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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Tokyo
Fukagawa Meshi (深川めし)
In each Japan region, there is a "local cuisine" that represents food culture of that region. Kiritanpo in Akita, miso katsu in Aichi City, Seri hot pot in Miyagi Prefecture ... and so on. Of course, even in the big city of Tokyo, there ... -
Tokyo
Shinagawa Meshi (品川めし)
Introduction Shinagawa-meshi is that memorable dish that will take tourists and locals on a culinary trip, leaving them with an unforgettable taste and a better grasp of Japanese traditions and culture. Even if it’s bought from a Japanes... -
Tokyo
Edomae Sushi (江戸前寿司)
Edomae sushi is the traditional cuisine in Japan, commonly known as the combination of cooked rice and fresh raw fish, season with vinegar. The cuisine is associated with a specific culture and set of cooking traditions and practices. Th... -
Okinawa
Soki Soba (ソーキそば)
What is the difference between Okinawa soba and Soki soba noodles? Before answering this question, we would like to introduce about Soki Soba, its feature and recipes. In addition, we will recommend some good restaurants to enjoy Soki So... -
Okinawa
Atsumeshi (あつめし)
Saiki City, which boasts the largest area in Kyushu, has many areas facing the sea, and the total length of the ria coast connecting Kamiura, Saiki, Tsurumi, Yonesuizu, and Kamae is about 260 km. Atsumeshi, a local dish rooted in these t... -
Kumamoto
Basashi (馬刺し)
Nowadays, horse meat is attracting attention for its high protein content, low fat, and ability to be eaten raw. Since ancient times, there have been several regions in Japan country where horse meat eating culture is thriving. Nowadays,... -
Nagasaki
Sasebo Burger (佐世保バーガー)
Burger? Sasebo burger! Who doesn’t like hamburger? Even though Japan is known for its mouth-watering ramen and smoky yakiniku, burgers are also extremely popular in the country! Yes. This country that is known to have both rice and noodl... -
Fukuoka
Mizutaki (水炊き)
Do you know Mizutaki, also known as Hakata's specialty? It is said to be one of the four major chicken hot pot in Japan, along with Tokyo's Gunji Nabe, Kyoto's Kashiwa Nabe, and Akita's Kiritampo, but many people may have heard the name ... -
Saga
Yobuko Ika (呼子イカ)
Facing the Genkai Sea with rough waves, Yobuko is a port town blessed with seafood. The freshly fried squid that has just been fried from the cage and cooked quickly is Yobuko's specialty. The sight of the fresh and transparent squid mea... -
Tokushima
Tokushima Ramen (徳島ラーメン)
Tokushima Ramen “徳島ラーメン”, a traditional Japanese food, gained popularity after its feature in the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum in 1999. People initially knew it as “Chinese Soba” or “Chuka Soba”. Naturally, its place of origin – Toku...