Buzz
When it comes to Japanese cuisine, nearly every traveler immediately thinks of the famous sushi, but this dish is just a tiny fraction of the diverse culinary landscape of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Japanese cuisine is not limited to sushi alone
Shojin Ryori
Shojin Ryori, also known as vegetarian cuisine, is a traditional Japanese dish developed from the dietary restrictions of Buddhist monks. Prohibited from harming living creatures, Buddhist monks devised their own diet devoid of meat and fish, consisting solely of vegetarian dishes. When staying overnight at a temple in Japan, you may be treated to a Shojin Ryori meal as a special part of the experience.
Oyakodon
Oyakodon is the beloved Japanese-style chicken rice dish, highly favored in Japan. According to the Japanese, this dish must be eaten hot to fully enjoy its delicious flavor. The most enticing aspect of the dish is the chicken, tender and juicy, soaked in a flavorful yet slightly spicy sauce.
Okonomiyaki
When delving into Japanese cuisine, travelers cannot overlook Okonomiyaki, often referred to as the 'Japanese pancake' – one of the traditional dishes of the Japanese people. Essentially, Okonomiyaki is prepared quite simply, with various ingredients mixed together and grilled on a large hot plate. This spontaneous cooking method partly explains the very special name of this dish. The name is derived from Okonomi – 'what you like' and yaki – 'grilled', hence Okonomiyaki is understood as 'grilled what you like', and the cook can freely customize the fillings according to personal preferences.
Kabocha chiffon cake
The Kabocha chiffon cake serves as a prime example of combining Japanese ingredients (locally grown vegetables, adzuki beans, tofu) and Western baking techniques to create an excellent product. This cake is quite popular in Kyoto, and tourists can indulge in it at Sarasa – a local restaurant chain specializing in international and Japanese cuisine.
Takoyaki
Takoyaki stands as a beloved street food in Japan. In Japanese, 'tako' means octopus, 'yaki' means grilled, and takoyaki is a type of octopus-filled grilled flour ball. Throughout the Land of the Rising Sun, you can spot the sight of piping hot takoyaki molds everywhere.
Wagashi Cake
When it comes to Japanese cuisine that embodies both cultural richness and artistic flair, Wagashi cake is an indispensable mention. This traditional seasonal Japanese sweet treat boasts delicate flavors, vibrant colors, showcasing harmony between aesthetic value and nutritional benefits. Moreover, Wagashi cakes symbolize hospitality, often presented during weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations in Japan.
Onigiri Rice Balls
Onigiri rice balls are a familiar and comforting dish for the Japanese. To make this dish, rice and ingredients such as tuna, salmon roe, or tuna eggs are placed on a hand-shaped platform. Seaweed or seaweed flakes are then used to wrap around. When enjoying this dish at a restaurant, travelers can opt for grilled onigiri, which offers a crispier texture and richer flavor.
By Traveltimes.vn
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourNovember 24, 2015
