20 Foods You Must Eat in Japan, or You’re Missing Out

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They say Japan’s food is unforgettable, and that’s no exaggeration. One bite of melt-in-your-mouth sushi or a slurp of rich, savory ramen is enough to make you rethink everything you thought you knew about food. These 20 dishes are Japan’s best and the ones you won’t want to miss.

Tempura, Crispy Clouds of Deliciousness

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Just imagine your favorite veggie or shrimp. Now, give it a crispy, golden makeover. That’s tempura. Light, crunchy, and dangerously easy to eat. Dunk it in some dipping sauce, and you’ve got yourself a bite of heaven that somehow makes fried food feel healthy.

Takoyaki, Little Balls of Octopus Joy

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Tiny fried dough balls stuffed with octopus might sound wild, but once you try takoyaki, you’ll be hooked. Just don’t burn your tongue eating them too fast! Crispy outside, gooey inside, and drizzled with sauces, these are basically flavor-packed orbs of happiness. 

Okonomiyaki, Japan’s Pancake with a Twist

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Okonomiyaki is like a pancake that decided to throw a party. Mix in cabbage, seafood, pork (whatever you fancy), and top it off with mayo and seaweed flakes. It’s messy and fun, and the definition of comfort food. And if you cook it yourself, there’s more room for creativity.

Sashimi (Fresh, Raw, and Oh-So-Good)

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Sashimi is sushi’s sleek cousin who likes to keep things simple. No rice, just fresh, raw fish sliced to perfection. Dip it in soy sauce, dab a little wasabi, and enjoy the purest form of seafood Japan has to offer. Raw has never been so right.

Tonkatsu, Crunchy Pork Cutlet Heaven

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Tonkatsu is the kind of dish that makes you question why we don’t fry everything. Breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet served with a tangy sauce and shredded cabbage—it’s crispy, it’s juicy, and it’s exactly what you need after a long day of exploring.

Yakitori, Skewered and Grilled to Perfection

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Ever had meat on a stick that’s grilled to perfection? That’s yakitori. Chicken bits skewered and roasted over an open flame, with flavors that range from simple salt to mouthwatering tare sauce. Perfect for snacking on the go or pairing with a cold drink.

Sushi, The Bite-Sized Legend

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Sometimes, just go with the basics. Fresh fish, perfectly seasoned rice, and a dollop of wasabi that might make your eyes water—what’s not to love? One bite, and you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the supermarket stuff. Japan’s sushi will obviously be better than any you’ve ever had.

Udon, Noodles Thicker Than Your Problems

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Udon noodles are like a warm hug in a bowl. These thick, chewy noodles come in a variety of broths, from light and refreshing to hearty and savory. Hot or cold, udon is the food equivalent of a cozy blanket on a chilly day.

Miso Soup, The Soul-Warming Staple

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Miso soup is the unsung hero of the Japanese meal. It’s light, salty, and packed with flavor despite its simple ingredients: fermented soybean paste, tofu, and seaweed. No matter whether you drink it with your meal or sip it solo, miso soup always hits the spot.

Kaiseki, The Ultimate Fancy Feast

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Feeling fancy? Kaiseki is Japan’s answer to the multi-course meal. You get dish after dish of small, artfully plated bites, each one highlighting seasonal ingredients. It’s like dinner and an art show rolled into one, and trust me, your taste buds will love it.

Shabu-Shabu, Hot Pot Swirl of Yum

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Shabu-shabu is where you become the chef. Dip thin slices of beef and veggies into a bubbling hot pot right at your table, swirl them around, and then dip into sauces. It’s interactive, fun, and downright delicious (like fondue, but way better).

Gyoza, Crispy Dumpling Delights

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Little pockets of crispy, juicy goodness! These pan-fried dumplings are stuffed with pork and veggies, and they’re the kind of thing that disappears off the plate before you know it. Try to share, but no one will blame you if you don’t.

Ramen, Slurp Your Way to Happiness

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If you’ve never slurped noodles loudly in public, Japan gives you permission! Ramen comes in so many varieties, but whether you like it rich and creamy or light and savory, it’s guaranteed to fill your soul and your belly. No shame in going back for seconds.

Mochi, Sweet, Squishy Happiness

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Mochi is the dessert that plays with your senses. These chewy rice cakes come filled with sweet red bean paste or ice cream, making them the perfect squishy, sticky treat. It’s like eating a cloud—if clouds were sweet and delicious, of course.

Onigiri, Japan’s Favorite Snack-in-a-Ball

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Onigiri is the MVP of convenience store snacks. These rice balls are stuffed with everything from salmon to pickled plum and wrapped in seaweed. They’re portable, delicious, and perfect for eating on the go. You’ll never look at rice the same way again.

Sukiyaki, Sweet Hot Pot Magic

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Sukiyaki is a hot pot dish that’s equal parts savory and sweet. Thinly sliced beef, veggies, and tofu simmered in a soy sauce-based broth—it’s a little sweet, a little salty, and a lot of delicious. The secret? Dipping your meat in raw eggs before eating. Just give it a try.

Unagi, Grilled Eel Adventure

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Unagi might sound like an adventure, but this grilled eel dish is a Japanese delicacy that’s worth the leap. It’s tender, smoky, and glazed with a sweet sauce that pairs perfectly with rice. Just take a bite, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been eating eel all along.

Matcha, The Green Tea Flavor Craze

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Matcha is green tea, but not as you know it. This finely powdered tea has a bold, earthy flavor that’s a little bitter but totally addictive. You’ll find it in everything from traditional tea ceremonies to lattes and desserts. It’s green, it’s good, and you’ll love it.

Soba, Cool Noodle Refreshment

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Soba noodles, made from buckwheat, are a cool, refreshing alternative to their thicker noodle cousins. Often served chilled with a dipping sauce, soba is light, nutty, and the perfect dish for a hot day. This simple and refreshing dish is just oh-so-good.

Dorayaki, Pancakes with a Sweet Surprise

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Dorayaki is Japan’s answer to the pancake, but it is the only better. Two fluffy cakes sandwiching a sweet red bean paste—it’s light and sweet, and it’s a perfect snack for when you need a little sugar rush. Trust us, this one’s a winner for dessert lovers.

Written by Johann H