10 Best Japanese Dishes Worth Trying

Many people have always been intrigued by the land of the samurai and anime. But beyond that, there’s Japanese cuisine, a treasure trove of flavors, textures, and traditions that have evolved over centuries. From the delicate art of sushi to the hearty comfort of ramen, the best Japanese dishes reflect a rich cultural history that is both fascinating and delicious.

Each dish tells a story, whether a humble street food enjoyed by locals or a luxurious specialty savored during festive occasions. By exploring the best Japanese dishes, you’ll satisfy your taste buds and gain a deeper appreciation for Japan’s unique culinary artistry.

In this article, we’ll dive into some of the best Japanese dishes you must try. We’ll cover classics like Sushi, Tempura, and Ramen and other delicious options like Tonkatsu, Onigiri, and Okonomiyaki. Get ready to explore these fantastic dishes’ ingredients, cooking methods, and cultural significance.

10 Must-Try Best Japanese Dishes

Here are the best Japanese dishes that everyone must try at least once.

Sushi

Key Ingredients

• Vinegared rice

• Fresh fish (e.g., tuna, salmon)

• Seaweed (nori)

• Soy sauce

• Wasabi

• Pickled ginger

Sushi is arguably the most iconic of the best Japanese dishes. This dish combines vinegared rice with fresh fish or seafood, often wrapped in seaweed. Sushi is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s commonly paired with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. Sushi is enjoyed during celebrations, casual dining, and even as a quick snack.

Making sushi involves preparing the vinegared rice first, ensuring it’s sticky but not mushy. Fresh fish is then sliced precisely and placed atop the rice. Some variations include adding vegetables or other ingredients. Sushi rolling requires a bamboo mat to achieve that perfect, compact roll. It’s an art form requiring skill and practice.

Tempura

Key Ingredients

• Shrimp or vegetables

• Tempura batter (flour, egg, cold water)

• Dipping sauce (dashi, soy sauce, mirin)

Tempura is a delightful dish in which seafood or vegetables are lightly battered and deep-fried to crispy perfection. The light batter makes it less greasy than other fried foods. Tempura is often paired with a dipping sauce made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. It’s a popular choice for both casual meals and special occasions.

To prepare tempura, make the batter with ice-cold water to keep it light. Dip shrimp or vegetables into the batter and fry them in hot oil until golden brown. The trick is to keep the batter cold and the oil hot, ensuring a crispy, airy texture. Tempura is best served immediately to maintain its crunchiness.

Ramen

Key Ingredients

• Wheat noodles

• Broth (pork, chicken, miso, soy sauce)

• Chashu (braised pork)

• Soft-boiled egg

• Nori (seaweed)

• Scallions

Naruto fans understand ramen more than everyone else. It is one of the best Japanese dishes, whose rich, savory broth can be based on pork, chicken, miso, or soy sauce. Ramen is hearty and nourishing, often topped with chashu, a soft-boiled egg, and scallions. It’s the go-to meal for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Making ramen involves simmering the broth for hours to develop deep flavors. The noodles are cooked separately and added just before serving to maintain their texture. Toppings like chashu and soft-boiled eggs are prepared in advance and placed on top of the noodles. Each bowl of ramen is a labor of love, combining intricate flavors and textures.

Okonomiyaki

Key Ingredients

• Flour

• Eggs

• Cabbage

• Pork belly or seafood

• Okonomiyaki sauce

• Mayonnaise

• Bonito flakes

Okonomiyaki is often described as a Japanese savory pancake. It’s made with a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage mixed with pork belly or seafood. The pancake is drizzled with a tangy sauce and mayonnaise and topped with bonito flakes. This dish is filling and fun, perfect for casual get-togethers.

To make okonomiyaki, mix the batter ingredients and add shredded cabbage and your choice of protein. Pour the batter onto a hot griddle and cook until golden brown on both sides. The final touch is the sauce and toppings, which add layers of flavor. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes.

Unagi

Key Ingredients

• Freshwater eel

• Unagi sauce (soy sauce, sugar, mirin, sake)

• Rice

Unagi, or grilled eel, is another delicacy that should feature on your bucket list if you plan to visit Japan. The eel is glazed with a sweet and savory sauce and perfectly grilled. Unagi is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s usually served over a bed of rice, making it a hearty meal. Unagi is often enjoyed during summer festivals and special occasions.

