Explore 5 irresistible winter dishes from Japan that will warm your soul!

During winter, the Japanese not only seek warmth through delicious, hot dishes but also cleverly combine seasonal ingredients to provide energy and nourishment, ensuring their bodies stay refreshed, healthy, and strong enough to endure the cold. Winter meals in Japan, such as noodles and hot pots, might seem simple, but their flavors are truly unique. While you may have tried these dishes in Vietnam, it’s only in Japan that you can experience their authentic taste.

The Land of the Rising Sun is renowned for its wide variety of noodles, enjoyed year-round. However, ramen noodles are particularly beloved in winter. If you look at the sales data from ramen shops and restaurants in Japan, you’ll see that business doubles or even triples during the colder months. The chewy yet tender noodles combined with a clear, subtly sweet broth make it an irresistible dish that you’ll want to keep eating. A hot bowl of ramen, packed with vegetables, meat, and seafood, will fuel you with energy on those chilly winter days.

Unlike other hot pots like Shabu Shabu or Sukiyaki, Oden hot pot stands out for its stew-like cooking method. It uses a dashi broth as the base and is accompanied by fish cakes, radish, pork, taro, and more, simmered for hours to create a delicate, sweet flavor. The ingredients in Oden are skewered, making it convenient to enjoy either on the spot or take it to go. These skewers paired with the Oden broth make for a perfect combination. During the fall and winter seasons, Oden hot pot is one of the best-selling dishes in Japan.

Made with wholesome ingredients such as mushrooms, seafood, or chicken, and featuring a crucial ingredient – vegetables, Zosui porridge is simmered in a rich broth, often made from hot pot stock. This creates a warm, flavorful, and highly nutritious dish. Whether for breakfast, a light snack, or when you’re feeling exhausted, Zosui gives you an energy boost and helps you feel revitalized.

You’ll likely be quite surprised when you encounter this dish. Roasted sweet potatoes are not only loved in Vietnam, but in Japan too, especially during the cold winter months. In Japan, they are also known as Yakiimo. It’s not difficult to find roadside stalls selling these hot, sweet-smelling roasted sweet potatoes. A simple, humble dish, yet unexpectedly enticing.

Osechi is a traditional meal enjoyed by the Japanese during the New Year, which falls in January according to the Western calendar. This dish is typically arranged in a special box with a variety of visually appealing dishes. It’s not just about enjoying the food; it’s also about experiencing the exquisite and meticulous nature of Japanese cuisine.

During your winter trip to Japan this year, be sure to indulge in as many delicious dishes as possible and share your experiences with Mytour. Don’t forget to contact our hotline at 1900 2083 for the most efficient and fast assistance in booking your flight to Japan.