6 typical Japanese foods you need to try
Japanese Cuisine
Japanese cuisine is renowned for its intricate flavors, fresh ingredients, and delicate presentation. From traditional dishes like sushi and ramen, to lesser-known but equally delicious options like tempura and udon, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a fan of seafood, meat, or vegetables, you're sure to find a dish that satisfies your taste buds. Here are 6 typical Japanese foods that you simply must try during your internship in Japan.
Foods you must try during your internship in Japan!
1. Sushi (surprise!)
Trying sushi in Japan is a must-do experience for any food lover. The origin of sushi traces back to Japan and has been refined over centuries, so there is no better place to try it than in its country of origin. Most people are already familiar with the dish, but for those that aren’t; sushi consists of bite-sized pieces of seafood or vegetables served on top of vinegared rice. Sushi is all about the freshness of the ingredients, and Japan is renowned for its high-quality seafood. When you have sushi in Japan, you can taste the difference in the freshness of the fish. It’s not limited to just salmon and tuna, there are many regional variations and unique types of sushi that you can only find in Japan.
Sushi chefs in Japan undergo years of training (usually around 10 years) to perfect their craft, so you can expect a high level of skill and attention to detail in every piece of sushi you try. Eating sushi in Japan is a cultural experience in itself, from the traditional atmosphere of a sushi bar to the ritual of ordering and eating sushi.
2. Bento
My personal favorite: bento! It’s a traditional Japanese dish that consists of rice, protein, and vegetables all served together in a single, convenient box. Bento boxes can be found pretty much everywhere; at convenience stores, train stations, and specialty shops. They are a popular option for people on-the-go.
The contents of a bento box can vary widely, from simple combinations of rice and vegetables to elaborate and artfully arranged dishes featuring a variety of ingredients. Bento boxes often reflect the season, with fresh ingredients and flavors highlighting the best of what's in season.
In Japan, bento boxes are considered a form of food art, with many bento makers taking great care in arranging their ingredients to create visually appealing and delicious dishes. Bento boxes are also a way for people to showcase their creativity and imagination, with many bento makers using the box as a canvas to create unique and imaginative meals.
3. Ramen
A popular choice among interns due to its delicious taste and cheap options. Did you know you can already get a ramen bowl fully filled for only $5?
Ramen is a hearty noodle soup with a savory broth, toppings such as sliced pork, green onions, and boiled eggs. The dish actually has Chinese roots, but has become a staple in Japanese cuisine. There are many different styles and variations of the dish, such as shoyu (soy sauce-based), miso (soybean paste-based), and tonkotsu (pork bone-based), each with its own unique flavor and ingredients. Ramen is widely available in Japan, from high-end restaurants to casual street vendors, making it an affordable and convenient option during your internship.
The best place to try authentic ramen is in Japan, as Japanese chefs take great care in perfecting their ramen recipes, using only the freshest ingredients and carefully crafted broths. The bustling atmosphere of a busy ramen shop and the comfort of a steaming bowl of noodles makes the dish worth trying. Don’t be disturbed by the slurping sounds surrounding you, it’s all part of the ramen experience. Check out our other blogs for more info about ramen!
4. Tempura
Tempura is made with fresh seafood or vegetables that are battered and fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy and delicious dish. It is a popular dish in Japan and is widely available in restaurants and street vendors. From traditional to unique and creative options, tempura comes in many different forms.
The key to great tempura is the quality of the ingredients and the expertise of the chef. Similar to sushi, tempura chefs in Japan undergo extensive training to perfect their technique. The batter used for tempura is made with a combination of flour, water, and egg, resulting in a light and crispy coating. They select the freshest and highest-quality ingredients to use in their dishes, ensuring that each bite is bursting with flavor.
In Japan, tempura is often served with a dipping sauce and a bowl of rice, making it a filling and satisfying meal. Whether you're a fan of shrimp, eggplant, or any other ingredients, you're sure to find a tempura dish that you'll love in Japan.
5. Okonomiyaki
This delicious gem comes from Osaka. A typical Kansai food that can also be translated to "Japanese pancake". Okonomiyaki can be vegetarian, with seafood or with meat. It gets baked on a hot plate and covered with sauce.
A must try when you're here!
6. Udon
Last but not least: udon, a type of thick wheat noodle that is a staple in Japanese cuisine. It is typically served in a warm, savory broth and can be topped with a variety of ingredients, including tempura, meat, and vegetables. Udon is a hearty and filling dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages in Japan.
Udon noodles are made with a simple combination of wheat flour, salt, and water, resulting in a chewy and satisfying texture. The broth used for udon can vary widely, from light and savory to rich and flavorful. Some of the most popular udon broths in Japan include soy sauce-based and miso-based broths.
In Japan, udon can be found in many different types of restaurants, from high-end udon specialty shops to casual, informal eateries. It is a popular and affordable dish that is enjoyed by people of all walks of life. Whether you're in the mood for a warm and comforting bowl of noodles or a satisfying and filling meal, udon is a great option in Japan to try out during your internship.
What are your thoughts?
You might have heard or even tried some of these dishes already. One of my favourite dishes is bento because it comes in all different kind of varieties.
There's something available for everyone, whether you love fish, meat or veggies!
What's your favourite dish? Let us know which Japanese dishes you would like to try!
