Japanese cuisine is one of the most celebrated in the world, known for its attention to detail, vibrant flavors, and deep cultural significance. Whether you’re taking your first steps into Japanese food or looking to expand your palate, there’s so much more to discover beyond sushi. This list of 12 must-try Japanese foods will introduce you to the exciting variety this iconic cuisine has to offer.
Why Japanese Cuisine Stands Out
Japanese food is celebrated globally for its balance of flavors, artistic presentation, and focus on high-quality, fresh ingredients. One of the unique features of Japanese cuisine is its connection to “seasonality” or shun, where dishes are often prepared with seasonal ingredients at their peak flavors. From minimalist and sophisticated dishes to bold and hearty comfort food, the diversity in Japanese food is vast and captivating.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the 12 best Japanese foods you simply must try.
1. Sushi
When we think of Japanese food, sushi is often the first thing that comes to mind. Sushi is a culinary art involving vinegared rice paired with fresh fish, seafood, or vegetables. From the traditional nigiri (slices of fish over rice) to maki rolls and sashimi (thinly sliced raw fish), there’s a type of sushi for every preference. For the best experience, try visiting a sushi bar or restaurant where dishes are freshly prepared in front of you.
Pro Tip
Pair sushi with soy sauce sparingly, and use ginger to cleanse your palate between pieces.
2. Ramen
Ramen isn’t just noodles in soup—it’s an explosion of flavor in a bowl! This dish consists of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a savory broth, topped with ingredients like slices of pork (chashu), boiled eggs, nori (seaweed), and green onions.
There are four major styles of ramen broth you might encounter:
- Shoyu (Soy Sauce) – Light and savory.
- Miso – Nutty and earthy, made with fermented soybean paste.
- Shio (Salt) – Clear and delicate.
- Tonkotsu (Pork Bone) – Rich and creamy with deep flavors.
Must-Try Spots
Explore ramen shops in Japan or your local ramen bar for an authentic experience. Customize with your favorite toppings like extra bamboo shoots or a dash of chili oil.
3. Tempura
Tempura, the art of frying, takes simplicity to new heights. This dish involves seafood or vegetables coated in a light batter and deep-fried to a crispy perfection. The secret? Keeping the batter ultra-thin and the oil clean.
Popular tempura items include shrimp, sweet potato, pumpkin, and eggplant. It’s often served with a dipping sauce called tentsuyu and a small mound of grated daikon radish for a refreshing balance to the richness of the fry.
Fun Fact
Tempura originally came to Japan via Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century, but the Japanese refined it into its current iconic form.
4. Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu is a golden-brown breaded and fried pork cutlet that’s crunchy on the outside and irresistibly juicy on the inside. Served with shredded cabbage, rice, and miso soup, it’s a quintessential comfort food in Japan.
For added flavor, don’t forget the tonkatsu sauce—a thick, sweet-savory condiment made from vegetables, fruits, and soy sauce.
5. Okonomiyaki
Often called “Japan’s savory pancake,” okonomiyaki is a flavorful fusion of batter, cabbage, and an array of mix-ins like pork, shrimp, octopus, or cheese. Grilled on a flat griddle, it’s topped with ingredients like mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce, bonito flakes, and seaweed powder (aonori).
Regional Versions
- Hiroshima-Style – Contains layers of ingredients, including noodles.
- Osaka-Style – Everything is mixed together in the batter.
6. Takoyaki
Takoyaki, or octopus balls, are beloved street food snacks in Japan. These crispy, savory dumplings are made from a batter filled with diced octopus, tempura scraps, and green onions, all cooked in a special spherical mold.
Topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes, takoyaki is the ultimate treat for food lovers.
7. Sashimi
If you enjoyed sushi, you’re bound to love sashimi. This dish features artfully sliced, high-quality raw seafood, served with wasabi and soy sauce. Sashimi lets you savor the pure taste of the fish without the additional flavors found in sushi or rolls.
Popular varieties include tuna (maguro), salmon (sake), and scallop (hotate).
8. Udon
Udon noodles are thick, chewy, and immensely satisfying. These wheat-based noodles are versatile and can be enjoyed in different ways:
- Hot Udon Soups – Served in a flavorful broth (try kitsune udon with fried tofu).
- Cold Udon – Perfect for summer, served with dipping sauce on the side.
The simplicity of udon highlights the freshness and quality of the ingredients.
9. Miso Soup
No Japanese meal feels complete without a bowl of miso soup. It’s a light yet umami-rich broth made with fermented miso paste and dashi (stock), typically enriched with tofu, seaweed, and green onions.
While miso soup may sound simple, it is deeply comforting and pairs well with nearly any dish.
10. Yakitori
Yakitori is Japanese-style grilled chicken skewers, cooked over hot charcoal for an irresistible charred flavor. Made from various chicken parts (like thighs, wings, and even skin), marinated in either tare sauce or simply salted, yakitori is a popular dish for casual dining.
It’s a favorite at Japanese izakayas (pubs) and pairs perfectly with a refreshing beverage.
11. Matcha Desserts
Japanese cuisine isn’t all savory. Matcha-flavored sweets, like matcha ice cream, mochi, or roll cakes, showcase the slightly bitter yet rich qualities of powdered green tea. Matcha desserts are perfect for those who crave something unique and not overly sweet.
Try it Out
Pair matcha sweets with a warm cup of green tea for a flavorful balance that’s quintessentially Japanese.
12. Wagyu Beef
For an indulgent treat, you can’t go wrong with wagyu beef. Known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich marbling, wagyu is the pinnacle of premium Japanese ingredients.
How to Enjoy
- Teppanyaki – Cooked on a flat iron grill.
- Sukiyaki – Simmered in a savory, slightly sweet broth.
- Yakiniku – Grilled tableside and dipped into sauces.
Wagyu is a must-try for food lovers who want to savor the ultimate meat experience.
Experience the Flavors of Japan
Japanese food offers something for everyone, from light and refreshing dishes like sashimi to hearty comfort meals like ramen and tonkatsu. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or exploring Japanese cuisine for the first time, these dishes will take you on an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Looking to explore more? Don’t hesitate to visit your nearest authentic Japanese restaurant like Tengoku or start experimenting in your own kitchen. The flavors of Japan await you!
