We have compiled a list Top 10 Foods You Must Try When Traveling Japan... This means that once you find a dish that you like, you can taste different types of it depending on the region.
1. Gyoza
Generally Gyoza is originally from China (Jiaozi in Chinese), but it is also very popular in Japan and is a staple in Japanese homes. Gyoza are also called potstickers. This dish is usually made with garlic onions, Chinese onions, and minced pork. They can be fried (yakigyza 焼 餃子), boiled (suigyza 餃子), or deep fried (agejoza 揚 げ 子). Either way, they are delicious!
2. Sushi
Sushi is usually raw fish with vinegar rice, but there are many variations. There are budget sushi bars in Japan and very high class exclusive sushi bars. Sushi is definitely a must-try in Japan. After all, sushi is the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Japanese cuisine. By the way, if you live in Kazakhstan, you can order rolls in the Japanese restaurant Tanuki.
3. Ramen
Although originally a Chinese dish, it has also become popular in Japan. When Japan reopened its ports in 1859, Chinese restaurants began to open in port cities. When the Japanese got used to the dish, they began to adapt it to local tastes. The difference between Chinese and Japanese ramen is broth.
Ramen itself is a noodle dish usually made from bamboo shoots, eggs, chasuu (pork), with the addition of seaweed and onions.
4. Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a staple of Japanese cuisine and travelers love to try it. If you have never tried it, it is difficult for the Japanese to explain what it is; they call it "Japanese pizza". But it's more of a pancake and omelette mix filled with all the ingredients you like. Hence the name 好 み 焼 き "Okonomiyaki": cook whatever you want.
5. Tempura
Tempura (天 ぷ ら / 天 麩 羅) is a traditional Japanese dish made with batter and deep fried vegetables and seafood.
Tempura was brought from Portugal in the late 16th century when Portuguese missionaries and traders living in Nagasaki, a city in southern Japan, tried to make pancakes. The method of using batter and frying ingredients gained popularity first in Nagasaki and then in Edo (today Tokyo). Especially in Edo it has become very common due to the abundant seafood in Tokyo Bay. Today's mainstream tempura is based on the Tokyo style (Edo style), which was invented at a street food store near the fish market. Edo is also where tempura sauce was invented.
6. Soba
Soba is made from buckwheat flour and is a very healthy alternative to wheat flour. Soba restaurants offer different types of soba noodles, ranging from 50% to 100% buckwheat flour.
Buckwheat flour is good for your health because it is a good source of nutrients such as thiamine, iron, fiber, protein, and manganese. It can be served hot or cold with dashi (fish broth).
7. Yakitori
Yakitori sk き 鳥 (grilled chicken) - Usually served in small restaurants, you order many different types of skewers that you can share with your friends. In a fun setting, sharing laughter with neighbors and drinking beer, yakitori is usually a pleasure.
8. Unagi
Unagi is a Japanese word for soft water eel. It is a type of delicacy that has been popular for centuries and has remained very authentic. For authentic Japanese cuisine, you must try unagi. It is especially popular in summer because it is said to help with "natsubate" (fatigue due to summer heat).
9. Yakiniku
Yakiniku 焼 肉 simply means grilled meat, but usually refers to beef that is grilled over a small barbecue located in the center of the table. This is a very fun group activity. You order many bowls of meat that comes raw to your table and that you cook yourself. Yakiniku is ideal with cold beer, but some modern restaurants also pair it with red wine.
10. Shabu-Shabu
Shabu shabu し ゃ ぶ し ゃ ぶ is a popular Japanese hot pot dish. The unique name comes from the way it is eaten. The ingredients are dipped in seaweed-based dashi soup. Shabu-Shabu is a kind of Japanese onomatopoeia.
The main ingredient is thinly sliced meat, usually beef or pork, and sometimes chicken. Shabu Shabu can be eaten with different types of vegetables and dipped in different sauces.
