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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Hamaguri (蛤)
Hamaguri clams hold a special place in Japanese culture, combining culinary appeal with deep symbolic meaning. Known for their sweet, delicate flavor, these clams are a cherished ingredient in traditional dishes, especially during celebr... -
Kazunoko (数の子)
Kazunoko, or herring roe, is a cherished New Year’s delicacy in Japan with a deep cultural significance. Traditionally included in osechi, the special New Year’s meal, kazunoko has been enjoyed for generations as a symbol of good fortune... -
Kuwai (くわい)
Kuwai, commonly known as arrowhead, is a unique and versatile aquatic plant cherished in Japanese cuisine, especially during the New Year celebrations. In this article, we'll explore the fascinating history of Kuwai, its cultural signifi... -
Buri (鰤)
Buri (鰤), or yellowtail, is more than just a delicious fish; it's a significant part of Japan's culinary culture and traditions. Known as the "success fish," buri is often enjoyed during special occasions, particularly in New Year celeb... -
Tai no yakimono (鯛の焼き物)
Tai no yakimono is a traditional Japanese dish featuring grilled sea bream, a fish known for its delicate flavor and symbolic meaning. Often served during special occasions, it is not only a delicious meal but also a representation of go... -
Mikan (みかん)
If you asked the average Japanese person what the most familiar fruit was to them, they would undoubtedly immediately think of the mikan (mandarin orange). A family sits around a kotatsu (a traditional Japanese table ... -
Taraba crab (タラバガニ)
Taraba crab (タラバガニ), also known as red king crab, is one of Japan's most prized seafood delicacies, renowned for its massive size and rich, flavorful meat. Hailing from the cold waters of Hokkaido and the Sea of Okhotsk, this "king ... -
Sakura Shrimp (サクラエビ)
Sakura shrimp, a rare and delicate seafood, is a true gem of Japan’s Suruga Bay. Known for its unique flavor and vibrant pink color, it plays an important role in local cuisine and culture. In this article, we'll explore everything from ... -
Japanese Winter Food: Warming Dishes to Embrace the Cold
Picture yourself sipping a steaming bowl of ramen. Its rich broth warms your soul. You savor the tender noodles and flavorful toppings. Now imagine cozying up to a hot pot. You're surrounded by loved ones. Together, you dip various ingre... -
Shishamo Smelt (ししゃも)
Shishamo smelt (ししゃも) is a rare and beloved fish found exclusively in Japan, specifically along the Pacific coast of Hokkaido. Known for its unique cucumber-like scent and enjoyed whole during its peak autumn season, Shishamo is a cu...