Konnichiwa! Are you a fan of Japanese cuisine? You might have tried sushi, sashimi or ramen, but did you know that Japan is home to a plethora of other mouth-watering dishes? In this blog post, we will take you on a culinary journey through Japan’s lesser-known dishes.

Get ready to satisfy your taste buds and learn about some delicious and unique Japanese delicacies! 🍣🍜🍲

Oden: A Hearty Winter Dish

Oden is a hot pot dish that is perfect for the colder months. Served with a flavorful broth, it consists of various fish cakes, tofu, konjac, boiled eggs, daikon radish, and other ingredients. You can find oden at convenience stores, street vendors, and izakaya (Japanese pubs).

Pro tip: The longer the ingredients soak in the broth, the better the taste! 🍲

A photo of a steaming hot bowl of oden with various ingredients

Yakitori: Grilled Chicken Skewers

Yakitori is a popular snack in Japan, consisting of grilled chicken skewers. The seasoned chicken is cooked over a charcoal grill, creating crispy and juicy bites. Yakitori is often served with tare, a sweet and savory sauce, and can be found in izakaya, street vendors, and specialized restaurants.

Pro tip: Try different parts of the chicken like the thigh, liver, or heart for a unique flavor experience! 🍢

A photo of grilled chicken skewers being cooked over a charcoal grill

Okonomiyaki: Japanese Savory Pancake

Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made with flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and a variety of ingredients such as pork belly, squid, shrimp, or cheese. The pancake is cooked on a hot plate and topped with okonomi sauce, mayo, and bonito flakes. It is a popular dish in Osaka and Hiroshima, and you can find it in specialized restaurants.

Pro tip: Ask the chef to make it for you at the counter and enjoy the show! 🍳

A photo of a sizzling hot plate with Okonomiyaki being cooked and topped with sauce and toppings

Takoyaki: Octopus Balls

Takoyaki is a popular street food in Japan, made with piece of octopus, batter, and other ingredients like green onion and ginger. The mixture is poured into a special pan with round molds and cooked until golden brown. The piping hot balls are topped with a sweet and savory sauce and bonito flakes.

Pro tip: Take a small bite first to avoid burning your mouth! 😋

A photo of a steaming hot plate of Takoyaki with sauce and bonito flakes

Katsu: Breaded Cutlet

Katsu is a breaded and deep-fried cutlet, usually made with pork or chicken. It is commonly served with rice, shredded cabbage, and tonkatsu sauce, a thick and sweet sauce made with Worcestershire sauce and other ingredients. You can find katsu in specialized restaurants and chains like Tonkatsu Maisen.

Pro tip: Dip the katsu sauce into the sauce to enjoy the perfect combination of flavors and textures! 🍛

A photo of a plated Katsu with rice, shredded cabbage, and tonkatsu sauce

Matcha: Japanese Green Tea

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves, and it is an essential part of the Japanese tea ceremony. It has a vibrant green color, a sweet and earthy taste, and is packed with antioxidants and other health benefits. You can find matcha in various forms such as drinks, desserts, and even savory dishes.

Pro tip: Try a matcha latte with a shot of espresso for a unique and energizing drink! 🍵

A photo of a cup of Matcha tea and a matcha latte, both with a vibrant green color

That concludes our journey through Japan’s lesser-known dishes! We hope that you found something new and exciting to try on your next visit to Japan.

Sayonara! 👋

A collage of various Japanese dishes, including oden, yakitori, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, katsu, and matcha, with vibrant colors and textures