Japan, also known as the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’, is located in East Asia. Japan is known for its unique culture, anime, sushi boat restaurants, its natural sights like the beautiful cherry blossom, and Mount Fuji. However, Japan is mainly known for its delightful and delectable dishes ranging from Sushi, Ramen, and Takoyaki to one of the most expensive yet mouth-watering Wagyu beef. If you’re an enthusiastic anime lover, you may find these dishes in almost every anime you watch!
1. Sushi
Sushi is one of the most commonly found food dishes across the world. It has many types, including Nigiri, Sashimi, Maki, Uramaki and many more. Sushi is a combination of vinegared rice mixed with some sugar and salt. The delicacy also includes various ingredients such as seafood (often raw) and vegetables. If you’re a seafood lover, we recommend this dish!
2. Ramen
Although many k-dramas have popularized this dish, Ramen is originally a Japanese dish. It consists of wheat noodles. It may be savoured with meat broth, miso, and a variety of toppings like sliced pork, scallions, etc. Ramen is the perfect meal to enjoy on cold winter nights!
3. Tempura
Tempura is a Japanese dish made of deep-fried vegetables, seafood, and meat. Although initially introduced by the Portuguese in Nagasaki, it is famous all around the globe. The dish is a perfect combination of juicy, soft, and crispy.
4. Takoyaki
Like Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki is a ball-shaped Japanese snack made in a special molded pan cooked in wheat flour-based batter. Takoyaki contains cooked octopus, tempura scraps, and vegetables. The next time you start a new anime, don’t forget to binge on this mouth-watering delicacy.
5. Yakitori/Kushiyaki
Yakitori, also known as Kushiyaki, are skewers of grilled meat. This snack is one of Japan’s most famous bar foods. It is typically grilled over a charcoal fire, thus enhancing the flavors and spices. This delicious snack is also known for its high-quality ingredients and tare sauce.
6. Okonomiyaki
Another popular dish that the majority of anime fans may know is Okonomiyaki. It is a savory pancake dish made from wheat flour batter and many other ingredients. Not only is the dish hard to resist but also relatively healthy. It contains ingredients like eggs, meat, and vegetables. A good meal to nourish your body, and it is tasty!
7. Soba
Soba is a type of Buckwheat noodle that is pretty thin. The noodles may be served hot or chilled, either with noodle soup or a sauce. You can find soba noodles in a variety of forms, from fast food spots to lavish and expensive restaurants.
8. Udon
Udon is another type of noodle made of wheat flour. Contrary to Soba, Udon is thick. It is considered a comfort food due to its simple cooking method served with a broth called kakejiru. This easy and quick-to-make dish will leave a print in your heart.
9. Onigiri
Onigiri, commonly known as ‘rice ball,’ is a dish that is originally from Japan. A handful of white rice is shaped into a triangle or cylinder wrapped in nori (seaweed). Onigiri is also available in various types of fillings and flavors. Due to its simplistic nature, it is popular worldwide.
10. Natto Donburi
Natto Donburi is a type of rice bowl that is a staple dish in Japan. This dish is full of plant-based protein, probiotics, and fiber. You can try combinations of various ingredients to make your perfect natto rice bowl.
11. Miso Soup
It is a Japanese soup made of dashi stock and softened miso paste. It is a traditional dish with many variations and optional ingredients that can be added according to your individual preferences. Miso soup contains a lot of healthy vitamins and is high in probiotics.
12. Kaisendon
Kaisendon is a rice bowl dish that came into existence after World War 2. Its inspiration is the Edomae Chirashi sushi. The rice bowl is may include various sashimi on steaming hot rice. You can enjoy Kaisendon with soy sauce and wasabi.
13. Anago Meshi
This flavored hot rice dish originated in the Meiji era. Flavored grilled Anago on rice, cooked with dashi soup and shoyu serves as a great dish. It is the local dish of the Setouchi area in Hiroshima.
14. Maguro Zuke Don
Another rice bowl making it to our list is the Maguro Zuke Don. It consists of fresh raw tuna soaked in soy-based marinade. It is simple and does not require any cooking skills! If you’re bored and want to make something simple and tasty, Maguro Zuke Don is the dish for you!
15. Tako Tamago
Tako Tamago refers to a candied octopus with the stuffing of a quail egg. The flavoring part is slightly sweet and is often unnoticed. It is a popular street snack and can be found at the Nishiki Market in Kyoto, Japan
16. Honetsuki-Dori
Honetsuki-Dori means ‘bird with a bone.’ It is typically served in two varieties: Oyadori (adult chicken) and Hinadori (young chicken). Marinated in salt, pepper, and garlic and baked until tender, the dish is a mouth-watering delicacy and is a must-try!
17. Igamenchi
Igamenchi is a dish from the northern part of Japan. It is a combination of deep-fried squid and vegetables. This food item is enjoyed especially during the monsoon, along with hot sake.
18. Teriyaki
Teriyaki is a Japanese sauce made with soy sauce and sake or mirin (sweet wine). Garlic and Ginger also may be added to enhance the flavor. Teriyaki has the perfect combination of sweet and savory and goes well with pretty much any dish!
19. Imoni
Imoni is a kind of taro and meat soup. The soup is traditionally enjoyed during the autumn and consists of various recipes making it readily available. The Yamagata Prefecture is mainly known for its Imoni.
20. Curry Rice
Curry Rice originated in India but rose to popularity in Japan ever since the Japanese came across this delicious dish. This filling meal consists of rice, meat and vegetables. Due to its popularity, it is considered as Japan’s ‘National Dish.’
