The Top 10 Must-Try Japanese Foods Loved Worldwide
Shop Yutaka AdminJapanese cuisine is renowned for its rich flavours, stunning presentation, and health-conscious approach, captivating those trying it for the first time. This article explores the unique aspects of Japanese food culture, the characteristics of its fresh ingredients, and how to enjoy them. It also introduces popular Japanese dishes celebrated globally and offers tips for recreating Japanese meals at home. Dive into the fascinating world of Japanese culinary traditions and discover the charm of these exquisite dishes!
Table of Contents
■ The Appeal and Essence of Japanese Cuisine: What Exactly is "Japanese Food"?
■ Top 10 Popular and Recommended Traditional Japanese Foods
・ Sushi
・ Grilled Eel (Unagi no Kabayaki)
・ Ramen
・ Udon
・ Soba
・ Natto
・ Curry Rice
・ Tempura
・ Sukiyaki
・ Shabu-Shabu
・ Wagashi (Japanese Sweets)
■ Tips for Enjoying Japanese Food for the First Time
■ The Appeal and Essence of Japanese Cuisine: What Defines "Japanese Food"?
Japanese cuisine refers to dishes that originated in Japan or have been uniquely adapted within the country, encompassing a wide range of nationally beloved foods. This includes traditional styles such as kaiseki ryori (懐石料理: a light meal rooted in tea ceremony traditions, served before a tea gathering) and kaiseki cuisine (会席料理: multi-course meals enjoyed at banquets or formal dining events).
Did you know that washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) is recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage? Washoku embodies a food culture rooted in respect for Japan's natural environment. Its most distinctive features are umami and dashi (broth), which serve as the core of its culinary philosophy. In Japan, ingredients rich in umami—such as mushrooms and seafood—are commonly used, with careful preparation designed to maximise their flavour.
For instance, combining kombu (kelp) with katsuobushi (bonito flakes) is said to enhance umami by eight times, while pairing kombu with shiitake mushrooms increases umami by up to 12 times.
In addition to traditional dishes, Japanese cuisine also includes foreign foods that have been adapted and evolved into unique styles within Japan. This depth and diversity make Japanese cuisine a rich and captivating food culture worth exploring.
■ Top 10 Popular and Recommended Traditional Japanese Foods
Japanese cuisine is incredibly diverse, with countless dishes and unique ingredients that we simply cannot cover in their entirety here. However, we have selected 10 popular and traditional Japanese dishes, along with a dessert, to introduce to you.
Many of these dishes frequently appear in Japanese films, anime, and other media, so you may already be somewhat familiar with them. If there are any you haven’t tried yet, we encourage you to give them a taste!
- Sushi
- Grilled Eel (Unagi no Kabayaki)
- Ramen
- Udon
- Soba
- Natto
- Curry Rice
- Tempura
- Sukiyaki
- Shabu-Shabu
- Wagashi (Japanese Sweets)
・ Sushi
Sushi is synonymous with Japanese cuisine and is adored across the globe.
First exported to the United States after the Meiji Restoration in 1868, sushi's popularity skyrocketed over the years. It is made using vinegared rice (sushi-meshi) combined with Japanese rice and sushi vinegar. Sushi comes in a variety of styles, including nigiri sushi, maki sushi, and inarizushi. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and the harmonious combination of flavours created by the fresh seafood, vegetables, and rice. Sushi is also celebrated for being healthy and nutritious.
While sushi is often associated with luxurious dining experiences at high-end restaurants, more accessible formats like conveyor-belt sushi have made it a beloved, everyday dish in Japan. Trying raw fish might seem like a new adventure, but if you're exploring Japanese cuisine, sushi is the perfect starting point. Don’t hesitate—give it a try!
If you'd like to recreate sushi at home, maki sushi (rolled sushi) is a fun and easy option. At Yutaka Shop Online, you'll find kits that make rolling your own sushi simple and enjoyable.
If you’d like to make sushi using your favourite ingredients, why not choose them yourself?
Even without a kit, maki sushi (rolled sushi) is easy to prepare. Simply place a sheet of nori (seaweed) on a piece of cling film, spread a layer of vinegared rice (made by mixing rice with a suitable amount of vinegar) over the nori, and arrange your chosen ingredients on top. Then roll it up tightly—firm rolling is the key to success.
