Japanese cuisine has long conquered diners around the world with its sophistication, simplicity but still full of flavor. If you are looking for delicious Japanese dishes to enjoy when you go to a restaurant, don’t miss this article. We will introduce famous dishes in Japan, special Japanese sushi options, and experience to help you order properly and fully enjoy the culinary essence of the cherry blossom country.
Mục Lục
The appeal of Japanese cuisine
When it comes to Japanese cuisine, most people immediately think of sushi or sashimi – dishes that have become global icons. However, Japanese cuisine does not stop at a few famous dishes but is actually a rich treasure trove, clearly reflecting the philosophy of life and culture of the Japanese.
The philosophy of balance in every meal
The Japanese believe that a delicious meal is not simply filling the stomach but also brings a balance between aroma – color – taste – nutrients. Each dish is carefully calculated in terms of color, flavor and nutritional ingredients, so that when combined, they create a harmonious whole.
In particular, instead of using a lot of oil or strong spices, delicious Japanese dishes are often prepared in a light style, retaining the original flavor of the ingredients. It is this simplicity but sophistication that helps diners fully feel the “soul” of the dish.
The sophistication in preparation and presentation
Japanese cuisine is famous for its meticulousness and sophistication. Whether it is a bowl of ramen noodles or a small portion of sushi, the chef pays attention to every detail – from the selection of ingredients, cutting, seasoning to the way it is arranged on the plate.
Food is not only for eating, but also for looking at. Therefore, many famous dishes in Japan look like miniature works of art, allowing diners to enjoy and feel the aesthetic value.
Closely connected to nature and seasonality
One of the special features that makes Japanese cuisine attractive is seasonality. Japanese people often choose seasonal ingredients, because they believe that the best flavor only appears when food is harvested at the right time.
For example, spring has herring, summer is grilled eel, autumn is highlighted with matsutake mushrooms, and winter is snow crab. Thanks to that, each season brings a new taste experience, making famous dishes in Japan always fresh and different.
The intersection between tradition and modernity
Japanese cuisine is both deeply traditional and constantly creative. You can easily find traditional Japanese dishes such as sushi, tempura, ramen… along with modern versions that are more suitable for international tastes.
This intersection does not lose its inherent identity, but on the contrary, helps Japanese cuisine become closer and more popular around the world.
Suggestions for delicious Japanese dishes that cannot be missed
Japanese cuisine is extremely diverse, but there are some dishes that are considered the “soul” of the cuisine of the cherry blossom country. When entering a Japanese restaurant, you will see a rich menu, but to avoid confusion, let’s start with the outstanding dishes below. These are delicious Japanese dishes that any diner should try at least once.
Sushi – Symbol of Japanese cuisine
It is impossible not to mention sushi when talking about Japanese dishes. This is a dish that has crossed the border of Japan to become a global symbol. Sushi is made from vinegared rice, combined with fresh seafood, eggs or vegetables, creating a harmonious flavor that is both refreshing and rich.
There are many different types of sushi, each with its own unique features:
- Nigiri sushi: small pieces of rice with fresh seafood on top.
- Maki sushi: rice and fillings are rolled in seaweed.
- Temaki sushi: cone-shaped hand-rolled sushi, easy to eat and often found in popular restaurants.
Sushi is not only delicious but also shows the sophistication of Japanese chefs, when each grain of rice, each slice of fish is carefully prepared. If you want to experience authentic Japanese sushi, you should try tuna, salmon or grilled eel sushi – which are always present on the menu of every Japanese restaurant.
Sashimi – The original flavor of the ocean
If sushi is a delicate combination, then sashimi is the absolute purity of the flavor of the ocean. This is a dish that focuses entirely on fresh ingredients such as salmon, tuna, octopus, scallops… thinly sliced, served with soy sauce and wasabi.
The special thing about sashimi is that the ingredients must be fresh and of high quality. Thanks to that, just a slice of sashimi is enough for you to feel the natural sweetness of seafood. It is not an exaggeration to say that sashimi is one of the famous dishes in Japan that any international diner loves and seeks out.
Sashimi – The original flavor of the ocean
If sushi is a delicate combination, then sashimi is the absolute purity of the flavor of the ocean. This is a dish that focuses entirely on fresh ingredients such as salmon, tuna, octopus, scallops… thinly sliced, served with soy sauce and wasabi.
The special thing about sashimi is that the ingredients must be fresh and of high quality. Thanks to that, just a slice of sashimi is enough for you to feel the natural sweetness of seafood. It is not an exaggeration to say that sashimi is one of the famous dishes in Japan that any international diner loves and seeks out.
