10 Must Try Japanese Dishes

Japanese cuisine is world-renowned for its delicate balance of flavors, fresh ingredients, and artistic presentation. From crispy fried delicacies to soul-warming soups, each dish tells a story of tradition and culinary expertise. Whether you’re new to Japanese food or looking to expand your palate, here are 10 must-try Japanese dishes that you shouldn’t miss!

1. Tempura (天ぷら) – Light & Crispy Fried Perfection

Tempura is a classic Japanese dish where seafood, vegetables, and even mushrooms are lightly battered and deep-fried to create an airy, crispy texture. Unlike Western fried foods, Japanese tempura batter is thin and delicate, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine.

Must-Try Tempura Varieties:

Ebi Tempura (海老天ぷら) – Juicy shrimp tempura
Kakiage (かき揚げ) – Mixed vegetable tempura fritter
Nasu Tempura (茄子天ぷら) – Fried eggplant tempura

Best Way to Enjoy:

Served with tentsuyu dipping sauce (a mix of dashi, soy sauce, and mirin)
Sprinkled with matcha salt or curry salt for added flavor

2. Sushi (寿司) – The Ultimate Japanese Delicacy

Sushi is Japan’s most famous culinary export. It features vinegared rice paired with fresh seafood, vegetables, or even egg. With numerous styles to try, from simple nigiri (hand-pressed sushi) to elaborate makizushi (rolled sushi), sushi is both an art and a delicious meal.

Popular Sushi Types:

Maguro Nigiri (鮪握り) – Tuna sushi
Salmon Aburi (炙りサーモン) – Seared salmon sushi
California Roll (カリフォルニアロール) – A popular Westernized sushi roll

Best Way to Enjoy:

Dip in soy sauce (shoyu), but avoid over-soaking
Eat with fresh wasabi and pickled ginger (gari)

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3. Ramen (ラーメン) – The Ultimate Comfort Food

A steaming bowl of ramen is one of Japan’s most comforting dishes. This noodle soup dish varies by region, with different broths, noodles, and toppings. Whether you prefer a light soy-based broth or a rich pork-bone soup, ramen is a must-try in Japan.

Popular Ramen Styles:

Shoyu Ramen (醤油ラーメン) – Soy sauce-based broth (Tokyo-style)
Tonkotsu Ramen (豚骨ラーメン) – Creamy pork bone broth (Fukuoka-style)
Miso Ramen (味噌ラーメン) – Savory miso-flavored broth (Hokkaido-style)

Best Way to Enjoy:

Slurp the noodles—it’s a sign of appreciation in Japan!
Add toppings like chashu pork, soft-boiled eggs, and bamboo shoots

4. Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) – The Savory Japanese Pancake

Okonomiyaki is a thick, savory pancake made with flour, shredded cabbage, eggs, and various toppings. Popular in Osaka and Hiroshima, this dish is often cooked on an iron griddle and topped with tangy sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed powder.

Two Famous Styles:

Osaka-style – Ingredients mixed into the batter before cooking
Hiroshima-style – Layered with noodles for extra texture

5. Takoyaki (たこ焼き) – Octopus-Filled Street Food Delight

Takoyaki are crispy, golden-brown balls made of batter and filled with tender octopus pieces. A popular street snack from Osaka, they are served with a rich takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.

Best Way to Enjoy:

Be careful—it’s extremely hot inside!
Try different fillings like cheese or shrimp for a unique twist

6. Tonkatsu (とんかつ) – The Perfect Crispy Pork Cutlet

Tonkatsu is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, served with shredded cabbage and a thick, tangy tonkatsu sauce. The contrast between the crispy coating and juicy meat makes it a favorite comfort food in Japan.

Popular Variations:

Rosu Katsu (ロースカツ) – Juicy, fatty pork loin cutlet
Hire Katsu (ヒレカツ) – Leaner, tender pork fillet

7. Yakitori (焼き鳥) – Flavorful Grilled Chicken Skewers

Yakitori consists of skewered, charcoal-grilled chicken pieces, seasoned with salt or tare sauce. Found in izakayas (Japanese pubs), yakitori is a must-try dish when enjoying Japanese nightlife.

Best Yakitori Skewers to Try:

Negima (ねぎま) – Chicken and green onion
Tsukune (つくね) – Chicken meatballs
Reba (レバー) – Grilled chicken liver

8. Soba (そば) & Udon (うどん) – Japan’s Favorite Noodles

Both soba (buckwheat noodles) and udon (thick wheat noodles) are staple dishes in Japan. They can be enjoyed hot in broth or cold with dipping sauce, making them a versatile meal.

Best Variations:

Zaru Soba (ざるそば) – Cold soba with dipping sauce
Kitsune Udon (きつねうどん) – Udon topped with sweet fried tofu

9. Unagi (うなぎ) – Grilled Freshwater Eel

Unagi is a delicacy in Japan, known for its rich, smoky flavor. The eel is grilled over charcoal and coated in a sweet-savory tare sauce, then served over rice in a dish called unadon (うな丼).

Best Way to Enjoy:

Try Hitsumabushi (Nagoya-style eel), where you eat it in three ways: as-is, with toppings, and mixed into soup.

10. Miso Soup (味噌汁) – The Soul of Japanese Cuisine

Miso soup is a fundamental part of Japanese meals, made from fermented soybean paste (miso), dashi broth, and ingredients like tofu, seaweed, and scallions. It’s served as a side dish with almost every meal in Japan.

Popular Miso Types:

Shiro Miso (白味噌) – Mild and slightly sweet
Aka Miso (赤味噌) – Rich, deep umami flavor

Japanese cuisine is an exciting journey of flavors and textures. Whether you’re slurping a bowl of steaming ramen, savoring the crunch of tempura, or enjoying the delicate balance of sushi, every dish offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich culinary heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best way to eat sushi properly?
Use chopsticks or your hands, dip the fish side (not the rice) lightly into soy sauce, and eat in one bite to appreciate the flavors fully. Avoid mixing wasabi into soy sauce—place a small amount on top instead.
Are there vegetarian options in Japanese cuisine?
Yes! Many dishes like vegetable tempura, zaru soba (cold buckwheat noodles), nasu dengaku (miso-glazed eggplant), and inari sushi (sweet tofu-wrapped rice) are vegetarian-friendly. Some ramen shops also offer plant-based broths.
What is the difference between soba and udon?
Soba noodles are thin and made from buckwheat, giving them a slightly nutty flavor, while udon noodles are thick, chewy, and made from wheat flour. Both can be enjoyed hot or cold with different toppings.
Why is slurping noodles encouraged in Japan?
Slurping enhances the flavor of the broth, cools the noodles as you eat, and is considered a sign of appreciation for the chef’s work. It’s completely acceptable in Japanese culture!
What is the meaning of umami in Japanese food?
Umami is the fifth taste, often described as savory or meaty. Ingredients like miso, dashi (kelp and bonito broth), soy sauce, and mushrooms are rich in umami, giving Japanese dishes their deep, satisfying flavor.