We also offer a selection of rice that’s perfect for sushi.
For effortless preparation, try using this powdered seasoning to create delicious vinegared rice with ease.
In Japan, it’s common to enjoy a fun and interactive meal by laying out a variety of ingredients on the table for occasions like home parties or birthdays. Each person creates their own sushi, a style known as temaki sushi (hand-rolled sushi). With temaki sushi, sheets of nori are cut into hand-sized portions and rolled up like a crepe, filled with ingredients of your choice.
Temaki sushi offers the perfect opportunity to customise your sushi to suit your own taste. Making sushi together with friends and family can turn into a delightful and memorable event!
・ Grilled Eel (Unagi no Kabayaki)
Grilled eel, known as unagi no kabayaki, is a traditional Japanese dish that became popular during the Edo period (1600–1868) as a summer stamina food. This dish involves grilling slices of eel that have been prepped and coated in a sweet and savoury soy sauce-based glaze. The result is a crispy exterior with a soft, tender interior, offering a unique texture that’s unlike chicken or beef. The perfect balance of sweetness and soy sauce flavour is sure to appeal to foreigners trying it for the first time, with many describing it as "new yet familiar." For those who enjoy the sweet and savoury taste, similar to "teriyaki," this is a must-try dish.
In Japan, eel is considered a luxurious ingredient, and it’s highly cherished. When visiting Japan, be sure to try unajyu (eel served over rice) or unadon (eel rice bowl) at a high-end restaurant for a truly indulgent experience. It's a flavour unique to Japan that is sure to delight your taste buds.
Grilled eel (unagi no kabayaki) is available for purchase at Yutaka Shop Online.
To fully appreciate the flavour of grilled eel, enjoy it with delicious rice as unajyu or unadon. Pair it with famous Japanese rice brands like Koshihikari, Akitakomachi, Hitomebore, or Yumepirika for an authentic experience.
We also offer eel sauce.
For those who enjoy a more hands-on approach, we’ve included an easy and authentic recipe for homemade eel sauce. Simply mix sake, your choice of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a 1:1:1:1 ratio! After grilling the eel, place it on freshly steamed rice and pour the sauce over it. Try recreating this at home for an authentic taste of Japan!
・ Ramen
Ramen is a type of Japanese cuisine that creatively adapts Chinese noodles made from wheat flour and a flavourful soup. The soup comes in four main varieties: soy sauce, salt, miso, and tonkotsu, and each region or shop offers its own unique twist. Common toppings include chashu (braised pork), seaweed, spring onions, menma (bamboo shoots), and boiled eggs, which also add to the visual appeal.
The history of Japanese-style ramen is said to have begun in the Meiji period (1868–1912), when noodle dishes from China were introduced. It then rapidly developed after World War II, during a period of food shortages. Especially from the 1970s to the 1980s, unique ramen cultures began to form across Japan, leading to a broadening of its diversity.
The global popularity of Japanese-style ramen can be attributed to its variety of flavours, unique taste, and the widespread availability of instant ramen. The distinctive flavours and atmospheres of different ramen shops, as well as the chance to witness the ramen-making process up close, offer an attractive experience for tourists visiting Japan.
Even among the Japanese, ramen has become such a popular food that it can be the main purpose of a trip, with ramen-themed museums and theme parks now appearing throughout the country.
At Yutaka Shop Online, we offer products that allow you to easily make ramen at home. Yutaka Brand ramen can recreate authentic Japanese ramen in just 5 minutes.
We also recommend Japanese-style instant ramen. Simply boil the dried noodles, then dissolve the soup base in hot water to create the broth. You can add toppings such as chashu (braised pork), boiled eggs, and spring onions to suit your taste.
・ Udon
Udon is a traditional Japanese noodle dish characterised by thick noodles made from wheat flour. There are two main types: "warm udon," served in a hot dashi broth, and "cold udon," which is enjoyed with a chilled dipping sauce. The variety of ingredients and toppings is vast. Though simple, udon offers the charm of regional variations and home-cooked flavours.
