Traditional 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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Japan
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... -
Japan
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... -
Japan
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... -
Japan
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... -
Ehime
Nabe yaki udon (鍋焼きうどん)
Nabe-yaki udon is a beloved Japanese dish that combines hearty udon noodles with a variety of fresh ingredients, all simmered to perfection in a steaming hot pot. This comforting meal is particularly popular during the colder months, off... -
Kanto
Oshiruko (お汁粉)
In this article, we will explore the history of oshiruko, its regional variations, and the modern techniques that continue to make it a cherished treat today. Join us as we delve deeper into this delicious dessert and discover why oshiru... -
Japan
Premium Japanese Christmas Cake Selections in 2024
Christmas in Japan, while not a traditional holiday, has become a widely celebrated occasion. It’s seen as a time for festive lights, gift-giving, and spending quality time with loved ones. One of the most iconic symbols of Christmas in ... -
Japan
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 ... -
Kagoshima
Tonjiru (豚汁)
The weather is getting colder and colder. One of the most popular foods to eat at such times is "tonjiru". The unique flavor and texture of pork, which is different from chicken or beef, creates a deliciousness not found in traditional J... -
Japan
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 ...