Japanese cuisine is world-famous, but there is so much food in Japan besides sushi! Of course, many of us also know of sashimi, tempura, and ramen. But a wide range of culinary masterpieces is just waiting to be discovered. This blog will explore some of the best Japanese dishes, from traditional favorites to regional specialties.

1. Sushi

The most popular food in Japan is, unsurprisingly, sushi. Sushi is a combination of vinegared rice and various other ingredients, usually raw fish and other types of seafood, and is served with soy sauce and wasabi. It is widely available in many countries throughout the globe and is commonly associated with Japan. The possibilities are truly endless, but shrimp tends to be the most well-known and popular type of sushi. Sushi is found in many countries in many variations, so it’s easy to figure out why it would also be popular in Japan.

2. Tempura

Tempura is another classic Japanese dish, and it is made by deep-frying vegetables or seafood in a light batter. This dish is often served with a dipping sauce made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin.

3. Miso Soup

Miso soup is a common accompaniment to any Japanese meal, and it is made with a miso paste and usually includes seaweed, tofu, and other ingredients. It is known for its health benefits and is believed to help reduce inflammation and improve digestion.

4. Yakitori

Yakitori is a popular street food in Japan. It is made with grilled chicken skewers marinated in a teriyaki sauce, and it is usually served with a side of soy sauce, wasabi, and grated daikon radish.

5. Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake famous in the Kansai region of Japan. It is made with various ingredients, such as vegetables, pork, and seafood, and topped with a sweet and savory sauce, mayonnaise, and dried bonito flakes.

6. Udon

Udon is a type of thick wheat noodle that is usually served in a hot broth. It can be served with various ingredients, such as tempura, egg, and vegetables, and it is a popular comfort food.

7. Shabu-Shabu

Shabu-shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish usually made with thinly sliced beef or pork. It is served with various dipping sauces and is generally accompanied by vegetables, tofu, and other ingredients.

8. Kabayaki

Kabayaki is a popular dish made with grilled eel. It is marinated in a sweet soy sauce.

Japanese Cuisine in the United States

Outside of Japan, Japanese food is most popular in the United States. Japanese restaurants are found in virtually every city in the United States, with the most popular cities being Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle. The popularity of Japanese food in the United States is due to the influence of Japanese immigrants and their descendants, who have kept their Japanese language, culture, and cuisine alive. Additionally, the abundance of Japanese restaurants in the United States has made it easy for people to explore and enjoy Japanese food.

Japanese food is most popular among millennials. Millennials are the biggest consumers of fast-casual dining in the US, according to a 2015 article in Business Insider. Additionally, millennials love global cuisine and are looking for “new or unique foods and flavors,” according to a report on Gordon Food Service. They are also more likely to be adventurous in their food choices and are drawn to customizable options. Millennials are also looking for restaurants that offer healthy choices with fresh ingredients and fewer artificial ingredients. For these reasons, Japanese food is very popular with the millennial crowd.

Enjoy!