The origins of udon are said to date back to Japan’s Nara period (around 710–794 AD) and Heian period (794–1180 AD), with the dish evolving into its current form during the Kamakura period (1185–1333 AD). Particularly well-known is "Sanuki udon," a speciality from Kagawa Prefecture, famous across Japan for its handmade noodles and firm texture.
Udon’s delicate dashi flavour and the wide variety of ingredients make it popular not only in Japan but also in other countries and regions. Japanese udon restaurants attract tourists with the fun of choosing their favourite toppings and the freedom to select how to enjoy the dish. It’s a dish that allows you to experience the depth of Japanese food culture, so be sure to try it.
For those who want to easily enjoy classic Japanese udon at home, we recommend these products.
The udon broth is simple to make – just dilute white dashi with hot water. Add the boiled udon to the soup, and you’ll have a warm, comforting bowl of udon. During the hot summer months, you can chill it to make cold udon. Typical toppings include meat, eggs, vegetables, wakame seaweed, and fried tofu, but more unusual options like mochi, kimchi, and cheese surprisingly pair well too.
In Japan, it’s customary to slurp noodles like udon and ramen. While slurping is generally considered bad manners in Japan, it’s not seen as improper when eating ramen or udon. It might feel a little awkward, but when enjoying it at home, you might want to give slurping a try!
・ Soba
Soba is a traditional Japanese noodle dish made from thin noodles of buckwheat flour. It can be enjoyed in various styles, such as "warm soba" served in a hot dipping broth (soba tsuyu) or "zaru soba," which is served cold with a dipping sauce. Its distinctive, rich flavour and smooth texture with a satisfying finish are key features of soba.
The history of soba dates back to the Heian period. Originally known as a medicinal herb, it became a popular food during Japan’s Edo period (1600–1868), particularly among the common people. As soba is hand-made using buckwheat flour, each region offers its own unique methods of preparation and flavour.
Soba has also gained popularity in countries and regions outside Japan, thanks to its health benefits and unique texture. "Juwari soba," made entirely from buckwheat flour, is gluten-free and highly nutritious, making it a favoured choice for those concerned with diet and health.
At Yutaka Shop Online, we offer products that allow you to easily make soba at home.
The simplest way to prepare soba is to boil the noodles and dilute a versatile dipping sauce to your preferred taste. In Japan, it is common to enjoy soba with garnishes such as chopped spring onions and wasabi.
For a more authentic experience, after boiling the soba, you can add the leftover water (soba-yu) into the remaining dipping sauce, which enhances the flavour of the broth. This is a popular practice in Japanese soba restaurants, where "soba-yu" is always served.
・ Natto
Just as Marmite divides the British, natto is a food that also divides the Japanese. Natto is a traditional Japanese food made by fermenting soybeans, and it is characterised by its unique stickiness and strong aroma. It is typically served over rice or mixed with soy sauce, spring onions, and eggs, but it can also be incorporated into various dishes.
The history of natto dates back to the Heian period (794–1180 AD). During the Edo period (1600–1868 AD), it became a common food among the general public and was also valued for its high nutritional content, being considered a "medicine." Particularly, natto is rich in protein and vitamin K, making it well-known as a healthy food. Recently, the natto bacteria, which help improve gut health, have been gaining attention, and natto is now regarded as a superfood.
For people outside Japan, natto is an interesting dish due to its unique flavour and texture. Its sticky appearance and distinctive smell may require some courage for the first bite. In Japan, it is a favourite food even among children, and it is not uncommon for it to appear on the dining table every day. Be brave and give it a try!
At Yutaka Shop Online, we offer recommended natto products. Add the sauce to the natto and mix it until the sticky foam forms!
Natto is best enjoyed with freshly cooked hot rice. Try it with Japan's premium rice.
・ Curry Rice
Curry rice is a popular Japanese dish consisting of rice topped with a rich, fragrant curry filled with plenty of ingredients. Curry is widely loved as a home-cooked meal in Japan, characterised by its sweet and savoury flavour. Unlike the spicy curries from India, Japanese curry is known for its sweet, thick consistency.
