JAPANESE FOOD GUIDE: MUST-TRY DISHES

Japan is amazing. Fact. It’s unique and rich in culture and history. There’s no better way to enjoy it than trying their incredible cuisine. Japan’s cuisine is extremely diverse, incorporating many influences from around the globe. It also uses a variety of amazing cooking techniques. The Japanese have a long history of being able to use all resources, which is why you will find common ingredients like white rice and fresh seafood in many dishes. Continue reading to learn more about Japanese cuisine and the 10 must-try Japanese dishes.

SUSHI

Sushi is most likely the first thing you think about when you think of Japanese food. Why wouldn’t they? Sushi is one of Japan’s most well-known dishes. But it is more than just raw fish. Sushi was originally developed thousands of years ago to preserve fish using fermented rice. Sushi evolved into the delicious delight we love today. It is now available in many varieties to suit every taste and dietary need. You can’t visit Japan without experiencing authentic Sushi. We offer two classes on Sushi cooking, one for 10 and one for 14. Here you will learn everything you need to know about Sushi making and get to sample every dish you make!

YAKITORI

Yakitori, a Japanese street food dish that involves chicken being skewered and then grilled on charcoal, is very popular. Since meat consumption was considered distasteful in Buddhism, yakitori was only recently introduced to Japanese cuisine. It’s now popular street food, especially around train stations, where people in business can enjoy a quick snack before their return journey.

The famous “piss alley” (also known as Omoide Yokocho) is a must-see next time in Tokyo. The famous spot was originally an illegal drinking area where people would go to get cheap alcohol and yakitori. It is small, and most restaurants offer street food only. There are no toilets or seating areas. You can guess why it got its name. There are now some seating and restrooms. Don’t be shy to stop by Shinjuku to try some yakitori or soak up some of Tokyo’s culture.

TEMPURA

Do you want something crispy? Tempura might be the right choice for you. Tempura is a dish that involves frying meats, fish, and vegetables in a thin batter. The key to great tempura is preparation. The batter must be nearly ice-cold, and the oil must heat up. Portuguese settlers in Nagasaki used a similar method to make patties to introduce this technique to Japan in the 16th century. Tempura can be served with different condiments depending upon where it is located. In Osaka and Kyoto, the dish is served with flavoured salt, while in Tokyo, it is often served with a dipping sauce.

WAGYU BEEF

Wagyu beef is a key ingredient in any guide to Japanese cuisine. Wagyu can refer to any one of four types of Japanese beef. To keep it simple, it means “Japanese cattle”. The highly marbled nature and flavour of Wagyu beef make it easy to identify. Because of the cattle’s genetic makeup, there is more intramuscular fat in Wagyu beef than in standard beef cattle. This is why the marble effect exists. Because of its high level of marbling, the beef is more flavorful and juicier than standard beef cattle. This is why it has been called the best and most expensive beef globally. There are four types of Japanese Black, Polled Brown, Brown, and Shorthorn.

Hida beef and Kobe beef are two of the most well-known Wagyu beef varieties. Hida beef refers to beef from Japanese Black cattle raised in the Gifu prefecture for a minimum of 14 months. You can try it in Takayama, but you should also have the opportunity to sample it in other forms. We recommend that you try it in a beef bun. Kobe beef, a special Japanese Black cattle breed, is raised in strict conditions in Hyogo.

NOODLES

Japan is the place to go if you like noodles! Soba noodles are a popular Japanese type of noodle. Soba is a buckwheat flour that was used to make the noodles. It can be served with hot soup or chilled with dipping sauces. Soba noodles gained popularity in Tokyo after discovering that they are rich in vitamin B1, a vital vitamin for people who eat mainly white rice. This led to them becoming sick from 1600-to 1800.

Ramen is another option that you may have heard of. This is a Japanese noodle soup that means ‘pulled noodles’. The broth is usually made with meat and can be flavoured with soy sauce or miso and Chinese wheat noodles. You can also add any toppings such as nori, bamboo and fried onions. Every region in Japan has its ramen recipe. Some regions use a pork bone broth or miso soup base. Others have a saucier” consistency. In Japan, Ramen was probably introduced in the late 19th century by Chinese immigrants from the Yokohama area. Today, there is even a ramen museum’ in Yokohama.