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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Hokkaido
Ishikari Nabe (石狩鍋)
INTRODUCTION TO ISHIKARI NABE Now we have an entry of another Nabe! Ishikari Nabe is one of the most favorite comfort food in Japan as it gives you lots of nutrients and of course not to mention the overload ingredients. Ishikari Nabe is... -
Hiroshima
Nikujaga (肉じゃが)
Introduction to Nikujaga Nikujaga (肉じゃが) is a traditional Japanese food in which the meat, potatoes, and onion are stewed in a sweetened soy sauce and mirin. Locals made this dish by frying meat, potatoes, onions, konnyaku, etc., and... -
Yamagata
Sakata Ramen (酒田ラーメン)
Yamagata Prefecture is the ramen kingdom with Japan largest ramen consumption. The number of stores per capita is also the fiercest battleground in Japan. Most of the residents of the prefecture love ramen so much that it can be said tha... -
Japan
Yakitori (やきとり)
Yakitori (やきとり) is a traditional food in Japan that consists of a bite-sized chicken stab on a skewer and grill on an open fire. When it comes to chicken on a stick, the Japanese have their own best version of what locals call Yakito... -
Tokyo
Gyukatsu (牛かつ)
Gyukatsu, also known as beef cutlet or 牛かつ in Japanese, is a traditional dish that features a deep-fried cutlet made with wagyu beef. The beef is seasoned, coated in breadcrumbs, and then fried until it becomes crispy. Similar to Tonk... -
Iwate
Wanko Soba (わんこそば)
Prepare for an extraordinary culinary journey through the captivating region of Iwate, Tohoku, as we delve into the fascinating world of Wanko Soba. Get ready to be amazed by this beloved local specialty, where soba noodles take center s... -
Hyougo
Akashiyaki (明石焼き)
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the mouthwatering allure of Akashiyaki, an irresistible delicacy hailing from the vibrant region of Hyougo in Kansai, Japan. Picture this: tender octopus pieces enveloped in a delectable batter, ... -
Wakayama
Goma Tofu (胡麻豆腐)
Introduction to Goma Tofu Goma Tofu or Sesame Tofu is a traditional food in Japan. Although it has the name tofu, it is different from tofu made from soybeans. Goma tofu consists of sesame and using kudzu to make kudzu powder. Loca... -
Oosaka
Kansai Style Okonomiyaki (関西風お好み焼き)
Introduction to Kansai Style Okonomiyaki Kansai style okonomiyaki or also Osaka-style okonomiyaki is a Japanese traditional food in Osaka prefecture in the Kansai region. It is a predominant version of the dish, found throughout most of ... -
Niigata
Sasa Dango (笹団子)
INTRODUCTION TO SASA DANGO We have other Japanese sweets on the list, Sasa Dango! What is Sasa Dango? It is a type of Wagashi or Japanese confectionery and a specialty of Niigata prefecture. Sasa dango is a dark green with a flavor of mu...