For many people, Japanese food is the sole reason that drives them to visit Japan, and understandably so! So what does Japanese food entail?
Sushi
Easily the most iconic of all Japanese foods is these little pieces of vinegared rice topped with raw fish known as sushi. Aesthetic presentation, engaging dining experience, and delicious and nutritious ingredients; it’s no wonder this dish has taken the world by storm. Japan is home to countless sushi restaurants from cheap eats like Kura and Sushiro to more luxurious restaurants such as Nigiri Chojiro and Matsuriya.
Ramen
Ramen is another one of Japan’s most iconic dishes, despite its simple concept, which is common in many countries – noodles and soup. However, what makes ramen special is the broth, which is made by simmering bones (either chicken or pork) for hours or even days to achieve a potent level of savory richness. Combined with chewy ramen noodles and topped with ingredients like chicken or pork slices, boiled egg, and spring onion, it’s a winner every season of the year! I recommend stores like Tenkaippin for rich and thick broths, while places like Moon & Back Ramen Bar offer a unique flame-torched Wagyu beef style instead.
Yakiniku
Yakiniku or “Japanese BBQ” is another concept evident in many cultures, that is, the simple grilling of meats on a flaming grill. There are countless yakiniku establishments all over Japan, with prices ranging as low as 1,500 yen to as high as 30,000 yen and beyond. What makes the Japanese version of this so enticing is the Wagyu beef used, which offers a more fatty, tender, and juicier taste than standard beef. In fact, the world of Japanese beef is so vast that they are graded from A1 to A5, the latter being the more premium cut. At least once in your life, I implore you to try the Rokkasen A5 Wagyu beef. Although it’s an expensive restaurant, you won’t forget the taste of that beef melting on your tongue!
Yakitori
One of my all-time favorite restaurants in Japan is a chain known as Torikizoku. A simple concept of grilled chicken skewers which you order from a tablet, it’s an amazing way to get your protein fix in the most mouthwatering of ways. These pieces of chicken are marinated and spiced up with sweet and savory flavors, and coupled with large cuts of Japanese spring onions for an accompanying crunch! Yakitori tends to be on the more affordable side of the price spectrum, and you’ll often find them in izakaya-style establishments.
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake dish made with egg, flour, cabbage, meat, and in some cases yakisoba fried noodles too. It’s topped with delicious sweet and savory sauces like teriyaki and mayo, and garnished with spring onions for an extra crunch. Okonomiyaki varies by region, with most using the Osakan recipe, which does not include the noodles and mixes all ingredients together like a cake. The more traditional Hiroshima variant of okonomiyaki uses a layered design where the ingredients are separated, and of course includes the noodles too. All I can say is if you have the chance to try both styles, please do! I still can’t decide which is the superior okonomiyaki, but all I know is they’re both mouthwateringly delicious!
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!