The origins of curry rice trace back to the Meiji period (1868–1912). Introduced from the UK in 1868 as a Western-style dish, it is often made using curry roux, with a variety of meats and vegetables as ingredients. Over time, curry rice evolved uniquely within Japanese food culture and became established as a national dish.
Japanese curry rice is popular worldwide due to its rich flavour and ease of eating. With various levels of sweetness and a wide range of toppings, it’s a dish that even those who aren’t fond of spicy food can enjoy. Additionally, as curry rice is easy to prepare at home, it’s a popular choice when people want to recreate Japanese cuisine in distant countries.
If you’d like to try Japanese curry, it is available for purchase at Yutaka Shop Online.
Japanese-style curry pairs perfectly with Japan’s delicious rice. You can add cheese or a cutlet as a topping to suit your taste.
・ Tempura
Tempura, a popular Japanese dish, consists of ingredients such as prawns, squid, and vegetables, which are coated in batter and deep-fried until crispy. It is typically served with a dipping sauce called ten-tsuyu, which includes grated daikon, or with salt and yuzu kosho. It can also be enjoyed as a topping for udon or soba, or served as a tempura don, placed on top of rice.
The origins of tempura are said to date back to the 16th century, when it was introduced to Japan from Portugal. Initially, it was a dish made by frying fish and meat, but it evolved uniquely in Japan to include vegetables and seafood. During the Edo period (1600–1868 AD), tempura shops became more common and it spread as part of the popular food culture among the general public.
For people outside Japan, tempura is popular for its light, crispy texture and the simple, fresh flavours of the ingredients. The batter is light, enhancing the natural taste of the fried food, resulting in a clean, refreshing taste.
If you’d like to try making tempura at home, frozen tempura products are recommended. Simply fry them in oil until they become golden and crispy (often referred to as "golden-coloured").
Enjoy them with your favourite dipping sauce. As mentioned earlier, tempura also makes a great addition to udon or soba.
・ Sukiyaki
Sukiyaki is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish, especially popular during the cold winter months. The main ingredients include beef, spring onions, Chinese cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and shungiku, all simmered in a sweet and savoury soy-based broth called warishita. The name of the dish means "to cook as you like," and one of its charms is that it can be enjoyed by cooking together with friends at the table.
Warishita is also available in convenient pre-made sauces, making it easy to recreate this dish at home.
Sukiyaki is said to have originated in Kyoto during the Edo period (1600–1868 AD), with the cooking style involving grilling the ingredients. There are regional differences in how sukiyaki is prepared in Japan—Kanto-style (East Japan) and Kansai-style (West Japan). In the Kanto style, the ingredients are simmered in the warishita, while in Kansai style, the meat is first grilled, and then sugar and soy sauce are added. These regional variations add to the appeal of sukiyaki.
The communal style of sharing sukiyaki makes it a great way to experience Japanese food culture and is perfect for special occasions.
You can purchase recommended meats and ingredients for sukiyaki at Yutaka Shop Online. In addition to the ingredients listed, you can also add other vegetables such as carrots, spring onions, shiitake mushrooms, Chinese cabbage, and onions to the hot pot. Add a small amount of water to prevent the sugar and soy sauce from burning, and adjust the heat as needed while grilling.
It is common in Japan to dip the cooked ingredients into a beaten raw egg before eating. In the UK, we recommend using eggs with the British Lion Mark for safety when trying this.
・ Shabu-Shabu
Shabu-shabu is a popular Japanese hot pot dish where thinly sliced meat, fresh vegetables, and tofu are quickly cooked in a broth made from kombu (seaweed). Typically, the meat is dipped in the broth for 10 to 30 seconds (this is the "shabu-shabu" motion), then seasoned with ponzu sauce or sesame sauce, and eaten along with the vegetables.
The name of the dish comes from the sound made when a waitress (nakai) at a restaurant was heard washing a towel ("oshibori") in the kitchen, which sounded like "shabu-shabu." Shabu-shabu became popular in the 1960s and has since become one of Japan’s representative hot pot dishes, alongside sukiyaki.
