Must-Try Japanese Foods for Foodies

I have always loved Japan. Its culture, history, and art have fascinated me since childhood. But above all, I was drawn to its food: the variety, freshness, flavor, and presentation. Everything about Japanese food appealed to me. I dreamed of visiting Japan someday and tasting its culinary wonders.

That dream came true in 2016 when I finally moved to Japan to work as an English teacher. I have been assigned to Nagano prefecture, a mountainous region in central Japan. It was beautiful and peaceful, with stunning scenery and friendly people. But most of all, it was a place of culinary delight. 

Sushi

When I arrived in Japan, I knew I had to try sushi. It’s probably the most famous Japanese dish, and I wanted to taste the real thing, prepared by skilled chefs with care and respect. Unfortunately, I was too busy to go to a sushi restaurant right away, so I bought some pre-made sushi from a convenience store instead. To my surprise, it was good. The rice was soft and fluffy, the fish was tender and juicy, and the wasabi and soy sauce added just the right spice and flavor.

Eventually, I did get to try sushi at a restaurant called Genki Sushi, which was recommended to me by a student. It was a fantastic experience. We ordered our sushi using a touchscreen, and within minutes, we were enjoying fresh, delicious sushi. The rice was slightly vinegary, the fish was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the toppings were flavorful and generous. We also enjoyed the side dishes, noodle soup, and desserts.

However, the Genki Sushi restaurant is closed if you’re in Matsumoto and want to try sushi. But don’t worry; there are plenty of other great sushi restaurants in Japan. Search for the best ones near you on Google Maps, and you’ll find something unique.

Ramen

In Japan, I tried ramen, a dish perfect for a cold, snowy day. Ramen is a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed anytime. It’s also customizable and can be made with different broths, noodles, and toppings.

I went to らぁめん 鶏支那屋 in Matsumoto, Nagano, after work. The shop is next to Tokyo Interior Matsumoto and close to Kita Matsumoto station, which made me curious. The staff was polite, and I ordered their Tonkotsu ramen, one of their specialties.

The Tonkotsu shoyu ramen was the best I’ve ever had. The noodles were firm and chewy, and I could choose how I wanted them cooked. The soup was rich and creamy, with a deep pork flavor and a hint of garlic. Also, the toppings, such as sliced pork, green onions, and bamboo shoots, were generous and tasty. You can order extra toppings; each order’s a free egg from 3–5 p.m.

らぁめん 鶏支那屋 was a wonderful experience, even with the long queue at noon. The service was friendly and efficient, the atmosphere was cozy and traditional, and the food was superb and satisfying. 

I’ve been trying different ramen shops in Nagano, like miso ramen; each has its personality and flavor. If you love ramen, try different types and find the best shops using Google Maps. Japan has a variety of soup bases and seasonings to suit your preferences. You can also customize your noodles, toppings, and spiciness level.

But don’t overeat ramen, as it’s high in sodium, calories, fat, and carbohydrates. Ramen also lacks many essential nutrients, like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Eating ramen in moderation, not more than once or twice a week is advisable. The best time to eat ramen is during lunch or early dinner. Avoid eating ramen late at night, as it can interfere with digestion and sleep quality.

Tempura

I enjoyed indulging in the exquisite tempura dish during my travels to Japan. This culinary masterpiece is a light and refined meal that truly showcases its ingredients’ natural flavors and colors. Whether it’s seafood, meat, or vegetables, tempura is a universal dish that can be appreciated in different forms.

One particular experience that stands out is my visit to a tempura restaurant in Nagano while on a work trip to Ueda. The restaurant’s ambiance was serene and peaceful, with private rooms adding to the tranquil atmosphere. I opted for the omakase course, leaving the choice of ingredients in the skilled hands of the chef. My excitement grew as I awaited the arrival of my meal.

When the tempura dish was presented to me, I couldn’t help but marvel at its beauty. It included a variety of ingredients such as shrimp, squid, fish, eggplant, mushroom, pumpkin, and lotus root, all perfectly fried to perfection. The batter was light and airy, creating an enticing aroma that was simply irresistible.

I eagerly picked up a shrimp with my chopsticks and dipped it into the accompanying sauce. The flavor was an excellent combination of sweet and savory, and the texture was nothing short of perfection. Similarly, the squid, paired with a hint of lemon juice, was soft and tangy, while the fish was juicy and salty. The vegetables were crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside, creating an explosion of flavors in my mouth.

In all honesty, this was hands down the best tempura dish I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing!

Mochi

I recently tried mochi, a traditional Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice. It’s a versatile food that can be eaten plain or with sweet or savory fillings, like red bean paste, ice cream, cheese, or meat. Moreover, it’s usually eaten on New Year’s Day or cherry blossom season. 

I visited a charming mochi shop during my trip to Suwa, a lakeside city in Nagano. The owner, an old and friendly man, made me a delicious surprise mochi filled with ice cream. He pounded the rice in a wooden mortar until it became a smooth paste, then shaped it into a ball, served it with ice cream, flattened it, and dusted it with sugar. It was cold, soft, and sweet, and I loved it.

Now, I occasionally eat mochi from different shops in Nagano, each with quality and charm. It’s a sweet and festive choice for a unique and memorable meal.

Conclusion

The list of Japanese foods I highly recommend has deepened my love for Japan and given me a glimpse into the country’s rich culture, history, and spirit. However, Japan offers so much more in terms of culinary experiences. Try udon, soba, curry, yakitori, katsu, onigiri, okonomiyaki and many other delicious dishes. Each food has its unique personality and charm, and exploring Japan’s cuisine is an adventure. Why wait? Begin your journey of discovering the ultimate list of Japanese foods you must try and savor the taste of Japan.

I hope this article has helped you. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you at the next one.