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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Keno jiru (けの汁)
Keno Jiru is a warm and healthy soup that people in northern Japan, especially in the Tsugaru area of Aomori Prefecture, have loved for hundreds of years. Families in this snowy region cook this dish to stay nourished and comforted durin... -
Aramasa (新政)
Aramasa (新政) is a name that stands out in the world of Japanese sake. This article explores what sets Aramasa apart—from its rich past to its unique brewing methods. Let’s take a closer look at how this sake brand has won fans across J... -
Boruga rice (ボルガライス)
Boruga Rice (ボルガライス) is a hearty local “B-grade” Japanese dish from Fukui Prefecture’s Echizen (Takefu) area. In simple terms, it’s a large plate of omelet rice topped with tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) and rich sauce. So, this We... -
Houonkou ryori (報恩講料理)
Japan has many regional dishes deeply rooted in history and culture, and one of these is Houonkou ryori (報恩講料理). Houonkou ryori (報恩講料理) is a vegetarian feast served during the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist memorial festival, Houonkou. ... -
Jyunsai nabe (じゅんさい鍋)
If you visit Akita Prefecture in Japan, you’ll find a hot pot dish that’s unlike anything else. It’s called Jyunsai Nabe, and it features a special water plant called jyunsai as its main ingredient. This dish brings togeth... -
14dai (14代)
14dai (14代) is one of the most talked-about names in Japanese sake. People admire it for its amazing flavor and high quality. Because it’s so hard to find, many fans call it a “phantom sake.” In this article, we’ll explore what makes 14... -
Iburigakko (いぶりがっこ)
Take a deep dive into the food traditions of Akita Prefecture in northern Japan, where locals have turned a simple daikon radish into a delicious and unforgettable pickle called Iburigakko (いぶりがっこ). This smoked pickle has... -
Kodai No Sasazuke (小鯛の笹漬け)
When exploring Japan’s deep food culture, you’ll find certain local specialties that quietly carry centuries of tradition. One such dish is Kodai no Sasazuke. Lightly pickled and beautifully presented, this regional delicacy from Fukui P... -
Ebi meshi (えびめし)
In this article, we’ll dive into what Ebi Meshi is, how it came to be, what makes it special, and answer some common questions about it. Whether you’ve never heard of it or you’re already a fan, you’ll come away knowing why this dish hol... -
Tofu chikuwa (とうふちくわ)
Have you ever tried a food that combines local creativity, tradition, and a simple but satisfying flavor? Let’s take a closer look at tofu chikuwa (とうふちくわ), a unique dish from Tottori Prefecture in Japan. This a...