Shabu-shabu is known for bringing out the rich flavours of the meat and vegetables and is also considered a healthy meal option. The style of cooking your own food at the table adds to the enjoyment, making it a fun dining experience. With a wide range of ingredients to choose from, including beef, pork, chicken, and seafood, you can customise the dish to your taste and enjoy a different flavour each time.
Recommended meats and sauces for shabu-shabu can be purchased from Yutaka Shop Online. Vegetables such as leafy greens and root vegetables go well with the dish, making it perfect for using up any leftover vegetables in the fridge.
Bring water to a boil in the pot, and start by adding the vegetables that take longer to cook. Thinly sliced meat should be dipped in the hot broth for around 30 seconds just before eating, then served with your preferred dipping sauce.
・ Wagashi (Japanese Sweets)
Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets, typically enjoyed as a dessert after meals. Their origins date back to ancient times, initially consisting of simple sweets made from nuts and fruits. However, with the widespread use of sugar during the Edo period (1600-1868), wagashi began to evolve, incorporating a variety of ingredients.
Today, wagashi can be made from ingredients such as mochi (rice cake), red bean paste, agar, chestnuts, and sugar. Popular varieties include dango, daifuku, dorayaki, and yokan, offering a wide range of flavours and textures.
The appeal of wagashi lies in both its beauty and taste. The sweets are often meticulously crafted, with a focus on appearance and seasonal themes, which makes them particularly popular among foreigners. Additionally, wagashi are not overly sweet, allowing the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine, making them a good option even for those who are not fond of overly sweet foods.
Furthermore, wagashi pair wonderfully with tea and are deeply connected to Japanese tea ceremony culture, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to experience a part of Japan's cultural heritage.
You can purchase recommended wagashi from Yutaka Shop Online.
Start with some of the most popular and approachable wagashi, perfect for everyday tea time.
■ Tips for Enjoying Japanese Food for the First Time
Here are some tips to enhance your experience of Japanese cuisine. Start with the easy-to-try points and gradually incorporate them into your meals.
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Enjoy the Presentation
Japanese food is not only rich in history and flavour but also celebrated for its beautiful presentation. Traditional Japanese dishes, such as sushi, udon, and eel dishes, are often served in lacquered bowls, tiered boxes (o-jū), and wooden sushi stands. By serving your food in these beautiful dishes, you can add vibrancy to your dining table and experience the depth of Japanese cuisine. We also recommend traditional sake cups (ochoko) and pottery from various regions of Japan for a more authentic experience.
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Master the Use of Chopsticks
Eating slowly with chopsticks is one of the pleasures of Japanese food. As you get better at using chopsticks, you'll experience a rhythm different from eating with a knife and fork. Additionally, it's perfectly acceptable to eat sushi with your hands, and slurping soba noodles is part of the tradition. Experiencing these unique Japanese ways of eating will make your meal more enjoyable.
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Make It Easier with Seasonings
If you don't have traditional Japanese seasonings like soy sauce at home, you can still enjoy Japanese cuisine by using available ingredients in the UK. For example, when making sushi rolls, you can substitute soy sauce with diluted Worcestershire sauce for a balanced saltiness and umami flavour. For tempura, you might try using ketchup or mustard as a dipping sauce, adding a British twist to the dish. Mixing mayonnaise with wasabi also creates a fun and authentic flavour combination.
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Savour the Aroma
Japanese food is also meant to be enjoyed through its aroma. Ingredients such as yuzu, shiso, spring onions, ginger, and wasabi add a distinct fragrance to dishes, enhancing the overall experience and bringing out the essence of Japanese cuisine.
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Focus on Texture
Japanese cuisine offers a variety of unique textures, from the crispiness of tempura to the chewy texture of mochi and the smoothness of udon noodles. Paying attention to these textures can lead to new discoveries and make your dining experience even more enjoyable.
At Yutaka Shop Online, you can find authentic ingredients and seasonings for traditional dishes such as sushi, tempura, and udon, as well as a wide range of ramen, curry, and traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets). Whether you're a beginner looking for easy-to-make products or someone seeking distinctive and delicious Japanese rice, our selection offers everything you need to experience Japanese food culture at home.
Explore Yutaka Shop Online and discover your favourite Japanese dishes today!