5 Japanese Foods to Try in Autumn

The colder days are rolling in, and there’s nothing better than a toasty treat to warm your heart and stomach against the autumn chill!To welcome in the season, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite autumnal foods from Japan.If you want to explore the delicious world of Japanese cuisine further, be sure to check out our online Japanese supermarket.

Shinmai

The first rice harvest of the season is called shinmai or ‘new rice’. This rice is different from older harvests because fresh crops can have up to 20 per cent more moisture which gives a stickier, more succulent texture. The taste of shinmai also sets it apart from regular rice as it has a subtly sweet flavour and is considered by many to have a fresher aspect. Shinmai is often enjoyed on its own but can also be flavoured with sesame salt or a preserved-plum topping to add extra depth.

Persimmons

This Japanese fruit, also known as kaki, is a classic symbol of the season ; Japanese autumns wouldn’t quite be complete without persimmons! The bright orange fruits are naturally soft and sweet, making them the perfect delicacy to enjoy raw. They are also often used to make a tangy jam.Dried persimmons are another famous treat throughout Japan. Around this time of year, garlands of kaki strung up outside will become a common sight. Some say that dried persimmons have a cinnamon-like flavour, perfect for kicking off the autumn season!

Oden

Oden is a warming soup full of hearty ingredients . The soup base is made from a mild dashi broth and is used to infuse the variety of other additions with a subtle but classic flavour. This dish has plenty of opportunity for customisation as you will often be able to mix-and-match which ingredients you want to include in this traditional comfort dish. Popular oden ingredients include: • Radish• Konjac Jelly• Boiled Egg• Deep-Fried Tofu• Chicken Meatball • Cabbage RollsThere are so many options; you’re sure to find a delicious, warming combination to suit your tastes!

Yaki Imo

Another simple autumn favourite, yaki imo are roasted sweet potatoes and are famous across Japan as a seasonal snack. They are a street food staple and make for popular stalls at fall food festivals. Traditionally, they are slowly roasted over warm stones and served piping hot.The most common potatoes used for yaki imo have purple skin with white flesh that turns a toasty yellow when cooked.

Momiji Manju

For fans of something a little sweeter, this one might be for you!Perfect for autumn due to its maple-leaf shape, this tasty confection is made by wrapping adzuki bean jam in a honey-flavoured dough or batter. The small cake is sold as a famous souvenir on Miyajima Island at the Itsukushima Shrine. Although the adzuki bean jam is the most traditional filling, it can vary widely. Some of the most popular flavours include chocolate, green tea, custard cream, cream cheese, chestnut and koshian bean jam. If these Japanese autumn delicacies have inspired you, why not take a look at our range of authentic Asian snacks to help satisfy the cravings?