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When traveling to a new destination, besides visiting famous landmarks, trying the local cuisine, especially street food, is a major attraction for travelers. While Japan's street food may not be as renowned as that of other Asian countries like Thailand or Taiwan, it certainly offers a delightful experience for every visitor. Join Mytour as we uncover the 7 most distinctive dishes you must try.
Yakitori – Grilled Skewered Chicken
This is one of the most popular street foods in Japan. You can find it throughout the country, from street food stalls to traditional Japanese taverns. The allure of this dish lies in the marinated, tender, and sweet chicken pieces, skewered on bamboo or metal sticks, and grilled over hot charcoal. Additionally, a special sauce is used, which is the secret ingredient that makes Yakitori even more irresistible.
Yakitori, grilled skewered chicken, is one of Japan's famous street food dishes.
Okonomiyaki – Savory Pancake
Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake, is a popular street food in Japan, especially in Osaka and Hiroshima. The toppings and batter may vary slightly depending on the region. For example, Osaka's version includes ingredients like flour, eggs, sweet potatoes, meat, seafood, vegetables, and cheese. These ingredients are either mixed together or stacked on top of each other. This version is the most common and well-known of the dish.
Okonomiyaki is often referred to as the 'pizza of Japan' or the 'soul food of Osaka', highlighting the uniqueness and memorable nature of this dish.
Takoyaki – Japanese Grilled Octopus Balls
Inspired by a dish called Akashiyaki, Takoyaki was invented in 1935 by a street vendor from Osaka named Tomekichi Endo. This delicious treat is made primarily from flour dough, formed into small round balls with a diameter of 3-5 cm. The ingredients include octopus, pickled ginger, green onions, okonomiyaki sauce, dried bonito flakes, and Japanese mayonnaise, all mixed together to create a perfect filling.
Did you know that Osaka has a Takoyaki museum located just outside Universal Studios? This museum houses a collection of Takoyaki from five different restaurants.
Grilled octopus balls Takoyaki
Oden – A Traditional Japanese Dish
On a cold winter's day, nothing is more delightful than savoring a warm bowl of Oden. This dish is primarily made from daikon, hard-boiled eggs, radishes, sweet potato cakes, and processed fish cakes, all simmered together in a fragrant daishi broth with a soy sauce flavor. This comforting broth is perfect for winter and offers numerous health benefits.
Yaki Imo – Japanese Roasted Sweet Potato
This seemingly simple dish is actually a must-try culinary experience when visiting Japan. If you love roasted sweet potatoes in Vietnam, make sure to try Yaki Imo – the Japanese version of roasted sweet potato for a unique experience when you visit Japan.
Japanese sweet potatoes, known as Satsuma Imo, have purple skin and white flesh. However, when roasted, the flesh transforms into a vibrant golden yellow, making it incredibly enticing. On a chilly winter afternoon, stopping for a light snack of Yaki Imo offers a simple yet cozy and healthy treat.
Yaki Imo - A Simple Yet Tempting Dish
Ramen – The Iconic Japanese Noodle Dish
When it comes to noodle dishes in Japan, there are many varieties, but ramen stands out as the most iconic. This noodle dish is known for its rich and savory flavor. Traditionally, Japanese ramen is served with thinly sliced pork, dried seaweed, kamaboko (fish cake), and chopped green onions. What makes ramen so unique is its broth, made from either soy sauce or miso. You can find ramen at almost any street food stall across Japan, with Fukuoka being considered the birthplace of this beloved dish.
Taiyaki – The Famous Japanese Fish-Shaped Pastry
Among the many street foods in Japan, Taiyaki is undoubtedly a must-try. In Japanese, Taiyaki means grilled tai (red snapper), and true to its name, this pastry is molded into the shape of a fish, making it both cute and appetizing. The ingredients are simple—just flour and sweet red bean paste (azuki beans). The batter is poured into a special fish-shaped mold and grilled until golden brown, resulting in a delightful, sweet, and creamy treat. Nowadays, Taiyaki comes in a variety of flavors like chocolate, green tea, and cheese.
This is truly an irresistible snack for travelers who enjoy discovering the delicious world of Japanese street food.
While strolling through the winter streets of Japan, don't forget to treat yourself to a warm Taiyaki pastry.
Japan, known as the Land of the Rising Sun, is famous not only for its breathtaking natural scenery and impressive architectural wonders but also for its unique and memorable culinary culture. If you love Japan and are eager to explore this captivating country, don't miss the chance to book your flight tickets to Japan and make your dream come true.
Please contact the hotline 1900 2083 for Mytour's assistance in finding your ideal journey, choosing the best ticket prices, and securing a fast and efficient flight booking experience.
T. Sáu, 15/07/2022 15:24
