{"id":2491,"date":"2023-10-28T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-28T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.weroad.com\/blog\/?p=2491"},"modified":"2026-03-19T12:01:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T12:01:16","slug":"food-in-japan-what-to-eat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.weroad.com\/blog\/food-in-japan-what-to-eat","title":{"rendered":"Food in Japan: what to eat"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Japan is foodie heaven! If you think Japanese cuisine<\/strong> extends as far as sushi and instant noodles, then think again. There are Japanese meals to suit every taste, from naturally vegan treats to spice-laden curries. Experimentation is the name of the game here, so many of the most popular Japanese dishes draw influence from other countries. Chefs put a unique local spin on favourites like burgers, curry and dim sum, creating something new, vibrant and totally delicious.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you’re planning a trip to Japan<\/a><\/strong>, one thing’s for sure \u2014 you’re bound to eat well. Grab your elasticated waist pants, get some practice wielding a pair of chopsticks, and do your best to work up an appetite. You’re about to discover one of the world’s finest gastronomic offerings…<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Sushi and sashimi<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Yes, it’s obvious \u2014 but sushi<\/strong> is the national food of Japan, so it needs to be at the top of our list. When you try freshly made sushi in a real Japanese restaurant<\/strong>, you’ll be blown away by its delicate flavour and succulent texture. Taste some of this famous food in Japan, and you’ll find that it’s truly a world away from the prepackaged supermarket sushi you can find in other countries.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Here’s a pro tip to get down with the local lingo: the word sushi actually refers to the rice, which is mixed with a specially seasoned vinegar to give it that unique tang. If you feel a little squeamish at the idea of raw fish, don’t worry. There are different types of sushi<\/strong> available. You’ll find sushi made with eggs, tofu, meat and other ingredients rather than salmon or tuna.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

On the other hand, if you can’t get enough of the slimy stuff, then go for sashimi<\/strong>. This word refers to the thin slices of raw fish that you’ll often find as part of a sushi platter. The Japanese take food hygiene very seriously, so the fish you eat will be extremely fresh. Enjoy it with just a hint of soy sauce<\/strong> or wasabi<\/strong>, but not too much. Overpowering the delicate flavour is a real culinary crime in Japan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"Hand<\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Noodles<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It would be a crime to leave Japan without indulging in some ramen. You might be more familiar with pot noodles, but we promise you’ll never look back after you try the real thing. Ramen<\/strong> is a serious business in Japan, with the finest restaurants charging a small fortune for their noodle bowls. Luckily for the budget traveller, you can also find delicious, flavour-packed bowls of noodles for less at stalls and restaurants across the country.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For a change from ramen, try Japanese noodle yakisoba<\/strong>. This is a stir-fried noodle dish, but it doesn’t have the fiery flavours of Pad Thai. Instead, it uses a carefully balanced sauce that blends sweet, savoury and umami-rich ingredients to create something that’s totally unique.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"A<\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Rice<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It’s no surprise that many of the best Japanese cuisine dishes use rice as a starting point. In fact, rice is an essential part<\/strong> of almost every meal. Locals eat it with chopsticks, which may sound scary \u2014 but it’s easier than you imagine. Unlike basmati<\/strong>, Japanese rice is supposed to be a little bit sticky, which helps you pick it up with your sticks.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Some of the most popular dishes are donburi bowls, which are basically rice bowls<\/strong>. The flavour-rich ingredients get piled on top of the rice, soaking it with sauce. Try oyakodon<\/strong>, a donburi bowl with chicken and eggs that’s the ultimate Japanese comfort food. Because it mixes chicken and egg, the name oyakodon literally means “parent and child” \u2014 best not to think too hard about that one!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

There are also some unusual rice dishes that you might want to try. Omurice<\/strong>, a popular everyday food in Japan, is a wafer-thin omelette wrapped around rice. The traditional seasoning? Ketchup! Yes, really. This family favourite is popular with young and old alike and puts a fresh spin on your favourite condiment. Alternatively, try ochazuke<\/strong>, a rice dish made with green tea that’s perfect on a cold day.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Japanese curry<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Japanese cuisine will never blow the taste buds out of your mouth, but there are some spicier dishes. If you’re used to Thai or Indian food, then Japanese curries may come as a surprise. They have just a hint of heat, with a spice blend that’s delicate rather than fiery.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Among the Japanese curry dishes<\/strong>, the most famous is katsu curry<\/strong>. In the West, chicken katsu is the best-known version, but tradition dictates that katsu should be made with a breaded pork chop. After being cooked, it is cut into strips and arranged on a bed of \u2014 you’ve guessed it \u2014 rice. The meat isn’t cooked in the katsu sauce. Instead, it’s poured over the top right before serving.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"A<\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Light bites<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Don’t have much of an appetite? Try a few smaller dishes. Food in Japan is always packed with flavour, so just a few bites should be enough to satisfy you. You probably already know about gyoza<\/strong>, the delicate dumplings that are popular across the country. These can be steamed or gently fried, and the filling might be meat, seafood, chicken or veggies. Another good choice for a light Japanese snack is yakitori<\/strong>, grilled chicken on a skewer. Generally, chicken thighs are used rather than the breast, as the darker meat has a richer flavour. It’s cut into small pieces before being threaded onto the skewer, making it easier to eat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For something a little different, try tofu agedashi<\/strong>. People in the West often cringe at the idea of tofu, but in Japan, it’s so much more than a bland, rubbery meat substitute. In agedashi, it’s deep-fried until the exterior is delightfully crisp, then served with an umami-packed sauce of dashi stock and aromatic seasoning. The textural difference between the crisp exterior and silky smooth interior makes each bite a revelation. You’ll never look at tofu the same way again!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"A<\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Japanese hot pot<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This is a country with extreme temperatures, so food in Japan can vary enormously between the seasons. When it’s cold outside, nothing hits the spot quite like a Japanese hot pot<\/strong>. Try heading out to a restaurant for a shabu shabu dinner. This dish is definitely not one for lazy diners, as you’ll have to cook it yourself<\/strong>. The waiter will bring you hot broth and a platter of thinly sliced meat and vegetables. It’s up to you to dip them into the broth just long enough to cook them to your liking. By the time you’re done, the broth itself will have taken on an even richer, more complex flavour.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you’ve never eaten shabu shabu<\/strong> before, take care. Never dump all the ingredients into the broth at once, as they won’t cook properly. Instead, go one piece at a time, quickly dipping, stirring and pulling it out. The ingredients are sliced wafer-thin, so they’ll cook in seconds when plunged into the hot liquid.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"A<\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Bento box<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In Japan, lunchboxes<\/strong> aren’t just for kids! A bento box<\/strong> is usually built around rice, with several different side dishes for you to mix and match. It may be as simple as fried chicken with a salad on the side. However, you can also find extremely fancy bento boxes with luxury ingredients<\/strong> like wagyu<\/strong> beef and Nobu black cod<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The festive season<\/strong> is one of the best times to try food in Japan. At the start of the new year, people indulge in a very special version of a bento box called osechi<\/strong>. The boxes themselves are usually made from beautifully lacquered wood and come in stacks. This is to symbolise the concept of piling up luck and happiness for the year ahead.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you’re lucky enough to visit Japan over New Year, then be sure to try an osechi box. The ingredients are carefully chosen, symbolising concepts like fertility, productivity and wealth. For example, they often include prawns, which are bent at the waist \u2014 that’s a symbol of a long life<\/strong>. Lotus root, with its many holes, is seen as a window of hope for the future. Of course, these ingredients are pretty tasty, too!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Japanese candy<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Traditionally, Japanese meals don’t end with a Western-style dessert. However, there are some great Japan sweets that visitors love, like Pocky<\/strong> sticks<\/strong>. You might also be surprised to see thousands of flavours of Kit-Kat<\/strong> for sale. The name “Kit-Kat” sounds like the Japanese term for luck<\/strong>, so it’s extremely popular here. In particular, people will often give children and teens Kit-Kats during exam season. Well, it’s easier than studying, right?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For something more traditional, try mochi<\/strong> (a popular food in Japan), a dessert made from pounded glutinous rice. It’s available in all kinds of flavours, from the extremely traditional to the ultra-modern. Flavours like green tea, matcha<\/strong> and red bean paste<\/strong> are favourites with the locals, but they may be a bit strange for a Western palate. To ease yourself into the world of mochi, start with chocolate, strawberry or mango mochi and then gradually work your way up to the other flavours. Though eaten all year round, it’s particularly popular during festivals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Visiting over Christmas<\/strong>? Don’t be surprised by the elaborate cake<\/strong>s in every shop window. Although Japan is not a Christian country, it has fully embraced the tradition of eating a delicious cake in mid-December. These are not the traditional marzipan-wrapped Western fruit cakes. Instead, the sky’s the limit when it comes to ingredients and presentation. Every year, bakeries and hotels compete to see who can make the most impressive and unusual Christmas cake.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"Mochi,<\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Is your mouth watering yet? It’s time to visit Japan!<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Was that enough to whet your appetite? Japanese cuisine is incredibly rich and complex<\/strong>, with regional specialities, unusual dishes and something for everyone. Although it’s popular all over the world, the only way to truly experience the real thing is by taking a trip to Japan<\/a>. If you’re a foodie at heart, it’s hard to imagine a better destination.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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FAQ: Your Guide to Eating in Japan<\/h2>\r\n
\r\nWhat are the absolute must-try foods in Japan?<\/strong><\/summary>\r\n

