The Best 7 Japanese Food Dishes You Must Try
Japanese cuisine (Washoku) is unique in the world of gastronomy. It isn’t just about the taste; it’s about the visual presentation, the seasonality of ingredients, and the dedication to perfection. In Japan, chefs often spend decades mastering a single dish.
While you might be familiar with sushi takeout, the real food culture in Japan is far deeper, ranging from elegant multi-course meals to hearty street food in neon-lit alleys. If you are ready to experience the ultimate “Umami” flavor, here are the 7 best Japanese food dishes you must try.
The Best 7 Japanese Food Dishes You Must Try (Authentic Guide)
1- Sushi
Let’s start with the icon. Sushi in Japan is a world away from the supermarket rolls you find abroad. While there are many types, the gold standard is Nigiri—a slice of raw fish draped over a mound of vinegared rice.
The Experience: To eat it like a local, dip the fish side (not the rice) lightly into soy sauce. The balance between the warm, slightly sweet rice and the cool, fresh fish is pure harmony. Don’t miss O-Toro (fatty tuna), which literally melts in your mouth like butter.
2- Ramen
Forget the instant cup noodles. Authentic Japanese Ramen is a soul-warming bowl of obsession. Regional varieties differ, but the most famous include Tonkotsu (rich pork bone broth) from Fukuoka and Miso Ramen from Hokkaido.
Why it’s special: It’s all about the broth, which is often simmered for 12+ hours to achieve a creamy consistency. Slurping your noodles loudly is not rude here; it’s actually a compliment to the chef and helps cool the noodles down!
3- Tempura
Fried food exists everywhere, but Tempura elevates it to an art form. Introduced by Portuguese traders but perfected by the Japanese, it consists of seafood and vegetables coated in a light, ice-cold batter and deep-fried.
The Texture: Unlike heavy Western frying, good Tempura is airy, crisp, and never greasy. Whether it’s a shrimp (Ebi) or a sweet potato, the batter is so delicate that you can still see the color of the ingredient underneath. It is best enjoyed with a dash of salt or dipped in Tentsuyu sauce.
4- Udon
While Ramen gets all the fame, Udon is the comfort food of choice for many Japanese. These are thick, chewy wheat noodles, typically served in a mild, savory broth (Dashi) made from fish flakes and kelp.
Must-Try Style: In the colder months, try Curry Udon for a spicy kick. The texture of the noodle is key here—known as Koshi—referring to that perfect “bouncy” resistance when you bite into it.
5- Sashimi
For the purists, there is Sashimi. Unlike sushi, there is no rice to hide behind. It is simply thinly sliced, ultra-fresh raw fish or meat. This dish relies 100% on the quality of the ingredient.
How to eat: Put a tiny amount of real Wasabi (which is less harsh than the fake dyed horseradish) directly on the fish, then dip it in soy sauce. It allows you to taste the distinct ocean flavors of scallops, yellowtail, or salmon in their most natural state.
6- Takoyaki
Welcome to the fun side of Japanese food! Originating in Osaka, Takoyaki (Octopus Balls) is the ultimate street snack. These are round balls of batter filled with diced octopus, pickled ginger, and green onion.
The Vibe: Watching the vendors flip the balls at lightning speed with metal picks is half the fun. They come smothered in a savory brown sauce, mayonnaise, and dried bonito flakes that “dance” on top due to the heat. Be careful—the inside is molten hot!
7- Miso Soup
It might seem like just a side dish, but Miso Soup is the heartbeat of the Japanese breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Made by dissolving fermented soybean paste (Miso) into dashi stock, it usually contains tofu, seaweed (Wakame), and green onions.
Why it matters: It is considered essential for digestion and health. There are hundreds of types of miso, ranging from sweet white miso (Shiro) to robust red miso (Aka). A Japanese meal simply doesn’t feel complete without a warm bowl of Miso soup to wash it down.
