Buzz
1. Sushi
Sushi, a traditional and distinctive Japanese dish, has become globally renowned. More than just a meal, it embodies Japanese culture, with its inception dating back approximately 1300 years. Today, sushi encompasses over a hundred variations, including Nigiri, Maki, Gunkan, and Temaki, all meticulously prepared. The common recipe involves Japanese rice mixed with vinegar and topped with ingredients like fresh seafood, fish roe, vegetables, and wasabi, making it the centerpiece of dining experiences.
2. Taiyaki
When thinking of Japanese cuisine, sushi, tea ceremonies, and eye-catching pastries come to mind. Among the top 5 street foods in Japan, Taiyaki is a beloved fish-shaped cake, deeply cherished across the 'Land of the Rising Sun'.
3. Takoyaki
Takoyaki, a famous Japanese street food, is a small, round delicacy with a dough made from flour and filled with ingredients like octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion, all flavored with butter. Cooked in a special pan until golden brown, it's topped with a sweet and savory sauce. Originating in 1935 from Akashiyaki inspiration, it initially flourished in the Kansai region, particularly Osaka, before spreading across Japan.
4. Mochi
Mochi is a traditional Japanese sweet rice cake, deeply ingrained in Japan's daily life and significant during festive and New Year celebrations. Originating in the Edo period in the mid-18th century, Mochi is crafted in three layers: an outer layer of meticulously selected and prepared sticky rice, a middle layer of sweet red bean paste, and typically an inner core of ice cream. Enjoying Mochi delivers an exquisite taste that can satisfy even the most discerning palates.
5. Dorayaki
Dorayaki, a traditional Japanese confection, resembles a filled pancake and is deeply embedded in Japan's culinary tradition. Originating from a legend involving a samurai named Benkei, its name and form were established by Ueno Usagiya in 1914. This beloved snack, often associated with the Doraemon manga series, has a sweet red bean paste filling between two honey-glazed cake layers. Its versatility allows for variations with sweet potato, green beans, or strawberries. Dorayaki enjoys popularity across Japan, available in many vendors and specialty stores, including a Doraemon dorayaki variant by Bunmeido.
6. Potato Croquette Korokke
Korokke, known as Japanese Croquette or Potato Croquette, originates from the Dutch Kroket and was introduced to Japan in the early 1990s. A beloved part of Japanese cuisine, Korokke is made from potatoes, beef, onions, and other ingredients, forming a popular and accessible dish. These patties, which can be beef (gyu) korokke or shrimp (ebi) korokke based on the ingredients, offer a crispy exterior and a rich, savory filling, enhanced by a hint of dairy like milk or whipping cream. Korokke can be enjoyed either deep-fried in traditional style or baked in an oven for a healthier option.
7. Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki, Osaka's famed street food, translates to 'grilled as you like,' earning it the nickname 'Japanese pizza' due to its customizable nature. Originating from different regions like Yoshokuyaki in Osaka, Issenyoshoku in Hiroshima, and Monjiyaki in Tokyo, each has a unique preparation method. Before WWII, Yoshokuyaki was a favorite in Osaka, involving grilling a flour and water mixture, then adding green onions and Tenkasu. Post-war, it evolved to include a mix of seafood and vegetables grilled with preferred ingredients. Hiroshima's Okonomiyaki is known for its layered ingredients, including cabbage, pork, and optional items like octopus and noodles, topped with Okonomiyaki sauce. Tokyo's Monjayaki is distinguished by its runnier batter, offering a different texture but an equally exquisite taste.
8. Udon Noodles
Udon Noodles, a staple of Japanese cuisine from Kagawa in Northeast Japan, stands alongside ramen and soba as a quintessential noodle dish. Udon's thick, chewy noodles are made from a blend of wheat flour, salt, and water, resulting in their distinctive opaque white appearance. Unlike the thinner strands of ramen, Udon noodles offer a heartier bite. Although recent innovations have brought new flavors to Udon broth, the traditional broth—praised for its rich, subtly sweet taste—remains popular, crafted from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi (a broth of fish, vegetables, and seaweed). Udon can be enjoyed hot or cold, catering to personal preference. Cold Udon is typically served with vegetables like cabbage and cucumber during the summer, while hot Udon is a winter favorite, often enriched with vinegar and a raw egg yolk.
9. Sashimi
Sashimi, a revered appetizer in formal Japanese dining, embodies the cultural sophistication of Japan through its preparation and presentation. Essentially, Sashimi refers to delicately sliced raw seafood, a tradition that places emphasis on the freshness and quality of the ingredients. Seen as a healthy choice rich in benefits for the brain and vision, Sashimi is often served at the beginning of a meal or as a main dish accompanied by rice and miso soup. Beyond seafood, Sashimi can also include horse meat (Basashi), chicken (Torisashi), liver (Rebasashi), and konjac jelly (Konyakusashi), showcasing the diversity and innovation within Japanese cuisine.
10. Ramen Noodles
Ramen Noodles are a celebrated dish in Japan, embodying a beloved tradition that even inspired a Ramen museum in Yokohama's historic district, showcasing its rich history and evolution. Ramen's distinctiveness lies in its wheat noodles, salt, and kansui (a type of alkaline mineral water), yielding an enticing deep yellow hue. The noodles may vary in shape—curly, straight, round, or square—depending on the region. The allure of Ramen primarily comes from its broth, meticulously simmered from pork or chicken bones for over ten hours to achieve a rich, flavorful base. Accompaniments such as thinly sliced pork, seaweed, egg, Japanese fish cake, corn, and cabbage further enhance its appeal. Ramen's widespread popularity ensures its availability throughout Japan, with regional variations like Tonkatsu Ramen from Kyushu and Miso Ramen from Hokkaido, each offering a unique taste experience.