For a complete culinary experience, you should try to eat a variety of dishes. Some of the most essential foods include:<\/p>\r\n

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  • Sushi & Sashimi:<\/strong> Fresh, expertly prepared raw fish and vinegared rice.<\/li>\r\n
  • Ramen:<\/strong> A hearty noodle soup with a rich broth, a staple across the country.<\/li>\r\n
  • Tempura:<\/strong> Lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables.<\/li>\r\n
  • Yakitori:<\/strong> Grilled chicken skewers seasoned with salt or a sweet soy-based sauce.<\/li>\r\n
  • Okonomiyaki:<\/strong> A savory pancake filled with cabbage and various ingredients, often called “Japanese pizza”.<\/li>\r\n
  • Takoyaki:<\/strong> Ball-shaped snacks made of batter filled with diced octopus.<\/li>\r\n
  • Unagi no Kabayaki:<\/strong> Grilled freshwater eel glazed with a sweet barbecue sauce.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/details>
    \r\nWhat is sushi and what are the main types?<\/strong><\/summary>\r\n

    Sushi refers to any dish made with vinegared rice. While often associated with raw fish, it can include cooked seafood, vegetables, and other ingredients. The main types are:<\/p>\r\n

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    • Nigiri:<\/strong> A slice of topping (usually fish) served over a small mound of pressed sushi rice.<\/li>\r\n
    • Maki:<\/strong> Rice and fillings rolled inside a sheet of nori (seaweed). Thin rolls are called hosomaki<\/em> and thick rolls are futomaki<\/em>.<\/li>\r\n
    • Sashimi:<\/strong> Slices of fresh, high-quality raw fish or seafood served on its own, without rice.<\/li>\r\n
    • Temaki:<\/strong> A cone-shaped “hand roll” of nori filled with rice, fish, and vegetables.<\/li>\r\n
    • Chirashi:<\/strong> A bowl of sushi rice topped with a variety of scattered sashimi and garnishes.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/details>
      \r\nWhat is ramen and what are its main broth types?<\/strong><\/summary>\r\n

      Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup consisting of wheat noodles served in a flavorful broth, often topped with sliced pork (chashu), nori, menma, and scallions. The broth is the heart of the dish, and it’s typically categorized into four main types:<\/p>\r\n

