Food in Japan is famous the world over for its freshness, variety, and use of seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re traveling to Japan or eating at a Japanese restaurant abroad, you might want to try some traditional Japanese food that you’ve never tried before. These five foods are considered some of the best traditional Japanese foods.
1) Okonomiyaki
The best-known traditional food in Japan, okonomiyaki is a savory dish made with cabbage, meat, seafood, and noodles. The word okonomi translates as how you like or what you like and that’s exactly what we do: how you like it cooked, how much cabbage to use (the standard amount is 3 tablespoons), and how many eggs.
2) Takoyaki
Invented in Japan in the 1930s, takoyaki is a traditional snack consisting of octopus pieces and spring onions inside a ball-shaped pancake. It’s lightly dusted with flour, topped with a sweet and savory sauce, mayonnaise, seaweed flakes (known as nori), dried bonito fish flakes (katsuobushi), and dried pickled ginger. Takoyaki can be eaten by street vendors – called yatai – at festivals or special events.
3) Nabe (hot pot)
A hot pot may not sound like traditional food, but it’s actually a big part of wintertime meals in Japan. Hot pots are best enjoyed with family and friends because they’re meant to be shared. If you don’t have anyone around to share your meal with, don’t let that stop you from trying one out at home; just do as the locals do and dine with strangers!
4) Sushi
Sushi consists of vinegared rice and other ingredients. Sushi has been a food that many people enjoy across Japan for centuries. It is now one of the most popular foods in western countries because of its great taste, unique appearance, and health benefits. With sushi being so popular, it’s important to try out all different types so you can figure out what you like best!
5) Ramen
Anyone who’s ever lived in Japan knows that Ramen is king. The instant noodle dish comes in a variety of styles, each packing its own distinct flavor punch. But even though there are loads of varieties—Shoyu, Shio, Miso, Tonkotsu—Ramen is still pretty simple: it’s noodles and soup. What makes a bowl of Ramen great is the quality of both components.
