Discover a variety of enticing Japanese specialties, from sushi to dorayaki, offering authentic flavors and traditional Japanese delights.
Japan, a country with rich culture and traditions, is also known for its delicious culinary delights. Japanese food is not only famous for its simplicity, but also for its beautiful presentation and unique combination of flavors.
From rice-based dishes, noodles, to fresh seafood, Japanese cuisine has become a favorite all over the world, including Indonesia.
For those of you who are planning to visit Japan or just want to know more about its food, here are 10 Typical Japanese Foods that you must try.
1. Sushi
Sushi is one of the most famous and iconic Japanese foods. Made from rice seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and salt, sushi comes in a variety of styles, from rolls wrapped in nori (seaweed) to fresh fish slices on rice.
Some popular sushi types include nigiri, maki, and temaki. Sushi is often served with ingredients such as salmon, tuna, eel, and vegetables such as cucumber. This food is often considered a symbol of luxury and refinement of taste in Japanese cuisine.
2. Ramen
Ramen is a Japanese noodle dish served with a rich broth. Ramen has four main broth variants: shoyu (soy sauce), shio (salt), miso (fermented soybean paste), and tonkotsu (pork bone broth).
Ramen noodles themselves have a chewy texture and are usually served with additional slices of meat, soft-boiled eggs, green onions, and nori.
Ramen is very popular because of its rich taste and can be found in many places in Japan, from small shops to fancy restaurants. In Indonesia, instant ramen is also a choice for many people because of its affordable price.
3. Takoyaki
Takoyaki is a popular Japanese snack, especially in the city of Osaka. Takoyaki is shaped like small balls made from flour dough, with the main filling being pieces of octopus (takoyaki) cooked with other ingredients such as spring onions and ginger.
Takoyaki is cooked using a special tool in the form of a round mold, then served with a sprinkling of bonito flakes, takoyaki sauce, and mayonnaise.
Its savory taste, soft inside, and crispy outside make takoyaki a favorite snack that is widely sold on the roadside, festivals, and night markets.
4. Onigiri
Onigiri or rice balls are a practical food that is often served as a provision or light snack in Japan. Warm rice is formed into balls or triangles, with various fillings such as salmon, tuna mayo, or pickled plums (umeboshi).
After that, onigiri is wrapped in nori (dried seaweed) to give it a savory taste and different texture. This food is very popular because it is practical and easy to carry, and provides enough energy for daily activities.
5. My Yakiniku
Yakiniku is a Japanese dish consisting of small pieces of meat, usually beef, grilled over charcoal or a grill. The meat is served with a typical Japanese yakiniku sauce made from a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
Yakiniku is often served with white rice and vegetables such as mushrooms, peppers, and onions. Unlike satay which uses small skewers, yakiniku uses larger pieces of meat and is often enjoyed with friends or family in a relaxed atmosphere.
6. Sashimi
Sashimi is a Japanese dish consisting of fresh fish or other seafood served raw without rice. The fish used for sashimi are usually tuna, salmon, or even eel. Sashimi is served with soy sauce, wasabi, and sliced green onions.
Although it looks simple, sashimi relies on very high quality ingredients, because the fish used must be fresh and safe to eat raw. Some types of sashimi are also made from poisonous fish, but the processing is done by trained licensed chefs.
7. Shabu-shabu
Shabu-shabu is a Japanese dish that involves cooking thin slices of meat dipped in a pot of boiling broth. Typically, beef is used for shabu-shabu, but sometimes chicken, fish, or octopus can also be used.
Vegetables and mushrooms are also added to the boiling stock pot. This dish is served with a sauce made from sesame (gomadare) or spicy soy sauce.
Shabu-shabu is very popular in Japanese restaurants that emphasize a communal dining experience, where diners can cook their own food at the table.
8. Mochi
Mochi is a Japanese dessert made from glutinous rice flour that is crushed into a chewy, sticky paste. Mochi is usually formed into small or round balls and is often filled with sweet red bean paste (anko).
Mochi can also be filled with ice cream, chocolate, or a variety of other fillings. Mochi is often eaten on special occasions in Japan, such as New Year’s celebrations or the Mochi Festival.
Its chewy and sweet taste makes mochi a popular snack in various parts of the world.
9. Udon
Udon is a typical Japanese noodle made from wheat flour and is larger in size than ramen. Udon has a chewy and dense texture, which makes it very filling.
These noodles are usually served with a dashi-based broth, and are often topped with toppings such as tempura, egg, or spring onions.
Udon can be eaten in a variety of ways, either with warm broth in the winter or cold with dipping sauce in the summer. Some popular udon variations include curry udon and udon with kakiage (vegetable tempura).
10. Dorayaki
Dorayaki is a famous Japanese cake, especially thanks to the popularity of the cartoon character Doraemon. Dorayaki consists of two soft pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste.
However, nowadays there are various variations of dorayaki with more diverse fillings, such as chocolate, cheese, or even cream.
Dorayaki is often served as an everyday snack in Japan and is very popular among children. Its sweet taste and soft texture make dorayaki a favorite dessert in Japan and other countries.
Not only is Japanese cuisine delicious, it also reflects a culinary philosophy that emphasizes simplicity and freshness of ingredients.
From elegant sushi to sweet dorayaki, each dish offers a unique taste that is hard to find anywhere else, making it the perfect opportunity to also shop for Typical Japanese Souvenirs to take home.
If you are curious about trying Japanese cuisine, be sure to try these 10 iconic dishes and experience the authentic sensation of captivating Japanese cuisine.