Preparing unagi involves filing the eel and grilling it while brushing it with the unagi sauce. The sauce caramelizes, giving the eel a beautiful glaze. The grilled eel is then placed on top of steaming rice. This dish is both nutritious and indulgent, showcasing the depth of Japanese flavors.

Tonkatsu

Key Ingredients

• Pork cutlet

• Flour

• Egg

• Panko breadcrumbs

• Tonkatsu sauce

• Cabbage

Tonkatsu is a crispy, breaded pork cutlet deep-fried to golden perfection. It’s a beloved comfort food in Japan, often served with shredded cabbage and tonkatsu sauce. Tonkatsu is high in protein and pairs well with a variety of sides. It’s a popular dish for lunch or dinner.

To make tonkatsu, cook the pork cutlet with flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Fry the cutlet until it’s golden and crispy. Serve it with a generous drizzle of tonkatsu sauce and a side of shredded cabbage. The combination of crunchy exterior and juicy interior makes tonkatsu irresistible.

Yakiniku

Key Ingredients

• Thinly sliced beef or pork

• Yakiniku sauce (soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar)

• Vegetables (onion, bell pepper, mushroom)

Yakiniku, or Japanese barbecue, involves grilling bite-sized pieces of meat and vegetables. The meat is marinated in yakiniku sauce for the perfect social dining experience enjoyed with friends and family. It’s high in protein and pairs well with rice and dipping sauces.

To prepare yakiniku, marinate the meat in the yakiniku sauce for at least an hour. Grill the meat and vegetables on a tabletop until cooked to your liking. Serve with rice and additional dipping sauces. Yakiniku is about enjoying good food and company, making it a favorite for gatherings.

Shabu Shabu

Key Ingredients

• Thinly sliced beef or pork

• Vegetables (cabbage, mushrooms, tofu)

• Dashi broth

• Ponzu sauce

• Sesame sauce

Shabu Shabu is a hot pot dish with thin slices of meat and vegetables cooked in a bubbling dashi broth. It’s a communal meal that’s both healthy and fun. The meat is typically dipped in ponzu or sesame sauce before eating. Shabu Shabu is rich in nutrients and perfect for cold weather.

Heat the dashi broth in a pot until it simmers to make Shabu Shabu. Add vegetables and tofu to the broth. Quickly cook the thinly sliced meat by swishing it in the hot broth. Serve with dipping sauces. Shabu Shabu is a versatile dish that allows you to enjoy a variety of ingredients in one meal.

Yakitori

Key Ingredients

• Chicken (thigh, breast, skin, liver)

• Yakitori sauce (soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar)

• Skewers

Yakitori is grilled chicken skewers seasoned with a sweet and savory yakitori sauce. It’s perfect for snacking or as part of a meal. Yakitori is high in protein and can be enjoyed with a cold beverage. It’s a popular street food and bar snack in Japan.

To prepare yakitori, thread pieces of chicken onto skewers. Grill the skewers while basting with yakitori sauce until the chicken is cooked and caramelized. Serve immediately. The smoky flavor and tender chicken make yakitori a crowd-pleaser.

Onigiri

Key Ingredients

• Cooked rice

• Nori (seaweed)

• Fillings (salmon, pickled plum, tuna mayo)

Last on our list of the best Japanese dishes is Onigiri. It is a simple dish wrapped in nori with seasoned rice and various fillings. Onigiri is portable, making it a perfect on-the-go meal. It’s commonly enjoyed during picnics or as a quick snack.

To make onigiri, season the cooked rice with salt. Place a filling in the center of a rice ball and shape it with your hands. Wrap the rice ball with a strip of nori. Onigiri can be made in different shapes and with various fillings, offering endless possibilities.

Wrapping Up: What’s Your Favorite?

Exploring the ten best Japanese dishes offers a delightful and insightful journey into Japan’s rich culinary landscape. Each dish is a testament to the country’s dedication to flavor, nutrition, and cultural significance. 

Whether you’re new to Japanese cuisine or a seasoned foodie, these dishes will impress and satisfy you. So, the next time you step foot in Japan, try at least one of these foods when possible.

Remember to check out our posts on the best Moroccan and best Italian dishes for more inspiration.