TOP 8 Japanese Food

There Japanese cuisine is often considered one of the healthiest and most refined in the world. It is characterized by the subtlety of its flavors, the freshness of its ingredients and the visual harmony of the presentation. In this article, discover the 10 must-have Japanese dishes for lovers of gastronomy from the land of the rising sun.

1. Sushi: the art of raw fish and rice

Sushi is probably the most famous Japanese dish abroad. This dish consists of a small ball of rice vinegar topped with a slice of fish raw or seafood. There are many varieties of sushi, including nigiri, maki, and sashimi.

The ingredients used to prepare sushi are of the highest quality, especially the fish which must be extremely fresh. Rice is also a key element of this dish, and its preparation is an art in itself. Sushi is often served with sauce soy, wasabi (green horseradish paste) and gari (pickled ginger) to accompany and enhance the flavors.

2. Ramen: a bowl of noodles and flavors

THE ramen is a dish of noodles Japanese served in a broth generally made from meat pork and of miso ( fermented soybean paste ). It is topped with various ingredients such as pork slices, vegetables, seaweed and eggs.

Ramen is a hearty, comforting dish that is perfect for cold or rainy days. There are many regional variations of ramen in Japan, each with its own broth recipe and toppings. Ramen is a must-try when traveling to Japan, and it is also possible to enjoy it at specialty restaurants abroad.

3. Tempura: light and crispy frying

Tempura is a Japanese dish consisting of vegetables and seafood coated in a light and crispy batter. The ingredients are then plunged into very hot oil to be quickly cooked and browned.

Tempuras are usually served with a sauce light made with soy, mirin (sweet rice wine) and dashi (fish stock). This dish is appreciated for its lightness and crispiness, which highlight the flavor of the ingredients without masking them. Tempura is a delicate and refined dish, which can be enjoyed as a starter or main course.

4. Udon: thick and tasty noodles

Udon is a type of noodles Thick, chewy Japanese noodles made from wheat flour. They are usually served in a hot broth made from dashi, soy, and mirin, and topped with various ingredients such as green onions, eggs, and tempura.

Udon is a comforting and filling dish, loved for its chewy texture and umami flavor from the broth. There are also cold udon variations, served with soy sauce and crunchy vegetables. Whether summer or winter, udon is a staple of Japanese cuisine.

5. Shabu-shabu: a Japanese fondue

THE shabu shabu is a Japanese fondue-type dish, where thin slices of meat and some vegetables are immersed in a hot broth to be cooked quickly. The ingredients are then soaked in a sauce before being tasted.

Shabu-shabu is a friendly and interactive dish, ideal for sharing with friends or family. The ingredients are chosen for their freshness and quality, and the broth is used to enhance the flavors. The sauces, usually sesame or soy-based, add a touch of spiciness and deliciousness to the dish. Shabu-shabu is a unique culinary experience not to be missed during a stay in Japan.

6. Yakitoris: tasty skewers

Yakitoris are skewers of meat grilled, usually chicken, cooked on a barbecue. They are seasoned with a sauce made from soy, mirin and sugar, which caramelizes slightly during cooking.

Yakitori are loved for their rich, sweet-salty flavor and tender, juicy texture. They are often served alongside a bowl of rice or a beer at parties with friends. Yakitori are a simple and tasty dish that are easy to make and enjoy.

In short, Japanese cuisine is a true culinary and sensory experience, combining tradition and modernity, delicate flavors and varied textures. Each of these iconic dishes offers a unique discovery of Japan's gastronomic riches. Don't hesitate to try them on your next trip or prepare them at home for a meal with Japanese accents.

7. Donburi: a bowl of filling and tasty rice

THE donburi is a simple and popular Japanese dish consisting of a bowl of rice topped with various ingredients, such as fish, meat or vegetables. There are many varieties of donburi, each with its own combination of ingredients and sauces.

A popular example of donburi is the oyakodon (chicken and egg over rice), where pieces of chicken are cooked in a sauce made with soy, mirin and sugar, then mixed with beaten eggs and finally served over a bowl of hot rice. Donburi is a comforting and filling dish, perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner.

8. Tonkatsu: crispy breaded pork

THE tonkatsu is a Japanese dish consisting of slices of pork breaded and fried, served with a specific sauce made from soy, tomatoes, mustard and spices. This dish is appreciated for its crispy crust and tender, juicy meat inside.

Tonkatsu is often served with a rice bowl and a finely grated cabbage salad, which bring a touch of freshness and lightness to the dish. This dish is a staple of Japanese cuisine and can be enjoyed in specialty restaurants in Japan or abroad.

Conclusion

Japanese gastronomy is a true invitation to travel for the taste buds, offering a wide range of flavors, textures and colors. This list of iconic Japanese dishes is far from exhaustive, as Japan's culinary richness is great. Whether you are a food lover or simply curious to discover new taste experiences, do not hesitate to taste these typical dishes during your next trip to Japan or prepare them at home for a meal with Japanese accents.

Each of these dishes, whether sushi, ramen, tempura, udon, shabu-shabu, yakitori, donburi or tonkatsu, is a true embodiment of Japanese culinary art and its attention to detail, quality of ingredients and harmony of flavors. So, let yourself be tempted by tasting these best Japanese dishes and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Japanese cuisine.

FAQ

What is the number 1 Japanese food?

Sushi is considered the number 1 Japanese food.

What is "okonomiyaki"?

Okonomiyaki is a type of Japanese pancake made with flour batter, eggs, vegetables and sometimes meat or seafood.

What is the difference between ramen and udon?

Ramen is a dish made with thin noodles cooked in a salty and spicy broth while udon is a dish made with thicker noodles that is usually cooked with vegetables, eggs and seafood.

What is tempura?

Tempura is a popular Japanese dish consisting of pieces of vegetables or seafood fried in batter.

What is special about yakitori?

Yakitori is a dish consisting of pieces of chicken grilled on wooden sticks. It can also be accompanied by garlic, onions or other vegetables.