these nine must-have dishes — these are more than just food, they are culinary experiences that will deepen your love for the country’s diverse culinary roots.
So, whether you’re a certified food geek or just beginning to dip your toes in Japanese cuisine, this guide will steer you through the country’s culinary offerings.
