The TOP 8 of Japanese food

The TOP 8 of Japanese food

The Japanese cuisine is often considered one of the healthiest and most refined in the world. It is characterized by the subtlety of its flavors, the freshness of its ingredients, and the visual harmony of the presentation. In this article, discover the 10 must-try Japanese dishes for gastronomy lovers from the land of the rising sun.

1. Sushi: the art of raw fish and rice

Sushi is undoubtedly the most internationally known Japanese dish. This dish consists of a small rice ball topped with a slice of raw fish or seafood. There are numerous varieties of sushi, including nigiri, makis and sashimi.

The ingredients used for sushi preparation are of the highest quality, especially the fish which must be extremely fresh. Rice is also a key element of this dish, and its preparation is an art in itself. Sushi is often served with sauce soy, wasabi (green horseradish paste) and gari (pickled ginger) to accompany and enhance the flavors.

2. Ramen: a bowl of noodles and flavors

The ramen is a noodle dish served in a broth usually based on span> pork and miso (fermented soybean paste). It is garnished with various ingredients such as slices of pork, vegetables, seaweed, and eggs.

Ramen is a comforting and hearty dish, ideal for cold or rainy days. There are many regional variations of ramen in Japan, each with its own broth recipe and specific toppings. Ramen is a must-try dish during a trip to Japan, and it is also possible to enjoy it in specialized restaurants abroad.

3. Tempura: light and crispy frying

Tempura is a Japanese dish consisting of vegetables and seafood coated in a light and crispy batter. The ingredients are then dipped in very hot oil to be quickly cooked and golden.

Tempuras are typically served with a sauce light soy-based, mirin (sweet rice wine) and dashi (fish broth). This dish is appreciated for its lightness and crispiness, which highlight the flavor of the ingredients without masking them. Tempura is a delicate and refined dish, which can be enjoyed as a starter or as a main course.

4. Udon: Thick and flavorful noodles

The udon is a type of noodles thick and soft, made from wheat flour. They are usually served in a hot dashi, soy and mirin broth, and topped with various ingredients such as green onions, eggs and tempuras.

Udon is a comforting and nourishing dish, appreciated for its soft texture and umami flavor provided by the broth. There are also variants of cold udon, served with soy sauce and crunchy vegetables. Whether in summer or winter, udon is a must-try dish of Japanese cuisine.

5. Shabu-shabu: a Japanese fondue

The shabu-shabu is a Japanese fondue-style dish, where thin slices of meat and vegetables are dipped in a hot stock to be quickly cooked. The ingredients are then dipped in a sauce before being tasted.

Shabu-shabu is a convivial and interactive dish, ideal for sharing with friends or family. The ingredients are selected for their freshness and quality, and the broth serves to bring out their flavor. The sauces, generally sesame or soy-based, add a touch of spice and gourmandise to the dish. Shabu-shabu is a unique culinary experience not to be missed during a stay in Japan.

6. Yakitori: Tasty skewers

Yakitoris are grilled meat skewers, generally chicken, cooked on a barbecue. They are seasoned with a sauce soy, mirin and sugar based, which caramelizes slightly during cooking.

Yakitoris are appreciated for their rich and sweet-salty flavor, as well as for their tender and juicy texture. They are often served as a side dish with a bowl of rice or a beer during social gatherings. Yakitoris are a simple and tasty dish, easy to make and enjoy.

In summary, Japanese cuisine is a true culinary and sensory experience, combining tradition and modernity, delicate flavors and varied textures. Each of these iconic dishes offers a unique discovery of the gastronomic riches of Japan. Do not hesitate to try them during your next trip or prepare them at home for a meal with a Nippon accent.

7. Donburi: a bowl of garnished and flavorful rice

The donburi is a simple and appreciated Japanese dish, composed of a bowl of rice topped with various ingredients, such as fish, meat or vegetables. There are numerous varieties of donburi, each with its own combination of ingredients and sauces.

A popular example of donburi is the oyakodon (chicken and egg on rice), where chunks of chicken are cooked in a sauce made from soy, mirin and sugar, then mixed with beaten eggs and finally served on a bowl of hot rice. Donburi is a comforting and nourishing dish, ideal for a quick lunch or a casual dinner.

8. Tonkatsu: breaded and crispy pork

The tonkatsu is a Japanese dish consisting of pork slices breaded and fried, served with a specific sauce based on soy, tomatoes, mustard and spices. This dish is loved for its crispy crust and tender and juicy meat inside.

Tonkatsu is often served with a bowl of rice and a finely shredded cabbage salad, which bring a touch of freshness and lightness to the dish. This dish is a must-have of Japanese cuisine and can be enjoyed in specialized restaurants in Japan or abroad.

Conclusion

Japanese gastronomy is a real invitation to a journey for the taste buds, offering a wide range of flavors, textures, and colors. This list of iconic Japanese dishes is far from exhaustive, so vast is the culinary richness of Japan. Whether you are a food lover or just curious to discover new taste experiences, do not hesitate to taste these typical dishes during your next trip to Japan or prepare them at home for a meal with a Nippon accent.

Each of these dishes, whether it be sushi, ramen, tempura, udon, shabu-shabu, yakitori, donburi, or tonkatsu, is a real incarnation of the art of Japanese cuisine and its attention to detail, quality of ingredients, and harmony of flavors. So, let yourself be tempted by the tasting of these best Japanese dishes and dive into the fascinating universe of Nippon cuisine.

FAQ

What is the number 1 Japanese food?

Sushi is considered the number 1 Japanese food.

What is "okonomiyaki"?

The okonomiyaki is a kind of Japanese pancake composed of a dough based on flour, eggs, vegetables and sometimes meat or seafood.

What is the difference between ramen and udon?

Ramen is a dish based on thin noodles cooked in a salty and spicy broth while udon is a dish based on thicker noodles, usually cooked with vegetables, eggs and seafood.

What is tempura?

Tempura is a popular dish in Japan composed of pieces of vegetables or seafood fried in a frying batter.

What is special about yakitori?

Yakitori is a dish made up of pieces of chicken grilled on wooden sticks. It can also be accompanied by garlic, onions or other vegetables.