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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Okinawa
Taco Rice (タコライス)
Taco Rice is simple to prepare, making it a popular home-cooked meal, and it's also found on the menus of many restaurants and cafés across Japan. The dish's popularity has even spread beyond Japan, and you may find variations or interpr... -
Japan
Toasted Seaweed (海苔)
Discover the culinary delight of Nori in Japan! This edible seaweed toasted perfectly, adds a unique savory crunch to beloved dishes like sushi and rice balls. Dive into the rich history of nori, explore its cultural significance, and le... -
Iwate
Walnut tofu (胡桃豆腐)
A lot of dishes and sweets use walnuts, but did you know there are local dishes that use them too? In the Tohoku region, there's a special dish called walnut tofu. It lets you taste the natural flavor of walnuts, and the way you eat it i... -
Shiga
Red konjac (赤こんにゃく)
Red konjac not only provides a visual twist but may also offer a nuanced flavor profile. This culinary innovation reflects the diversity and creativity present in Japan's rich food culture, where traditional ingredients are often adapted... -
Aomori
Aomori Apple (青森りんご)
Apples are one of the fruits that Japanese people widely love. Aomori Prefecture is known as "Japan's best apple prefecture.'' Many believe it is the best in Japan for its quality and variety. But have you ever explored its charm in dept... -
Yamagata
Chrysanthemum dishes (菊料理)
Chrysanthemum dishes in Japan showcase the culinary use of chrysanthemum flowers. These dishes highlight edible chrysanthemums' visual and flavorful appeal, incorporating them into salads, tempura, hot pots, and beverages. Traditional pr... -
Shizuoka
Unagi pie (うなぎパイ)
Unagi Pie (うなぎパイ) is a beloved Japanese sweet pastry filled with a sweet and savory concoction. This treat gained popularity as a souvenir and cherished for its unique blend of flavors and crispy texture. In this article, we'll expl... -
Niigata
Izushi (飯ずし)
Izushi sushi is a regional specialty and a point of pride for both Niigata and Hokkaido. The use of local ingredients, including the distinctive soybean sheet wrap, reflects the unique culinary traditions of these areas. Trying Izushi su... -
Hokkaido
Ikasomen (イカそうめん)
Ikasomen is a refreshing and light dish, making it a popular choice for a summer meal in Japan. Combining the cold somen noodles and the tender squid is a delightful and cooling option during hot weather. Now, let’s get to know more abou... -
Hokkaido
Butter candy (バター飴)
Do you know the famous Hokkaido sweet "Butter Candy"? This is a simple candy made of a delicious buttery white candy sprinkled with powdered sugar that resembles powder snow. It has been loved as a standard souvenir from Hokkaido for a l...