Japanese dishes have evolved over a period of time and the culture and tradition of the Japanese people has had a tremendous role to play. One of the most delicious cuisines of the world owes its splendor to the “rule of five”. But, what is this “rule of five”? The traditional Japanese cooking is based upon ‘Washoku’ wherein the equilibrium and the assortment of dishes are emphasized upon.
15 Japanese Dishes That You Must Try
The reality that a certain food item is tasty does not make it all that famous. The presentation of a food item is to be equally stressed upon. The Japanese have also perfected that. The food is presented in a manner, which looks artistic and is not only a pleasure for the tongue but also for the eyes. Here are 15 Japanese dishes you must try:
1. Sushi
If you’ve not heard of Sushi in your lifetime, then you might’ve been living on Mars your whole life. It is certainly one of the most renowned foods that find its origin from Japan. It is the most celebrated of the traditional dishes and is consumed all over the world for its delightful taste and artistic presentation. It is an ancient dish and it has originated from the process of preservation of fish in fermented rice. But, now the process has slightly changed. Nowadays, it is served with Vingerated rice and fresh fish. It is served in a number of ways and shapes.
2. Sashimi
This is another traditional cuisine but finds its origin way before the introduction of the Sushi. Before the people came with the technique of preservation of fish, they were consuming raw fish without the rice. But this food item is not just limited to the fish. The literal meaning of word ‘Sashimi’ means any food, which is cut in thinly, sliced fashion. So, you will find delicacies such as raw-beef, chicken and even horsemeat. But, it should be mentioned that fish and other kinds of seafood are the ones which enjoy the most popularity due to is ancient roots.
3. Tempura
The Japanese desire for flawlessness. And the quality has discovered its way into their food also. It is a dish made with battered and fried fish or seafood and likewise with vegetables. Yet, the extraordinary flavor of the food is acquired through the perfect style of cooking they stick to. They take exceptional consideration in guaranteeing that the batter is icy-cold and the frying pan is extremely hot. What does this bring about? Crisp-fried food to flawlessness. You can have a dipping sauce or seasoned salt to relish this dish.
4. Yakitori
Avoiding waste is a significant part of the Japanese culture and tradition. Yakitori is the dish, which pays homage to this tradition. It utilizes every part of the chicken flesh, the liver, heart and even the comb and is grilled on a skewer. Unlike other Japanese food, it is not that old, since eating meat was prohibited until the 17th Century.
5. Miso Soup
Soup is the part of any conventional meal of Japan. However, Miso soup tops the list with its cooking which is basic and the flavor which is a pleasure for the taste buds. The ingredient is ‘dashi’ which is either fish or kelp. There is tofu and sliced green onion and several seasonal vegetables and meats are added to deliver the traditional flavor.
6. Tsukemono Pickles
Do not be deceived by the term ‘pickle’ in the title. This preserved food has been consumed in the Japanese region for ages. It is made using a variety of ingredients like daikon radish and eggplant. Remember what we mentioned earlier about the visual appeal? This is what adds the aesthetic appearance to your food. And if that is not sufficient, it is a healthy food item to include in your meal.
7. Udon
The Japanese are also skilled in creating versatile cuisine. And Udon is a brilliant example. It is a noodle prepared from wheat flour. This dish enjoys great popularity among the people of Japan. This is due to its delicious flavor and the cost of this food is relatively low. However, the unique selling point lies in its versatility; it can be consumed hot or cold, with or without toppings.
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8. Buckwheat Noodles
Another one of the dishes, which has been consumed in the Japanese tradition for centuries, is Buckwheat Noodles. The dish is made with buckwheat flour and is very nutritious. It is another of the versatile foods that is served among the Japanese. Like the Udon, it can be served with hot broth or can be served chilled with a dipping sauce.
9. Hot Pot
This dish started to gather immense popularity in Japan after the ban on meat was lifted. The dish is cooked in one pot beef, vegetables and tofu, which are further cooked in a shallow cast iron pot. If you wish to enjoy the rich and incredible flavor of the Japanese wagyu beef, be sure to try the flavor on this.
10. Multi-Course Meal
Another one of the dishes that places precision and detail at the front and makes a presentation, which is a delight for the eyes and the tongue. But the catch here is that Multi-Course Meal is not just one dish but also a series of servings, which comprises small seasonally themed dishes. The origin of the Multi-Course Meal is also rooted to other traditional ceremonies of the Japanese tradition. The small servings were served with the tea during the tea ceremony, which is a big deal in the Japanese tradition. But then the cuisine started gaining popularity and is now a full-fledged meal.
11. Ramen
Ramen is another one of the well-known dishes, which is renowned all around the globe. The dish consists of wheat noodles, which is served with soy sauce or miso soup. The dish also contains a variety of components such as pork slices, seaweed, scallions, and egg. If you haven’t had the pleasure of trying it before, this will come as a surprise, as the dish possesses a taste that cannot be compared to anything else. The pork is cooked with such tenderness that it easily breaks when you touch it with your chopsticks. It is generally very satisfying and offers great value for your money.
12. Kare Raisu
When you combine simplicity with delightful taste, what you get is Kare Raisu. The most literal translation would be “curry Rice”. The dish incorporates a variety of vegetables and meats. The fundamental vegetables utilized are onions, carrots, and scallions with meats such as chicken, pork, beef, and occasionally duck.
13. Okonomiyaki
There are various dishes in the Japanese tradition, which allow modifications to be made. The fundamental composition consists of flour, yam, and egg. However, you can customize it and add ingredients such as onion, beef, shrimp, and many others. The dish is also a visual treat as in some restaurants in Japan; the chef will come to your table and prepare this dish right in front of your eyes.
14. Sukiyaki
Everybody enjoys a good boiling pot. Well, Japan has its own boiling pot. Many types of food ingredients are used to create this dish such as vegetables, tofu, and occasionally noodles. It involves a process and method of eating. You must take a piece of meat and submerge it in the boiling pot. Once it is cooked, you can enjoy the meat with some rice or simply dip it in delicious sauce. This makes for a fantastic and satisfying meal, particularly when shared with family.
15. Rice Ball
The list of food items would not be complete without mentioning Japan’s most popular snack. The rice balls are seasoned in various ways and filled with chicken, pork, and different flavors. This snack is extremely popular in Japan because it is portable and can be eaten on the go. Additionally, it is very affordable and readily available at most convenience stores in Japan.
Japanese dishes are achieved using five colors, black, white, red, yellow, and green, which are combined with five cooking techniques: raw preparation, grilling, steaming, boiling, and frying. These are further accompanied by five flavors: sweet, spicy, salty, sour, and bitter. Embark on a journey to Japan and savor the culinary delights mentioned above now.
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