Japanese dishes are not only famous for their sublime intricacy when it comes to flavour, but also for their immense health benefits. Japanese cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world. A classic Japanese meal consists of a staple usually rice or noodles, some curry, for instance, the katsu curry, and a side of fish or vegetables. 

When it comes to popular dishes in Japan, Sushi is definitely at the top of the list. However, Japanese cuisine features other tasty recipes besides sushi. 

In fact, sushi is not the most regular meal in Japan, it is reserved for special events and occasions. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular Japanese dishes. 

Ramen and Soba

Ramen is one of the most popular dishes, especially in Japan. It is served with plenty of vegetables or meat making it healthy and balanced. 

Today, ramen is so popular and has become an entity with a variety of different flavours. There are endless flavours, and toppings to choose from, you can easily be spoilt for choice. 

Again, noodles are a staple not only in Japan but also in a greater part of Asia as well. 

Soba is a type of noodle made of buckwheat and is a rather traditional cuisine in Japan. Unlike ramen, soba is dark in colour and can be enjoyed either hot or cold. 

Soba is served separately but with a sauce on the side for dipping. This traditional meal is quite simple and it is prepared on the spot. 

Most noodle shops in Japan have ticket vending machines where you order the type of noodle you want; whether ramen or soba, the serving size, your preferred topping then it is made on the spot. All you have to do is find a spot and slurp away your noodles.

Sushi

It is no surprise that sushi made the top of our list. It is one of the most popular Japanese recipes all over the world. 

Internationally, sushi is widely misunderstood. Many people imagine sushi as just raw fish. Essentially, sushi is a mix of raw fish served with rice mixed with vinegar and some vegetables. 

It is available in many different variations depending on where you get yours from. The most common variation is the sushi nigiri. It is served as a piece of raw fish sitting pretty on top of vinegar rice. 

Yakitori

If you ask anyone in Japan, the Yakitori is best served with some beer especially at night. The Yakitori is simply grilled chicken on skewers. 

Different restaurants have different varieties of skewers each featuring different chicken cuts, for instance, wings, breasts, or even the skin. 

The Yakitori is considered a snack in Japan and is often inexpensive and equally as tasty as any other Japanese food. 

It is prepared fast and right in front of you. It is easily accessible in most Japanese restaurants.

Okonomiyaki

First off, Okonomiyaki is not your regular pancake, this one comes with all the tasty twists in it. This savory Japanese pancake is made from a batter consisting of eggs, flour, and cabbage as the main ingredients. 

What makes this dish quite popular, is the fact that it is prepared right in front of you and you get to witness the magic happen. 

It is a fun way of dining in groups. Once the batter is cooked, each pancake is topped with mayonnaise, a savory brown paste, and dried bonito flakes. 

Typically, restaurants allow individuals to order their own preferences.

Japanese Curry

Curry is among the staples in a typical serving. While this curry might be similar to other curries in the eastern parts of Asia, it is made with a Japanese twist in it. 

Often, Japanese curries involved stewed veggies and meat in a thick sauce. Curries, in Japan, are usually served alongside the main meal, for instance, noodles or rice. 

There are so many options to pick from when it comes to Japanese curry, however, the most common type of curry is the Katsu curry. 

It is loved by many because it is a huge meal that is quite filling especially after a day full of work.

Tempura

It goes without saying that fried food isn’t the best for your health, but there is no denying how tasty they are in the mouth. 

While most Japanese cuisines are healthy, Tempura is widely loved and is quite famous across Japan. 

Tempura involves fried veggies and fish, for example, seaweed, sweet potatoes, and shrimp. Often it is served alongside a dipping sauce or sometimes with rice as well. 

While there are so many fried ingredients for Tempura, what remains the most popular type is fried shrimp. 

Yakiniku

This is simply Japanese barbeque. It is popular in Japan and also around the world because of the quality beef cuts. 

It features one of the best beef cuts, wagyu. Grilled or barbeque beef is a favourite for many people including the Japanese. 

The only difference between Yakiniku and other grilled meat around the world is the sauces. The soy-based dipping sauce features other spices like garlic, sake, and sesame seeds for extra depth.

Shabu-Shabu

If you are looking for a refreshing group dining experience, then you should consider shabu-shabu. 

This dish involves boiling/dipping different vegetables and thin cuts of meat in boiling water, and then into the salty shabu-shabu sauce using chopsticks. 

This hearty meal is not only fun to eat but quite healthy given the fact that it features a lot of fresh vegetables too. 

So the next time you are looking for a fun, group Japanese meal, Shabu-shabu should be at the top of your list

Take Away

Experiencing food from different parts of the world is a good way of learning about different cultures. 

Japanese cuisine features a lot of seafood thanks to easy access to the ocean. If you are new to Japanese cuisines, then it is our hope that our top 8 list gives you a start as you find your way into the Japanese food experience.