Japan is an elusive, paradoxical island country and truly one of a kind. Over the years, Japan has managed to intrigue the entire globe, embracing modern advances while preserving traditions. This is not only technology, but also cuisine.
When Japan opened its doors to the world in the 19th century, a lot changed. The simple home style and seasonal ingredients have been redesigned to suit modern standards while maintaining their traditional appeal. This has made Japanese cuisine unique - its traditional and modern sides combine to satisfy the palate of any gourmet, combining sweet, sour, spicy or even savory.
Here's a list of 10 foods and foods to try!
1. Sushi
Sushi is a gift from Japan to the world, a delicate explosion of taste buds. Every gourmet dreams of trying this dish made from fresh ingredients, cut by the artisan dexterous hands. The dish has many variations, but the most popular is raw fish tucked into a roll of sticky rice and vinegar, rolled over seaweed. This delicious dish also comes in a rectangular shape with the addition of beef or fish.
2. Wagyu
Another form of steak, wagyu, is now popular even in the West. It is also a healthier option as it contains high-level fatty acids - Omega-3 and Omega-6. The meat just melts in your mouth, and some of the fat left on the steak adds the feeling of a delicious and tender meat. Compared to other steaks, wagyu contains more fat, but it is definitely healthier and healthier fat.
3. Tempura
Another Japanese favorite, tempura, is also familiar around the world. This dish, along with sushi, might be Japan's culinary export, but it has its origins in Portugal! Portuguese missionaries arrived in Nagasaki in the 16th century and brought back their deep frying technique, which the Japanese liked and stayed with!
It soon became a national hit, and tempura is now a staple Japanese dish. The tempura technique allows you to reduce the amount of oil, while leaving the food as tasty and crispy as in conventional cooking. Whether it's a kisu fish, or a scallop, or asparagus, tempura can make any ingredient not only tasty, but also healthy.
4. Ramen
This dish was present in many books and films. Ramen is the only noodle dish popular all over the world. Ramen is traditionally noodles with seasonal vegetables and meat in a salted, fatty broth. This is not only healthy, but also delicious! Various combinations that include ramen only add fans to it!
Ramen is made using wheat, and the broth is usually meat or fish, with additional sauces such as soy or miso to add flavor to the dish. Sirircha or miso with plain bacon and egg will appeal to absolutely everyone!
5. Yakitori
Yakitori - grilled meat with various flavors. This dish is a popular summer snack and a favorite picnic in Japan. The most preferred variation of this dish is grilled chicken. Street versions of this dish are served with soy sauce, mirin or rice wine, but real gourmets only add salt. The most valuable pieces of meat in yakitori are skin, liver and breast, and the most popular addition is wasabi.
6. Taiyaki
Taiyaki is one of the most famous and beloved confectionery in Japan. Waffle-like cookies stuffed with chocolate or bean paste are a sweet treat. Taiyaki is fish-shaped! The story goes that the cookie was shaped like this after it was introduced to poor people who could not afford the expensive Thai fish. A rarer but expensive version of taiaki - stuffed with sweet potatoes!
7. Soba
The favorite dish of the Japanese is buckwheat noodles, or soba. It is either served hot, in broth, or cooled with sauce. Soba noodles are an inexpensive fast food option, which is why they are so famous in train stations. The main advantage of this noodle is that it can be eaten both in summer and in winter! Soba is mostly served with a sauce, mainly dashi or mirin. Hot soba is served with fresh onions and shihimi togarashi mixed with chili powder. Popular dish options are kake-soba, tororo-soba, sensei-soba, and kitsune-soba.
8. Okonomiyaki
These are delicious pancakes that have a variety of ingredients - from cheese to pork, shrimp and even octopus! Okonomiyaki's name means "whatever you like!" The dish is usually grilled and done right at the table! Some options can be prepared at home on your own, but a dish prepared by professionals will definitely suit your taste.
9. Onigiri
Onigiri are rice balls that are the most popular fast food in Japan. Onigiri are versatile in that they can be served in a variety of combinations such as spicy cod, pickled vegetables, grilled beef, and even matsutake mushrooms! They have become so popular that they are available in every department store in Japan! And the most popular addition to this dish is mayonnaise!
10. Sanuki udon
The delicious and delicate sanuki udon is very popular in Japan. These are very satisfying and tasty noodles! You can also combine ingredients in this dish, only the noodles remain unchanged. Sanuki udon is best served with tempura or dashi.
Japanese cuisine has adapted to the times, but its main advantage is the unique use of seasonal ingredients and vegetables in a way that is not only tasty, but also healthy. Freshly prepared side dishes such as pickled vegetables, fish and broth not only enrich the dish, but also enhance the flavor. The meat had not been used in Japan before, but its modernization led to dishes like tonkatsu.
Japanese cuisine was featured on the global culinary map in 2011, when Japan had the most Michelin-starred restaurants. This record is still held!
Recommended for viewing:
A video about how serious and scrupulous the Japanese are about cooking their dishes:
