Japanese cuisine is famous worldwide. But there’s more to it than just sushi and sashimi. Each region of Japan has its own local specialties. Many of these dishes have deep cultural meaning and fascinating histories. Some are street food favorites. Others are seasonal delicacies or comfort meals served at home.
If you’re ready to explore real Japanese food, here are 10 dishes you absolutely need to try.
1. Ramen – Japan’s Favorite Comfort Bowl
Ramen is more than a bowl of noodles. It’s a national obsession.
This dish comes in many flavors, depending on the region. The most popular styles are:
- Tonkotsu – creamy pork bone broth
- Shoyu – soy sauce-based
- Miso – rich and slightly sweet with fermented soybean paste
Ramen shops, known as ramen-ya, often specialize in just one style. The quality of broth, noodles, and toppings is taken seriously. Some shops even have lines around the block.
In 2023, Japan had over 24,000 ramen restaurants. Tokyo alone has more than 3,600.
2. Okonomiyaki – The “Japanese Pancake” With a Twist
Okonomiyaki is often called Japanese pizza or pancake. But that doesn’t do it justice.
The base is a savory batter mixed with shredded cabbage. It’s cooked on a flat grill, often in front of you. You can add pork, shrimp, squid, or anything you like. The name itself means “grill what you like.”
The dish is topped with tangy sauce, mayo, seaweed flakes, and bonito shavings that “dance” from the heat.
Osaka is the place to try authentic okonomiyaki, but it’s loved across the country.
3. Unagi Kabayaki – Grilled Eel Glazed With Sweet Soy
Unagi (freshwater eel) is rich, fatty, and full of flavor. It’s grilled over charcoal and glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce. This style of cooking is called kabayaki.
Unagi is usually served over rice in a dish called unadon or unaju.
It’s especially popular during summer. Traditionally, Japanese people eat unagi on the “Day of the Ox” to fight off fatigue from the heat.
4. Takoyaki – The Addictive Octopus Balls
Takoyaki is a beloved street snack that started in Osaka. These golden brown balls are made from wheat flour batter, diced octopus, green onion, and pickled ginger.
They’re cooked in a special pan that shapes them into perfect spheres.
Hot, crispy on the outside and soft inside, they’re topped with takoyaki sauce, mayo, bonito flakes, and seaweed powder. Warning: they’re addictive.
5. Tempura – Light and Crispy Perfection
Tempura is Japan’s answer to deep-frying.
Shrimp, vegetables, and sometimes even ice cream are coated in a light batter and flash-fried until crispy.
The technique was introduced by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century, but the Japanese made it their own. Good tempura is never greasy. It’s often served with dipping sauce or salt.
6. Tonkatsu – Japan’s Crispy Pork Cutlet
Tonkatsu is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet. It’s crunchy on the outside and juicy inside.
It’s usually served with shredded cabbage, miso soup, and steamed rice. The special tonkatsu sauce—a thick, tangy mix—brings everything together.
You can find tonkatsu in diners, department store restaurants, and lunch boxes across Japan.
7. Natto – The Most Controversial Japanese Food
Natto is fermented soybeans with a strong smell, sticky texture, and bold flavor. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it dish.
It’s traditionally eaten for breakfast with rice, mustard, and soy sauce. Despite its reputation among foreigners, natto is packed with protein, fiber, and probiotics.
Many Japanese people grow up eating it. It’s considered a superfood for its health benefits.
8. Kaiseki – A Traditional Multi-Course Meal
Kaiseki is the most refined form of Japanese dining. It’s a seasonal, multi-course meal that highlights the natural flavor of ingredients.
Every dish is a work of art—beautifully plated and carefully balanced.
Courses might include:
- Sashimi
- Grilled fish
- Pickled vegetables
- A simmered dish
- Rice and miso soup
- A light dessert
Kaiseki is often served at ryotei (traditional restaurants) and ryokan (Japanese inns). It reflects the Japanese value of harmony with nature.
9. Sukiyaki – A Warm Family Favorite
Sukiyaki is a one-pot dish often shared at the table. Thin slices of beef, tofu, vegetables, and noodles are simmered in a sweet soy-based broth.
Traditionally, you dip each bite in raw egg before eating. This adds richness and balances the flavor.
Sukiyaki is popular in winter and during family gatherings.
10. Mochi and Wagashi – Japanese Desserts With a Twist
Japanese sweets are often less sugary than Western desserts. But they’re full of texture and meaning.
Mochi is made from glutinous rice pounded into a chewy paste. It can be filled with red bean paste or served plain.
Wagashi is a broad term for traditional sweets. Popular types include:
- Dorayaki – red bean pancakes
- Daifuku – mochi with sweet filling
- Sakura mochi – pink rice cakes wrapped in cherry leaves
These treats are often served with green tea and linked to specific seasons or holidays.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Food
Trying Japanese food is like taking a trip through the country’s culture, seasons, and history. From simple street snacks to high-end cuisine, every dish tells a story.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan or exploring Japanese restaurants in your city, start with these 10 dishes. Each offers a new experience and a deeper appreciation of Japanese traditions.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try cooking one at home? Ramen kits, takoyaki pans, and mochi-making tools are easier to find than ever.
