Japan is a land of rich history, culture, and extraordinary cuisine. Known for its balance of delicate flavors, fresh ingredients, and artistic presentation, Japanese food is revered across the globe. From bustling street markets to Michelin-starred restaurants, the country’s culinary offerings are diverse and deeply rooted in tradition. If you’re planning to visit Japan or simply looking to explore its culinary delights, here’s a guide to must-try traditional dishes and where to find the best of them.
1. Sushi
No culinary journey through Japan would be complete without sushi. This iconic dish, which dates back to the Edo period, features vinegared rice topped with fresh seafood, vegetables, or egg. The simplicity of sushi allows the freshness and quality of the ingredients to shine.
Where to Find the Best Sushi:
- Tsukiji Outer Market (Tokyo): Although the famous inner market has moved, the Tsukiji Outer Market is still home to some of the best sushi stalls and restaurants.
- Sukiyabashi Jiro (Tokyo): This three-Michelin-starred restaurant, run by the legendary Jiro Ono, is a must-visit for sushi aficionados.
- Sushidai (Osaka): Known for its omakase (chef’s choice) sushi courses, Sushidai serves premium sushi in the bustling Namba district.
2. Ramen
Ramen, a savory noodle soup dish, is another staple of Japanese cuisine. With its Chinese origins, ramen has been embraced by Japanese culture, leading to the development of various regional varieties. The key elements of ramen include the broth (which can be soy-based, miso, or pork bone), noodles, and toppings like pork slices, green onions, and eggs.
Where to Find the Best Ramen:
- Ichiran (Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka): This popular chain specializes in tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen, and its unique individual dining booths allow you to focus on the flavor.
- Ramen Alley (Sapporo, Hokkaido): Famous for its miso ramen, this alleyway is lined with small ramen shops, each offering their own twist on the local specialty.
- Ippudo (Kyushu): Another renowned ramen chain that started in Fukuoka, Ippudo serves up delicious tonkotsu ramen with creamy, flavorful broth.
3. Tempura
Tempura is Japan’s take on deep-fried food but with a delicate, airy batter that is typically used to coat seafood, vegetables, and sometimes even flowers. Served hot and crispy, tempura can be eaten on its own, dipped in sauce, or served over rice (tendon).
Where to Find the Best Tempura:
- Tsunahachi (Tokyo): This restaurant has been perfecting tempura since 1923, offering traditional tempura dishes in a historic setting.
- Kyoboshi (Kyoto): Known for its precise cooking technique, Kyoboshi serves perfectly fried tempura with a light touch.
- Kaneko Hannosuke (Tokyo): Famous for its tempura bowls, this restaurant serves generous portions of seafood and vegetables over rice.
4. Okonomiyaki
Often described as a “savory pancake,” okonomiyaki is a popular dish that originated in Osaka and Hiroshima. The dish consists of a flour-based batter mixed with cabbage, meat (often pork or seafood), and topped with mayonnaise, a special okonomiyaki sauce, and bonito flakes. The Hiroshima version layers the ingredients, while the Osaka style mixes them into the batter.
Where to Find the Best Okonomiyaki:
- Okonomimura (Hiroshima): A building dedicated entirely to okonomiyaki, with multiple vendors serving the Hiroshima-style version.
- Kiji (Osaka): Located in the heart of Osaka, Kiji is famous for its Osaka-style okonomiyaki and traditional atmosphere.
- Chibo (Tokyo): This chain serves both Osaka-style okonomiyaki and other regional Japanese dishes.
5. Kaiseki
For those looking to experience Japan’s fine dining, kaiseki is the ultimate culinary experience. Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course meal that showcases seasonal ingredients in an elegant presentation. Each dish in a kaiseki meal is thoughtfully prepared and beautifully plated to highlight its flavor, color, and texture.
Where to Find the Best Kaiseki:
- Gion Karyo (Kyoto): Located in the historic Gion district, Gion Karyo offers a refined kaiseki experience using Kyoto’s freshest seasonal ingredients.
- Hyotei (Kyoto): With over 400 years of history, Hyotei is one of the most prestigious kaiseki restaurants in Japan, earning multiple Michelin stars.
- Kikunoi (Tokyo & Kyoto): Led by Chef Yoshihiro Murata, Kikunoi is known for its modern twist on traditional kaiseki, balancing innovation with tradition.
6. Soba
Soba noodles, made from buckwheat, are another traditional Japanese dish that can be served hot in a broth or cold with a dipping sauce. The simplicity of soba allows the nutty flavor of the buckwheat to come through, making it a refreshing and healthy choice.
Where to Find the Best Soba:
- Nishiyama Soba (Kyoto): A family-run shop specializing in handmade soba noodles served with traditional broth and toppings.
- Sarashina Horii (Tokyo): This historic soba restaurant has been serving up soba noodles for over 200 years, known for its delicate, hand-cut noodles.
- Sasuga (Tokyo): Located near Tokyo Station, Sasuga serves both hot and cold soba dishes in a traditional setting.
7. Takoyaki
Takoyaki, or octopus balls, is a popular street food in Osaka. Made from a batter filled with diced octopus, tempura scraps, and green onions, takoyaki is cooked in special molded pans to form small round balls. Served piping hot, they’re topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.
Where to Find the Best Takoyaki:
- Kogaryu (Osaka): Known for its perfectly cooked takoyaki with a crispy outside and soft center, Kogaryu has been a favorite for decades.
- Takoyaki Wanaka (Osaka): This famous takoyaki chain serves a variety of toppings, giving a unique twist to the traditional snack.
- Gindaco (Nationwide): A popular takoyaki chain that can be found across Japan, offering consistently delicious takoyaki.
8. Unagi (Grilled Eel)
Unagi, or freshwater eel, is a delicacy in Japan that is typically grilled and basted with a sweet soy-based sauce. It is often served over rice in a dish known as unadon or unaju. Eel is especially popular in summer for its rich, energizing taste.
Where to Find the Best Unagi:
- Nodaiwa (Tokyo): A Michelin-starred unagi restaurant that has been serving traditional grilled eel since the Edo period.
- Unagi Hirokawa (Kyoto): Located near the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, this restaurant specializes in perfectly grilled unagi.
- Marushizu (Hamamatsu): The city of Hamamatsu is known for its high-quality unagi, and Marushizu is one of the best places to experience this delicacy.
Final Thoughts
From sushi and ramen to kaiseki and takoyaki, Japan’s culinary offerings are as diverse as its culture. Whether you’re dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant or enjoying street food in a local market, Japan’s traditional dishes offer an unparalleled gastronomic journey. Each dish is not just a meal but a reflection of the country’s history, geography, and dedication to craftsmanship. When you travel to Japan, be sure to indulge in these must-try dishes to truly appreciate the nation’s rich culinary heritage.
