Andrea AbbondanzaAre you curious about the flavors and dishes of Japanese cuisine? What is typical Japanese food? Ahead, we’ll explore the wide variety of dishes that represent the culinary traditions of Japan.
From light miso soup to thick chicken curry, we’ll deep dive into the unique tastes and textures the Japanese usually eat during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Read on!
Typical Japanese Food for Breakfast
Miso Soup
This classic soup is a traditional Japanese menu made with dashi broth and miso paste. It typically includes ingredients such as tofu, seaweed, and green onions.
Combining savory broth and umami miso paste creates a comforting and flavorful dish that is a staple in Japanese cuisine, especially for breakfast. So, it’s safe to answer the “What is typical Japanese food for breakfast?” question with miso soup.
Natto
Natto is a traditional Japanese cuisine made from fermented soybeans, often eaten as a breakfast food. The beans are fermented with a specific bacterium called Bacillus subtilis, creating a sticky and slimy texture.
This dish has a pungent smell and flavor, which is often described as being nutty and savory and is typically served with soy sauce, mustard, and diced green onion.
Gohan
Gohan is the Japanese word for cooked rice and a staple of Japanese cuisine. It is typically made by boiling rice until it absorbs all the water, resulting in a soft and sticky texture.
This menu is often served as a side dish to accompany other main dishes, such as grilled fish or chicken, and is an important part of every Japanese meal.
Typical Japanese Food for Lunch
Udon
Udon is a thick and chewy noodle originating from Japanese cuisine. The noodles are made from wheat flour, water, and salt and are often served hot in a soup or stir-fried with various sauces and ingredients.
Meanwhile, cold udon dishes are also popular in summer, served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi.
Oyakodon
Oyakodon is a classic Japanese dish consisting of a bowl of rice with seasoned chicken and egg as toppings. The name “oyakodon” literally translates to “parent-and-child rice bowl,” referring to the chicken (parent) and egg (child) used in the dish.
Oyakodon is a popular choice for a quick and easy meal. The chicken is cooked in a dashi-based broth with onions, and then eggs are added and lightly beaten. The mixture is then poured over a mound of steaming hot rice, allowing the residual heat to cook the eggs to a silky texture.
Nikujaga
Nikujaga is a traditional Japanese comfort food consisting of simmered potatoes, onions, and meat, most commonly thinly sliced beef.
The dish is simmered in a sweet and savory broth made from dashi, soy sauce, and sugar, creating a rich and comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with soft and tender potatoes. Typically, it’s served with steamed rice and pickled vegetables.
Typical Japanese Food for Dinner
Chicken Katsu
Chicken katsu is a Japanese dish similar to schnitzel, consisting of a deep-fried breaded chicken cutlet until it becomes crispy and golden brown.
This Japanese cooking is typically served with a sweet and tangy tonkatsu sauce, shredded cabbage, and steamed rice. It is a popular dinnertime favorite in Japan and a staple in many bento boxes.
Salmon Kushiyaki
Salmon kushiyaki is a Japanese dish with skewered salmon pieces grilled or broiled over charcoals or an open flame. The salmon is brushed with a savory-sweet sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
The result is a flavorful and juicy salmon skewer that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It is often garnished with green onions or sesame seeds and served with steamed rice or a salad.
Japanese Curry
Japanese curry is a popular dish that originated in Japan and is known for its thick and rich sauce made from curry powder, flour, and oil, often served over a bed of steaming hot rice.
The gravy-like consistency of the sauce is achieved by slow cooking it with onions, carrots, and potatoes, as well as a choice of protein such as chicken, beef, or pork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are five traditional foods in Japan?
Among the myriad choices of traditional foods in Japan, the five examples are sushi, sashimi, tempura, miso soup, and soba and udon noodles.
What do the Japanese eat daily?
The Japanese diet is well-balanced and mainly consists of rice, seafood, and vegetables. Miso soup, pickled vegetables, and grilled fish are also commonly consumed, along with noodles such as soba or udon. Meat, such as chicken or beef, and soy products, such as tofu, are also staples in the Japanese diet.
Do Japanese eat rice with every meal?
Even though rice is a staple food in Japan, not all Japanese meals include rice. For example, noodle dishes like ramen or soba replace rice. Japan’s breakfast may include grilled fish, miso soup, and natto, without any rice.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in a new cuisine to explore, try Japanese dishes! It can be a fantastic and exciting adventure from traditional Japanese food like miso soup to modern takes on classics. Plus, you don’t have to worry about being too adventurous — Japanese food usually features small portions and mild flavors, making it easy to enjoy even if you’re not used to more exotic fare.
No matter what kind of cuisine excites you, there is sure to be something in Japanese food that will satisfy your curiosity. So get out there and explore the wonderful world of popular Japanese foods — you can scroll through restaurant review sites beforehand to explore the best Japanese restaurants to visit!
