Local Food in Japan is based on fresh, local ingredients, with minimal processing, highlighting instead the natural flavors of the food. Fish, rice, noodles, and vegetables are some staples that make up the basis of most Japanese diets. Some popular traditional dishes include sushi, ramen, tempura, soba, tonkatsu and okonomiyaki.
Japanese cuisine emphasizes variety and balance. This is achieved through the use of five colors (black, white, red, yellow, and green), five cooking techniques (raw food, grilling, steaming, boiling, and frying), and five flavors (sweet, spicy, salty, sour, and bitter). These principles can be found even in a single meal of one soup and three sides paired with rice.
Sushi is one of the most famous foods to come from Japan. It originated from the process of preserving fish in fermented rice. Today it’s made with vinegared rice and fresh fish. Tempura is a dish of battered and fried fish or vegetables. Special care is given to the way the ingredients are cut as well as to the temperature of the batter (ice cold) and oil (very hot) for deep-frying.
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Beppu reimen (別府冷麺)
Beppu Reimen is a unique cold noodle dish that has become a local specialty of Beppu, a city famous for its hot springs. With its refreshing broth, chewy noodles, and distinct Korean influence, this dish offers a delicious contrast to th... -
Seseri (せせり)
Seseri is meat you can find around the neck of a chicken. It is popular for its firm and chewy texture and juicy, fatty taste, but it is actually a rare cut that locals obtained in very small quantities from a single chicken! In this art... -
Saiki sushi (佐伯寿司)
Saiki sushi (佐伯寿司) is a hidden gem in Japan’s sushi culture, offering a unique take on this beloved dish. Originating from Saiki City in Oita Prefecture, a region known for its rich fishing grounds, this sushi stands out for its thic... -
Marucho (マルチョウ)
Marucho is a beloved cut of offal in Japan, known for its rich, juicy flavor and satisfying texture. Often enjoyed in yakiniku restaurants, this fatty delicacy has a deep umami taste that keeps people coming back for more. Whether you're... -
Shiro ika (白いか)
Shiro Ika, or "white squid," is a prized seafood delicacy in Japan, known for its delicate sweetness and tender texture. Especially popular in regions like Tottori, this squid is enjoyed fresh as sashimi or expertly dried to enhance its ... -
Sankaku (サンカク)
In Japan, Sankaku (サンカク) is a term that holds special significance, especially in the world of wagyu beef and cuisine. Whether it refers to a premium beef cut known for its marbling or a shape that influences Japanese food culture. S... -
Asaduke (浅漬け)
Pickles play a crucial role as a light palate cleanser. Among them, lightly pickled vegetables stand out as the most popular because people can prepare them quickly and enjoy them like a salad. Asaduke involves soaking vegetables such as... -
Matsuba crab (松葉ガニ)
Matsuba crab is a prized delicacy in Japan, especially along the Sea of Japan coast. Known for its sweet and tender meat, it is a favorite during the winter months. Whether steamed, boiled, or served in hot pots, Matsuba crab offers a un... -
Furisode (ふりそで)
Furisode chicken may not be as well-known as other cuts, but its perfect balance of tenderness, juiciness, and rich flavor makes it a hidden gem worth trying. Whether grilled, fried, or cooked in a flavorful sauce, it offers a unique and... -
Shinsetsu nashi (新雪梨)
Shinsetsu Nashi is a unique and rare variety of Japanese pear known for its large size and refreshing flavor. Grown primarily in regions like Niigata, this pear stands out for its smooth, crunchy texture and mild sweetness. Its harvest s...