15 Must Try Japanese Foods

Japanese cuisine has had a significant impact on Western countries over the past few decades, with traditional dishes such as sushi and noodles making their way into our everyday lives. With so many delicious, unique and interesting dishes on offer, we think everyone should sample these 15 must-try Japanese foods.

Sushi

When thinking of Japanese cuisine, sushi is likely to be one of the first things to pop into our minds. Sushi is known and enjoyed around the world after it began to be exported from Japan at the end of the 19century. While many people assume that sushi is synonymous with raw fish, the word ‘sushi’ actually refers to dishes made with Japanese rice that has been seasoned with rice vinegar. Check out our sushi guide to see all the different types!

These are one of the main types of noodles enjoyed in Japan. Unlike the very thin rice noodles, udon noodles are thicker and have a chewy texture. Udon noodles are versatile and can be stirred into a stir fry, added to meaty hot pots, or noodle soups. Noodle soups are probably the most common way these noodles are used and can be found topped with crispy tempura or fried tofu.

Fans of the show ‘Friends’ will be well aware of Unagi, after Ross mixes up this word for freshwater eel, with the word Zanshin, meaning a state of total awareness, arguing that it is Unagi that brings this state. We can confirm that unagi is definitely an eel, and the word ‘kabayaki’ refers to the way in which this dish is prepared and cooked. Firstly, fillets of eel are brushed with a sweet soy sauce-based reduction, before they are cooked on a grill.

In Britain, sandwiches or pasties have traditionally been taken as a lunch item on the go, and onigiri is Japan’s answer to the portable meal. Onigiri have been enjoyed in Japan for centuries, and are readily available for a very low price – typically the equivalent of around 80p each. They are balls of rice shaped into a triangle and often contain a filling. They are then partially wrapped in nori seaweed. Typical fillings for onigiri include teriyaki chicken, pickled plums or tuna mayonnaise.

Tamagoyaki

Meaning ‘cooked egg’, this Japanese omelette is so yummy and versatile that it can be enjoyed for all meals. Tamagoyaki is made by rolling up a few layers of cooked beaten egg, which is often seasoned with sugar and soy sauce. It can be eaten alone, or in the style of a nigiri sushi, where the tamagoyaki tops the rice. Typically, as the egg has a sweeter taste, tamagoyaki sushi is eaten as the last course.

Tofu

In the Western world, tofu is predominantly thought of as a meat-free alternative for vegetarians and vegans. Yet, in Japan, and other Southeast Asian countries, tofu is enjoyed by all, regardless of dietary requirements, and is even considered to be a traditional food. Otherwise known as bean curd, tofu is made from the curds of soy milk. Tofu can be eaten uncooked, fried in chunks, or boiled in soups or hot pots.

Sashimi

A slightly risky dish comes in the form of sashimi, which is simply slices of raw fish or meat, served in thin slices. Sashimi can be enjoyed alongside the soy sauce, pickled ginger and wasabi that it is typically served with. Unlike sushi, sashimi is never served with rice. To avoid the risk of illness from eating the raw ingredients, sashimi must be served as fresh as possible.

Tempura

Many people are fans of battered foods, and Japan shows no exception. Tempura are battered and deep-fried pieces of meat, fish or vegetables, which are enjoyed alone, or served atop a bowl of noodles or rice. Typically, smaller shellfish, such as prawns, are used to make tempura, with vegetables like green beans, pumpkin and sweet potato also used often.

Yakitori

Translating to ‘barbecued chicken’, it is fairly clear what yakitori is! Served on small skewers, these small chunks of chicken are seasoned with a sauce made from rice wine, sake, soy sauce and sugar. There are a number of different varieties of yakitori available; negima, which adds spring onion to the mix; momo, which uses chicken thigh; and tsukune, a meatball made from chicken.

Ramen

While ramen noodles are enjoyed in one form or another around the world, the authentic noodle dish is enjoyed as a noodle soup dish. Ramen is comprised of wheat noodles, ramen broth, and a range of toppings, such as meat slices, boiled egg, nori seaweed and spring onion. The broth is made using soy sauce, miso, salt and tonkotsu pork bone. Ramen is undeniably one of the most popular dishes in Japan.

Natto

Natto is the Marmite of Japanese cuisine. Made from fermenting soybeans, Natto has a particularly slimy, yet sticky texture, with a smell similar to mouldy cheese – it is clear to see why some hate it… Yet, many people also love this dish, appreciating its umami flavours and great nutritional value.

Soba Noodles

Soba noodles are made from buckwheat, and so are a little darker in colour than other types of noodle. It also impacts on the flavour, adding a slightly nutty taste to dishes, which works well with stronger ingredients such as sesame and garlic. Soba noodles can be served hot or cold, in soups or with vegetables.

Miso Soup

Miso is one of the most popular dishes in Japan. Made from miso paste, which is a traditional paste made from fermented soybeans, and dashi broth, the soup is often enjoyed as a side dish at any time of the day. Toppings are often added to the dish to enhance the already complex flavours of the dish. These could include items like tofu, spring onion or seaweed.

Gyoza

This half-moon shaped savoury dumpling is incredibly popular both in Japan and around the world. Filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pork, spring onion and mushroom, the gyoza are wrapped and crimped to achieve the iconic shape. One half of the dumpling is fried, giving it a crispy texture, before it is steamed for two minutes, allowing the inside to be cooked through, and the top of the wrapper to be smooth in texture.

Edamame

Edamame are undeveloped soybeans that are usually served still in their pod, with a little salt. Edamame are enjoyed in sushi bars and restaurants as an appetiser, or as a bar snack (like peanuts in the UK) in izakaya pubs. As they are high in calcium, protein and iron, edamame beans are also a healthy snack.

If you would like to try and make your own favourite Japanese dishes at home, then we have plenty of Japanese foods in the UK on offer online and instore!