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Japan Travel Tips

Dishes & Desserts

Japan's culinary landscape is one of delights, with a diverse array of dishes and desserts that reflect its rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit. From savory classics to sweet treats, Japanese cuisine captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression on every palate.

Staple Ingredients

Considered the cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, rice (Gohan) is a staple ingredient in almost every meal. Short-grain Japonica rice is the most commonly used variety, prized for its sticky texture and subtle sweetness. It serves as the base for dishes like sushi, rice bowls (donburi), and rice balls (onigiri).


Soy sauce (Shoyu) is a fundamental seasoning in Japanese cooking, adding depth of flavor and umami to a wide range of dishes. Made from fermented soybeans, wheat, salt, and koji mold, soy sauce is used in marinades, dipping sauces, soups, and stir-fries. Right next to it is Mirin, a sweet rice wine, that adds sweetness and depth of flavor. Often used in marinades, glazes, and sauces, and can also be added to soups and stews to enhance the overall flavor profile.


Dashi, a fundamental Japanese stock made from kombu (dried kelp) and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), along with other ingredients such as dried shiitake mushrooms or dried sardines, forms the base for many Japanese soups, sauces, and simmered dishes, imparting a rich umami flavor.


Miso, a fermented soybean paste, adds depth of flavor and complexity to a wide range of dishes. It comes in various colors and strengths, with white (shiro) miso, red (aka) miso, and mixed (awase) miso being the most common. Miso is used in soups, marinades, dressings, and as a seasoning for vegetables and meats.


Seaweed, including nori, wakame, and kombu, is a nutritious and versatile ingredient used in Japanese cuisine. Nori is dried and pressed into sheets, commonly used to wrap sushi or as a garnish for rice dishes. Wakame and kombu are varieties of kelp used in soups, salads, and stews to add umami flavor and texture.


Tofu, or bean curd, is a versatile and protein-rich ingredient made from soybeans. It comes in various textures, from soft silken tofu to firm tofu, and can be used in soups, stir-fries, salads, and desserts.

Ingredients

Tofu and some other staple Japanese ingredients

Japanese Favorites

Perhaps the most iconic Japanese dish is sushi. It features vinegared rice and various ingredients such as raw fish (sashimi), seafood, and vegetables, all expertly rolled or pressed into bite-sized pieces. Served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger, sushi comes in endless varieties, from traditional nigiri to creative rolls (maki). Another widely known dish is Ramen - a comforting and hearty noodle soup, that features wheat noodles served in a flavorful broth, typically made from pork, chicken, seafood, or vegetables. Toppings such as sliced pork (chashu), soft-boiled eggs, bamboo shoots, and nori seaweed add depth and texture to this beloved dish.


Tempura is lightly battered and deep-fried seafood, vegetables, or even tofu. The batter is crisp and airy, allowing the ingredients to shine through. It is often served with tentsuyu dipping sauce or grated daikon radish. It goes well with donburi or rice bowls, that feature a bed of steamed rice topped with various ingredients, such as thinly sliced beef (gyudon), breaded and fried pork cutlets (katsudon), or simmered fish and vegetables (oyakodon). These hearty and satisfying bowls are a staple of Japanese comfort food.

Katsudon

Katsudon - a rice bowl topped with pork cutlet

Street Food

Takoyaki - octopus balls that are made from a batter of flour, eggs, and dashi, filled with tender pieces of octopus, green onions, and pickled ginger. Cooked in a special takoyaki pan until golden and crispy on the outside, takoyaki are typically served piping hot, topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and dried seaweed.


Yakitori skewers are a quintessential Japanese street food, featuring bite-sized pieces of chicken or other meats skewered and grilled to perfection over charcoal. The skewers are typically brushed with a flavorful tare sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, imparting a rich and smoky flavor.


Another street favorite is Okonomiyaki. Often prepared on portable teppan grills, okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made from a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, mixed with various ingredients such as pork, seafood, and vegetables. Topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes, these savory pancakes are a comforting and satisfying street food option.


And lastly, let's not forget Onigiri! These portable rice balls are a convenient and satisfying snack enjoyed on the go. Made from seasoned sushi rice and often filled with savory ingredients such as grilled salmon, pickled plum (umeboshi), or seaweed (nori), onigiri are wrapped in nori seaweed for easy handling and are perfect for a quick and satisfying bite.

Takoyaki

Delicious takoyaki are served all over Japan

Desserts

Traditional Japanese sweets wagashi are known for their delicate beauty and subtle flavors. Made from ingredients like sweet bean paste (anko), rice flour, and agar-agar, wagashi come in various shapes and designs, often inspired by nature. Examples include colorful daifuku (soft mochi filled with sweet bean paste), yokan (firm jelly-like sweets), and intricate seasonal designs like cherry blossom-shaped sakura mochi.


Shaped like a fish (tai), taiyaki are crispy and fluffy cakes filled with sweet fillings such as red bean paste (anko), custard cream, or chocolate. These nostalgic treats are cooked on a griddle until golden brown and are often enjoyed warm for a comforting and satisfying dessert.


Matcha, finely ground green tea powder, is a beloved ingredient in Japanese desserts, prized for its vibrant color and earthy flavor. Matcha desserts range from traditional options like matcha-flavored wagashi and matcha mochi to modern creations like matcha-flavored ice cream, tiramisu, and cheesecake.


Mochi (chewy rice cakes) are a beloved Japanese dessert enjoyed in various forms. Traditional mochi is made from pounded glutinous rice and filled with sweet bean paste (anko) or other fillings like strawberries, chestnuts, or ice cream. Mochi is often enjoyed during special occasions and festivals, such as New Year's celebrations.

Taiyaki icecream

Taiyaki ice cream with sprinkles