Traditional Food in Japan is based on fresh, local ingredients, with minimal processing, highlighting instead the natural flavors of the food. Fish, rice, noodles, and vegetables are some staples that make up the basis of most Japanese diets. Some popular traditional dishes include sushi, ramen, tempura, soba, tonkatsu and okonomiyaki.
Japanese cuisine emphasizes variety and balance. This is achieved through the use of five colors (black, white, red, yellow, and green), five cooking techniques (raw food, grilling, steaming, boiling, and frying), and five flavors (sweet, spicy, salty, sour, and bitter). These principles can be found even in a single meal of one soup and three sides paired with rice.
Sushi is one of the most famous foods to come from Japan. It originated from the process of preserving fish in fermented rice. Today it’s made with vinegared rice and fresh fish. Tempura is a dish of battered and fried fish or vegetables. Special care is given to the way the ingredients are cut as well as to the temperature of the batter (ice cold) and oil (very hot) for deep-frying.
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Kasuzuke (粕漬け)
Kasuzuke (also known as sake-kasu-zuke) is a traditional Japanese fermented food, a technique that involves preserving and fermenting ingredients in a pickling bed made of sake-kasu (sake lees). This ancient preservation method transcend... -
Tochi mochi (栃もち)
Tochi Mochi is a distinctive Japanese rice cake that stands apart due to its primary ingredient: the "tochi" nut. This shows how Japanese people used what they had and were smart about cooking. It tastes and feels different from regular ... -
Houba maki (ほう葉巻)
Houba maki is a unique traditional treat from Japan that captures the spirit of early summer, especially in the mountainous Kiso region. Wrapped in fragrant magnolia leaves and often filled with sweet or savory ingredients, this seasonal... -
Yaki udon (焼うどん)
Yaki Udon (焼うどん) is a tasty and comforting Japanese stir-fried noodle dish. This article shares what makes this dish special, how it came from creative cooking after the war, and why many loved this in Japan today. You'll learn the s... -
Sauce yaki udon (ソース焼きうどん)
Hatogaya Sauce Yaki udon, a specialty of Hatogaya in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, gained nationwide attention after appearing on the popular TV show "Meshidora" and is now available at 7-Eleven. Since its creation in 2008, locals ... -
Yubeshi (ゆべし)
Yubeshi (ゆべし) is a traditional Japanese sweet. It has a long history and has changed a lot over time. This article explains what Yubeshi is, where it came from, and how it became a popular sweet in Japan. What is Yubeshi? Yubeshi is a... -
Nozawana (野沢菜)
Nozawana is a beloved regional pickle from Nagano Prefecture that has long been a staple in the cold winters of Japan. Known for its crisp texture and rich, tangy flavor, it carries deep ties to local tradition and home-style cooking. Fr... -
Tai Chazuke Ureshino (鯛茶漬けうれしの)
Tai Chazuke Ureshino is a beloved Japanese dish that blends tender sea bream with rich sesame sauce and fragrant green tea, creating a comforting yet elegant meal with deep historical roots. Originating from a centuries-old restaurant in... -
Sasa zushi (笹ずし)
Sasa zushi is a traditional Japanese dish that holds a special place in the culinary culture of Iiyama City and the Joetsu region. Made by placing vinegared rice on bamboo leaves and topping it with various ingredients, this unique sushi... -
Tanabata houtou (たなばたほうとう)
Tanabata Houtou is a unique local dish from Japan closely tied to the summer festival of Tanabata. With its soft, chewy noodles and seasonal vegetables, it’s a comforting meal enjoyed during a special time of year when people celebrate t...