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      • Shio (Salt):<\/strong> A light, clear broth seasoned with sea salt. It is the oldest type of ramen seasoning.<\/li>\r\n
      • Shoyu (Soy Sauce):<\/strong> A clear brown broth seasoned with Japanese soy sauce. It is savory and tangy.<\/li>\r\n
      • Miso:<\/strong> A broth seasoned with fermented soybean paste (miso), giving it a complex, nutty, and rich flavor. It originated in Hokkaido.<\/li>\r\n
      • Tonkotsu (Pork Bone):<\/strong> A rich, creamy, and opaque broth made by boiling pork bones for many hours.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/details>
        \r\nWhat is tempura?<\/strong><\/summary>\r\n

        Tempura is a dish where seafood (like shrimp and fish) and various vegetables are lightly coated in a special batter and deep-fried until perfectly crisp and golden. It is known for its light, non-greasy texture and is typically served with a dipping sauce called tentsuyu.<\/p>\r\n<\/details>

        \r\nWhat are okonomiyaki and takoyaki?<\/strong><\/summary>\r\n

        Both are popular savory dishes from the Osaka region.<\/p>\r\n

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        • Okonomiyaki:<\/strong> A grilled savory pancake made from a flour-based batter mixed with shredded cabbage, egg, and a choice of other ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables. It’s topped with a special sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.<\/li>\r\n
        • Takoyaki:<\/strong> A ball-shaped street food snack. It’s made from a wheat flour-based batter and cooked in a special molded pan. Each ball is filled with minced octopus, pickled ginger, and green onion.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/details>
          \r\nWhat is a traditional Japanese breakfast like?<\/strong><\/summary>\r\n

          A traditional Japanese breakfast (washoku<\/em>) is a savory and balanced meal, quite different from a Western breakfast. A typical set includes:<\/p>\r\n

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          • Steamed Rice:<\/strong> A staple of almost every Japanese meal.<\/li>\r\n
          • Miso Soup:<\/strong> A traditional soup made from dashi stock and miso paste.<\/li>\r\n
          • Grilled Fish (Yakizakana):<\/strong> Usually mackerel or salmon.<\/li>\r\n
          • Side Dishes (Kobachi):<\/strong> Such as pickled vegetables (tsukemono) and seasoned seaweed (nori).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/details>
            \r\nWhat are some popular Japanese sweets?<\/strong><\/summary>\r\n

            Japanese sweets, known as wagashi<\/em>, are often enjoyed with green tea and are less sugary than Western desserts. Popular types include:<\/p>\r\n

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            • Mochi:<\/strong> A chewy rice cake made from pounded glutinous rice. Daifuku<\/em> is a popular variety filled with sweet red bean paste.<\/li>\r\n
            • Dango:<\/strong> Sweet dumplings made from rice flour, often served on a skewer and covered with a sweet soy glaze.<\/li>\r\n
            • Dorayaki:<\/strong> Two small pancakes sandwiched together with a filling of sweet azuki red bean paste.<\/li>\r\n
            • Taiyaki:<\/strong> A fish-shaped cake filled with red bean paste, custard, or chocolate.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/details>
              \r\nIs it rude to slurp noodles in Japan?<\/strong><\/summary>\r\n

              No, quite the opposite. Slurping noodles, especially ramen, soba, and udon, is considered polite in Japan. It is seen as a way to show your enjoyment of the meal and also helps to cool down the hot noodles as you eat them.<\/p>\r\n<\/details>

              \r\nWhat are some traditional Japanese drinks?<\/strong><\/summary>\r\n

              Japan offers a wide range of unique beverages.<\/p>\r\n

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              • Sake:<\/strong> A well-known alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. It can be served hot or cold.<\/li>\r\n
              • Green Tea (Ryokucha):<\/strong> The most common drink in Japan, with many varieties like Sencha<\/em> (standard green tea) and Genmaicha<\/em> (green tea with roasted brown rice).<\/li>\r\n
              • Matcha:<\/strong> A finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves, traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony.<\/li>\r\n
              • Shochu:<\/strong> A distilled spirit that can be made from rice, barley, sweet potatoes, or other ingredients.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/details><\/section>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n