Ramen – Famous noodles
Want to enjoy a bowl of hot noodles on a cold day? Ramen is the perfect choice. This is a delicious Japanese dish made from chewy noodles and broth made from pork bones, chicken or seafood, bringing an unforgettable rich flavor.
Some popular types of ramen you should try:
- Shoyu ramen: soy sauce broth, light taste.
- Miso ramen: characterized by the rich flavor of miso.
- Tonkotsu ramen: fatty, sweet broth made from pork bones.
Not only delicious, ramen also brings a warm feeling, very suitable when you eat with friends or family.
Tempura – Attractive fried dishes
Japanese cuisine is famous for its sophistication, even in fried dishes. Tempura is seafood or vegetables that are coated in flour and fried until golden brown. Unlike greasy fried dishes elsewhere, Japanese tempura is light, not greasy, with a thin, crispy crust encasing the sweet filling inside.
You can enjoy a variety of tempura such as shrimp, fish, or vegetables. This is one of the popular Japanese dishes, suitable for even those who are not used to eating raw food.
Takoyaki – Street Octopus Balls
Not only the dishes in restaurants, Japanese street food is also very special. Takoyaki – octopus balls – is a clear proof. Made from wheat flour, filled with shredded octopus, lightly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, served with mayonnaise, sweet and salty sauce and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes). Takoyaki is simple but shows the creativity of the Japanese. This dish is popular at festivals and also appears in many modern Japanese restaurants.
Experience in choosing dishes when eating at Japanese restaurants
After knowing the delicious Japanese dishes you should try, choosing and enjoying them properly is also an important factor to help you have a more complete experience. Eating at a Japanese restaurant is not simply ordering dishes to fill your stomach, but also an opportunity for you to feel the culture and sophisticated style of the cherry blossom country’s cuisine.
Here are some useful experiences you can apply:
Choose dishes according to taste
Japanese cuisine is very diverse, suitable for many different preferences:
- If you like lightness and freshness, choose sashimi or sushi – dishes that feature fresh seafood and fragrant vinegared rice.
- If you like rich, warm flavors, noodle dishes like ramen or udon will be the perfect choice.
- If you go with a large group, don’t hesitate to order many different dishes to share. It saves money and gives the whole group the opportunity to enjoy many unique flavors.
Order dishes in order
A Japanese meal is usually arranged in a reasonable order so that the flavors become balanced and harmonious:
- Appetizers: usually edamame (steamed soybeans with salt), seaweed salad or light miso soup.
- Main course: can be sushi, sashimi, ramen or tempura – depending on preference.
- Dessert: end with delicate sweets such as mochi, dorayaki or green tea ice cream.
Eating in this order helps you fully enjoy the essence of Japanese cuisine without feeling “full” or too full when you first start the meal.
Combine with drinks
Drinks are also an indispensable part when enjoying Japanese cuisine:
- Green tea: helps cleanse the taste buds, balance the flavors, and at the same time aid digestion.
- Sake (Japanese rice wine): brings a more enjoyable experience, especially when used with sashimi or seafood dishes.
- In addition, some restaurants also serve Japanese beer or barley tea, which are also very suitable when eaten with tempura or takoyaki.
Choosing the right drink will enhance the flavor of the dish, while also bringing an experience similar to enjoying it in Japan.
Notes on how to eat
Japanese cuisine is not only delicious but also comes with small rules, showing sophistication and respect for the dish. When dining at a Japanese restaurant, you should note:
- Do not dip wasabi directly into soy sauce, instead, put a little wasabi on the sashimi before dipping.
- When eating sushi, you should dip the fish in soy sauce, avoid letting the rice touch it because it will easily become too salty.
- Eat as soon as the dish is served to preserve the fresh flavor, especially with sushi and tempura.
- If you use chopsticks, avoid sticking them vertically into your rice bowl – this is considered impolite in Japanese culture.
Experience culture through food
The most important thing when eating at a Japanese restaurant is not only choosing the right dish, but also feeling Japanese culture through every small detail. Pay attention to:
- How the dishes are presented: each dish is carefully prepared like a work of art.
- Service style: polite, delicate, gentle – true to the spirit of omotenashi (hospitality) of the Japanese.
- Restaurant atmosphere: usually quiet, elegant, helping you feel more fully the elegance of Japanese cuisine.
These factors will make your meal a journey of experience, not just stopping at enjoying the food.
Conclusion
Japanese cuisine is a blend of sophistication, nutrition and art. When you go to a Japanese restaurant, you will have countless attractive options, from famous Japanese sushi to ramen, tempura or takoyaki.
Hopefully the above suggestions have helped you know which delicious Japanese dishes to enjoy and how to choose the right dish. Let every meal become a journey to experience Japanese culture right at your dining table.
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