Sushi and sashimi
Sushi is an essential dish in Japanese cuisine, consisting of vinegared rice served with a variety of sashimi, seafood or vegetables. Shirasushi is the most common type of sushi, hand-kneaded into bite-sized pieces by the sushi chef, with slices of fish or other ingredients on top of vinegared rice. Sashimi is raw fish, cut into thin slices and usually served with soy sauce and wasabi.
Ramen and udon
Ramen is a hot noodle soup made from soy sauce, miso or salt-flavored broth and topped with various toppings such as barbecued pork, hard-boiled egg, bamboo shoots and seaweed. Udon is also a noodle soup, but the noodles are thicker and chewier, and the soup base is usually lighter with fewer toppings.
Tempura and fried skewers
Tempura is a deep-fried dish in which ingredients are coated in a light batter and then deep-fried in hot oil until crispy. Common tempura ingredients include shrimp, vegetables and fish. Skewers are similar to tempura, but the ingredients are skewered on bamboo sticks and then deep-fried in oil.
Grilled and boiled items
Grilled items are ingredients that are cooked on a grill and usually flavored with a sauce. Common grilled ingredients include fish, meat and vegetables. Yakiniku refers to ingredients that are simmered in a sauce such as soy sauce or miso until they become flavorful, and are usually soft and tender.
Other specialties
In addition to the above dishes, there are many other specialties in Japanese cuisine, such as:
Marinated items: Pickled vegetables such as daikon radish, cucumber and cabbage.
Tamago-yaki: a Japanese omelet made of eggs, soy sauce and sugar.
Takoyaki: ball-shaped snack filled with octopus, batter and sauce.
Green Tea: traditional Japanese beverage known for its refreshing flavor and invigorating effect.
Sake: Japanese rice wine that comes in a variety of flavors and aromas.
Japanese cuisine is not only diverse, but also seasonal, with ingredients changing according to the seasons to ensure optimal flavor. Whether it's delicate sushi or steaming hot ramen, Japanese cuisine will satisfy your culinary cravings.