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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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... -
Komekami (コメカミ)
Komekami (コメカミ) may not be the most well-known cut of meat, but it holds a special place in Japanese cuisine. This flavorful and unique part of the pig or cow offers a satisfying texture and rich umami taste, making it a favorite in ... -
Okinawa oden (沖縄おでん)
Okinawa's warm climate allows it to be enjoyed year-round, not just in winter. The region boasts numerous oden specialty restaurants and izakayas dedicated to this dish. While its exact origins remain unclear, various theories suggest th... -
Hachinosu (ハチノス)
Hachinosu, a unique ingredient in Japanese cuisine, is valued for its texture and rich flavor. Often enjoyed in yakiniku or stews, it has a long history and remains a popular choice for those who appreciate offal dishes. From its role in... -
Rosu (ロース)
Rosu (ロース) is one of the most popular and flavorful meat cuts in Japan, known for its perfect balance of tenderness and rich umami. Whether used in crispy tonkatsu, sizzling yakiniku, or hearty sukiyaki, this cut brings out the best i... -
Hikado (ヒカド)
Hikado is a hearty and flavorful stew that reflects Nagasaki’s rich history of cultural exchange. Inspired by Portuguese cuisine and adapted with local ingredients, this dish evolved over time to suit Japanese tastes. With its gentle swe... -
Tarekatsu don (タレカツ丼)
Tarekatsu Don is a unique twist on the classic katsudon, featuring crispy pork cutlets drizzled with a sweet and savory soy-based sauce, all served over a bowl of rice. Unlike traditional katsudon, it doesn’t include eggs, making it a si... -
Sendai zouni (仙台雑煮)
One of the traditional local dishes of Miyagi Prefecture is "Sendai Zouni." Zouni is a dish eaten throughout Japan on New Year's Day, but its characteristics and flavors vary from region to region. This dish is no exception, and by using... -
Ezo deer cuisine (エゾシカ料理)
Ezo deer, native to Hokkaido, are a unique part of Japan’s natural and culinary landscape. Known for their lean, high-protein meat and rich flavor, they have been valued for both tradition and sustainability. Whether enjoyed as a grilled...