Japanese people talk! 10 Japanese foods that foreigners should try at least once

For those of you who have become interested in Japan through travel, anime, and games. We, Japanese people, have carefully selected authentic Japanese foods that you should definitely try when you come to Japan!

It’s not just sushi and ramen, but please enjoy the depth of Japanese food culture.

Introduction: Why do we want you to experience “authentic Japanese food”?

Many Japanese foods are spreading overseas, but the “authentic taste” can only be experienced in Japan.
For Japanese people, food is a culture in itself, including not only the taste but also the beautiful appearance, eating manners, and seasonal feeling.
In this article, we will introduce 10 Japanese foods that we really want foreign tourists to experience!

Sushi

A representative Japanese dish loved all over the world. But the real thing is different!

“SUSHI” is a universal word. But the authentic sushi you eat at a Japanese sushi restaurant is something completely different.
The temperature of the rice, the freshness of the ingredients, the skill of the chef — everything is perfectly calculated.

We especially recommend the “omakase” style sushi served at the counter. You’ll be impressed by the surprisingly delicate flavor.

Tempura

Crispy and light. Experience the art of deep-frying!

Japanese tempura has a light and thin batter. Vegetables and seafood are deep-fried until crispy and served with matcha salt or tempura sauce.
We especially recommend specialty restaurants where you can eat freshly fried tempura at the counter.
The technique of bringing out the flavor of the ingredients themselves is truly the “art of deep-frying.”

Miso soup

Simple but profound. The “heart” of Japan, an indispensable part of the daily dining table

Miso soup is something that many Japanese people drink every morning since they were children.
The gentle flavor of the combination of dashi (bonito and kelp) and fermented miso permeates both the body and the soul.
Another interesting thing about miso soup is that each household uses different ingredients. Be sure to try it at your accommodation when you travel.

Onigiri

Very popular at convenience stores! Japanese soul food with a fun variety of fillings

Onigiri is a palm-sized triangular rice ball wrapped with ingredients such as pickled plum, salmon, kelp, and tuna mayonnaise.

Japanese convenience stores have an incredible variety of onigiri, and they’re cheap and delicious!

Perfect for breakfast or a snack. Also great for traveling.

Ramen

It’s so deep! You’ll be amazed by the different flavors and cultures in each region

Japanese ramen has a variety of soups, including miso, soy sauce, salt, and tonkotsu.

Each region has its own unique style, such as Sapporo, Hakata, and Kitakata.
Ramen, with a different story for each bowl, is one of the joys of traveling in Japan.

Takoyaki

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Osaka’s specialty is best enjoyed with friends and family.

Takoyaki, cooked on a hot iron plate while rotating, is a symbol of Japanese food stall culture!
The sight of the sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes dancing is also fun.
In Kansai, even households have takoyaki makers, and there is a culture of holding parties with friends and family.

Sukiyaki

A Japanese feast style, eaten with sweet and spicy sauce and raw egg.

Sukiyaki is made by simmering thinly sliced ​​beef and vegetables in a sweet and spicy sauce and dipping them in raw egg.
The experience of “eating meat with raw egg” is quite unique for foreigners.
It is also popular as a celebratory dish in Japanese homes.

Natto

People’s tastes may vary, but it’s a “healthy fermented food” that you should try at least once.

Natto is a food made by fermenting soybeans, and is characterized by its unique smell and sticky texture.

You may be surprised when you try it for the first time, but it is very nutritious and is a staple of Japanese breakfasts.

It’s a “challenge” for some, but we recommend it!

Grilled fish

Popular for breakfast too. Japan’s culture of heating brings out the umami of the ingredients.

Japanese grilled fish is generally simply grilled with just salt.

Mackerel, salmon, and horse mackerel are standard, and when eaten with rice and miso soup, it is perfectly balanced.

It is often served at Japanese breakfasts in hotels, and is a fresh experience for foreigners.

Japanese sweets

A uniquely Japanese “edible art” filled with beauty and seasonal feeling

Japanese sweets made with mochi, anko, agar, and other ingredients are delicate and beautiful in appearance and taste.
Sakura mochi in cherry blossom season, mizu yokan in summer, chestnut kinton in autumn — a culture of enjoying the seasons.

If you enjoy it with matcha, you will be able to experience Japanese culture with all five senses.

Column: Manners and trivia to enjoy Japanese food more

• Be careful with how you use chopsticks (don’t stab them into the rice)
• The Japanese way is not to put too much soy sauce on
• “Itadakimasu” and “Gochisousama” are expressions of gratitude for the food
• In some restaurants, you can take off your shoes before sitting down!

Summary: Japanese food is not just about taste. Enjoy the culture itself

Japanese food is not just “cooking”.

Each dish is filled with the Japanese spirit, nature, history, and seasons.

In addition to sightseeing, be sure to experience Japan through “food”!