It also depends on budget. How much should be allocated when travelling in Japan? This is subjective to individual preferences and the currency exchange rate as well. Still, throughout Japan, there are common Japanese dishes in whichever part of the country. There can also be specific types of Japanese cuisine depending on the area (VIETNAMESE FOOD TO TRY).
Most cities offer the favourite and popular dishes, though the taste may vary. This is why people have preferences on which eatery to choose. Nevertheless, tasting and trying is the best food experience, rather than depending on other people’s opinions (BEST STREET FOOD IN SRI LANKA). Interestingly, there are always the top Japanese food or must-try food in Japan.
Sashimi
Sashimi
consists of fresh raw cuts and slices from Japan’s catch. Due to Japan’s
location, fresh seafood is categorised and even auctioned before making its way
to Japanese eateries. From sashimi platters to set meals, sashimi is known as
an anytime meal of the day, from breakfast to even supper.
Sashimi has
been recognised as a healthy and clean-eating meal throughout the world. Still,
as in most Japanese eateries, it depends on the types of sashimi offered and
which is preferred. Stunningly and appetizingly plated, yet simple, it is
served on plates or in bowls. Sometimes decorated with colourful flowers, it
comes with the customary must-have wasabi, shredded Japanese daikon (white
radish), and Japanese cucumber.
Japanese soy
sauce is usually already on the table. It is poured and mixed with the wasabi.
The seafood cuts are then dipped into the mixture. Japanese chilli flakes are
also kept on the table alongside the soy sauce.
The favourites and common sashimi cuts include salmon, as well as white and red tuna. Other options can range from squid and prawns to other seafood, which may include soft-shell crab. It is suited for those who prefer clean and low-calorie food, though it may not appeal to everyone. Freshness makes a major difference in taste.
Tempura
Tempura
consists of an assortment of vegetables and seafood that are crispy, crunchy,
and light on the outside. Fried just before serving, it is paired with a light
tempura sauce. These fried items are dipped into the sauce before being eaten.
Tempura may be served as just the fried pieces, or as part of a tempura set
meal with other accompaniments.
Not to be
confused with kushikatsu, another popular Japanese fried food served on
skewers, the batter for tempura is different. Tempura uses a very light batter,
typically made from flour, egg, and very cold water. Vegetarians who do not
consume eggs should check whether the batter contains egg and confirm with the
eatery.
Though it may
be hard to come by, some restaurants also provide DIY tempura. A pot of hot oil
sits at the centre of the table, with batter in a tall glass and an assortment
of vegetables and seafood. Each piece is poked with a skewer for easy frying in
the oil before being eaten.
Tempura is best eaten immediately; otherwise, it loses its crispiness. It is also part of street food in Japan, bought and eaten while walking, though dipping into the sauce can be a little tricky.
Japanese Egg
Dishes
Choices of
Japanese egg dishes can be overwhelming, making it tough to decide which to
try. Street food stalls or casual eateries may offer limited types, but eggs
still form a major part of Japanese meals. Sometimes served as starters or for
nibbling, they can also be spectacular at buffet breakfasts in mid-range or
high-end hotels.
Various types
range from humble hard-boiled eggs to half-boiled eggs, egg pancakes, scrambled
eggs, and rolled eggs stuffed with ingredients like bacon. Oh, not to forget the ever famed chawanmushi (Japanese steamed egg custard).
Even the humble boiled egg may be steamed instead of the standard cooking style. It is served in small cups with a dash of Japanese soy sauce already added. Soft, gooey, and velvety on the tastebuds, the egg dishes vary each day. The creativity of egg dishes in Japan must be applauded; it is truly spectacular.
Japanese
Noodles
When in Japan,
worth trying are ramen, udon, soba, yakisoba, and somen. Among these, the most
popular are ramen, udon, and soba. There are specific ramen eateries that serve
only ramen dishes, from soup to dry versions, sometimes offering 20 to 40
different types.
Vegetarian
ramen is also available, including options like Japanese vegetarian curry
ramen. Even food courts are not short of ramen, with various condiments and
toppings. Ramen noodles themselves come in different forms. From thin to thick,
straight, or slightly wavy, each giving a slightly
different texture when eaten.
Udon is thick,
soft Japanese wheat noodles with a smooth and slightly chewy texture. Usually
served in a light, clear broth made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, it can
also be eaten cold with a dipping sauce or stir-fried as yaki-udon. Toppings
range from soft-boiled eggs to seaweed. Udon is definitely the comfort food of
Japan.
Soba is similar
in preparation, with hot or cold serving options and various toppings. The main
difference is that soba is made mainly from buckwheat flour, giving it a
slightly nutty flavour and firm texture.
Whether ramen, udon, or soba is part of a casual meal or a full-course meal with other accompaniments, it’s worth tucking into these Japanese noodles when in Japan.
Japanese
Desserts
Bubble tea may
not have originated from Japan, but it is truly popular there. Choices are
endless in specific bubble tea outlets, with customizable flavours, tea types,
and toppings. Many shops even display mock drinks, making it easy to point and
choose.
Sometimes these
outlets, small roadside stalls, or even cafés also offer soft curl Japanese ice
cream, or soft-serve ice cream. It is one of the most popular types of ice
cream in Japan, loved for its creamy, smooth texture, light sweetness, and
visually appealing swirl. Other types, like scoop-style gelato or parfaits, are
also favourites.
The plain white
soft-serve is made from high-quality milk, cream, and sugar, with no eggs.
Flavoured varieties include matcha, black sesame, sakura, and seasonal fruits,
served in a crispy wafer cone or cup. Even in winter, soft-serve remains highly
in demand.
Another top
Japanese dessert is mochi.
Chewy rice cakes made from glutinous rice, often
filled with sweet red bean paste or ice cream. Soft and slightly sticky, mochi
also comes with other fillings, including the classic Japanese matcha.
Pre-packed mochi is common, for buying as souvenirs or eating anytime.
Other Japanese desserts include taiyaki, fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean, custard, or chocolate. Also popular are Japanese parfaits, layered desserts with ice cream, fruits, sauces, and sometimes cake or mochi.