Japanese cuisine is undoubtedly one of our favourite things about the country’s amazing culture. Anyone who’s travelled to Japan, or visited a local Japanese restaurant, knows that the range of dishes native to Japan are simply incredible. As Japan gradually opens for tourism again, we’re sure many Japanese language students are planning on visiting asap. So with that in mind, here are our top recommendations for foods to try in Japan!
Ramen
Although increasingly well known in the UK, there is nothing quite like experiencing the world of ramen in Japan. Ramen is a delicious noodle soup topped with meat and packed with hearty goodness. This quintessential Japanese dish is widely available everywhere and pretty cheap. Also, because the competition is so high for this much-loved dish, any ramen joint you go to is sure to be of top quality. Visitors to Japan will notice that there are several different types of ramen available, and this video offers a handy guide.
Donburi
A donburi is a steaming rice bowl which comes with a delicious topping of choice. It’s a popular lunch option across Japan and is full of flavour. There are various styles available, such as katsudon, tendon, guydon, and oyakodon, and these chunky bowls are sure to fill you right up for the rest of the day! Want to try making one at home? This video has a simple recipe you can follow.
Okonomiyaki
Where do we start with this one? It really is a mix of all sorts! Imagine a pancake sandwich, with noodles, meat and vegetables as fillings, and then mayonnaise and other sauces smothered on top – that’s the general idea behind an okonomiyaki. For a better understanding, take a look at this video about life working in an okonomiyaki restaurant.
Oden
Perfect for a cold winter day, an oden is a simmering hot pot dish consisting of an assortment of proteins and vegetables that will make you feel all warm inside. The ingredients can vary somewhat, but the general flavour is the same. Find out more in this how-to-guide.
Melonpan
Finally for something a bit different. This bread is extremely popular in Japan, and can be found in most bakeries. Despite the name, melonpan doesn’t actually taste like melon. It gets its name because it supposedly looks like the shell of a melon. Perhaps that’s up for debate, but what can be agreed is that this sweet treat is delicious. On the outside it’s slightly hard with a buttery sugary flavour, and on the inside it’s soft and fluffy. A must for any Japanese language students passing by a bakery when in Japan!
Want to learn more about Japanese culture? Join one of our upcoming Japanese courses. We have online and face-to-face courses available at all levels. Find out more here.