Japan is without a doubt a foodie’s paradise. From prime A-5 Wagyu cuts to the perfect piece of fatty tuna, some of the world’s best food can be found here.
Japanese cheesecake, okonomiyaki, jiggly Japanese cheesecake, and ultra-fluffy pancakes are just a few of the super-trendy Japanese foods that have recently gained popularity in the United States.
However, the most well-liked dishes are traditional and practically universal. There are more than any list could possibly list, but these are the most popular ones to try in Tokyo or anywhere else in the Land of the Rising Sun.
1. Ramen
Ramen Despite the fact that ramen has only recently gained recognition in the United States as more than just instant-reheated dehydrated food, the Japanese have long regarded ramen as slurpable art. In fact, Tokyo has a lot of slurp shops with Michelin stars so you can satisfy all of your soup cravings. Try tonkatsu shio, shoyu, and other types of ramen. Since each region in Japan has its own distinct style, you can try a different kind of ramen at each location you visit.
2. Kit Kat Bars
Kit Kat Bars Cut off a small portion of this: The darling confection has become quite possibly of Japan’s most-adored nibble, and the market there goes far past the essentials. Japan offers flavors like Momiji Manju, Wasabi, Shinshu Apple, and Purple Sweet Potato in addition to traditional chocolate. There are numerous Kit Kat Chocolatory stores in Tokyo, where you can choose from a wide range of distinctive flavors to take home.
3. Sushi
Sushi You should forget about California rolls: Sushi and sashimi are of the highest quality in the world in Japan. Even though Japan enjoys exceptionally fresh fish from competitive fish markets and auctions, good sushi rarely revolves solely around the fish. Because sushi appears to be so straightforward, the integrity of each component is crucial. Season and warm the rice, use fresh wasabi, make their own soy sauce, and, of course, find the best fish for their sushi. However, sashimi is excellent in many places in Japan, including 7-Eleven and high-end omakase restaurants.
4. Pocky
Pocky, a chocolate-covered biscuit stick made in Japan in the 1960s, is a hugely popular snack in Asia. Pocky is now available in a variety of flavors, including grape, coconut, and limited-edition varieties like Tokyo Amazake, a traditional sweet sake. In this cake, use strawberries.
5. Onigiri
Onigiri is a triangular rice ball wrapped in nori that can be found in 7-Elevens, Family Marts, and Lawsons all over Japan. It is typically filled with pickled and salted items like plum blossoms and salmon. However, inventive chefs have adapted it to hold a variety of fillings, such as fried pork or mayonnaise-slathered shrimp.
6. Yakitori
Yakitori is grilled meat skewers on charcoal. A few forms are essentially as straightforward as they sound, yet they’re still among the most delectable things to eat in Japan. Combinations like chicken and leek are common; pork with salt; meatballs; hearts of chicken; kidneys and
7. Tempura
Although tempura is practically an art form in Japan, fried foods with tempura are a universal comfort food. A must-try dish is pieces of fresh shrimp and Hokkaido corn that have been expertly fried and lightly coated. It is available in fine dining establishments, family-owned izakayas, and convenience stores. Fresh tempura is best served with tentsuyu, a dashi-mirin dipping sauce, and salt sprinkled on top.
8. Curry
Curry Curry is typically associated with Indian cuisine, but it is a very popular Japanese dish made with pork or beef, curry powder, and vegetables. Dissimilar to Indian curry, Japanese curry isn’t hot and has a thicker surface. Rice and sometimes tonkatsu (fried pork) are often topped with it.
9. Gyoza
Gyoza, also known as pot stickers or dumplings, are typically stuffed with pork, garlic, chives, onions, cabbage, and ginger. They can be steamed or pan-fried, and a soy-vinegar dipping sauce enhances their addictive umami flavor. It even has its own town outside of Tokyo.
10. Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu, or fried, breaded pork cutlets, are popular Japanese pub food that goes well with beer and is typically served with rice and salad.
11. Karaage
When dining at an izakaya, also known as a Japanese pub, one of the must-try dishes is the garage Japanese fried chicken. These perfectly fried, lightly battered bites, which come with a slice of lemon, go well with beer or sake.
