Traditional Japanese cuisine: dishes worth trying

Japanese cuisine is not just food — it’s an essential part of Japan’s culture, included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. What makes Japanese dishes so special? National Japanese cuisine impresses with its diversity, love for fresh, minimally processed ingredients, and a unique approach to the aesthetics of serving food.

Traditions and national dishes of Japanese cuisine

The Japanese deeply respect seasonality. They believe food should be fresh and aligned with the time of year. For example, mushroom dishes are especially popular in autumn, while refreshing meals — such as cold miso soups — are favored in summer.

Another important aspect of Japanese cuisine is the pursuit of balance among the five basic tastes: salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and umami. This balance is believed not only to elevate the dishes but also to support physical and emotional well-being.

Rice is the cornerstone of Japanese cuisine. It is the main dish, side dish, and base for countless recipes. Rice is used to prepare sushi and rolls, miso soups, rice vinegar, and even rice wine — sake.

Because Japan is surrounded by oceans, seafood holds a special place here. Sushi, sashimi, and tempura are just a few examples of dishes where seafood shines. Tuna, salmon, shellfish, shrimp, and seaweed are among the most commonly used ingredients.

Soybeans, soy sauce, and miso are key components that add the iconic umami flavor. Soy sauce in Japan is used not only as a condiment but also as a base for many broths and marinades.

Japanese dining etiquette

Japanese cuisine places great importance on the culture of eating and behavior at the table. Food is usually eaten with chopsticks. Leaving chopsticks stuck upright in food or handling them incorrectly is considered bad manners.

Presentation is equally important. Japanese people believe that every ingredient should be visible and maintain its identity on the plate. That’s why dishes are often divided into separate small plates.

Another tradition is expressing gratitude before eating. Many Japanese say “itadakimasu,” which means “I humbly receive.” It’s a way of thanking everyone involved in preparing the food.

Traditional Japanese dishes: top 9

Which Japanese dishes are a must-try? There’s no single answer — the list is huge. Still, we’ve gathered nine favorites that you should definitely experience:

Sushi

Sushi and rolls are the most recognizable Japanese dishes. They are prepared from rice, nori seaweed, and a variety of fillings: fish, seafood, vegetables, and even fruits. Traditional sushi types include:

• Nigiri — a small mound of rice topped with a slice of fish or seafood.
• Maki — rolls made by wrapping rice and ingredients in nori.
• Temaki — cone-shaped hand rolls filled with rice and toppings.

Each type of sushi has its own unique preparation method. And with a bit of soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger, they taste even better.

Sashimi

Sashimi consists of thin slices of raw fish served without rice. It represents the purest form of Japanese culinary tradition, where freshness is the key. The most common types of fish for sashimi are tuna and salmon.

Udon, soba, ramen

Noodles hold a special place in Japanese cuisine. The most popular kinds include:

• Soba — buckwheat noodles with a distinct flavor, served cold with dipping sauces or in hot broths.
• Udon — thick wheat noodles, served in broth or stir-fried with meat, vegetables, or seafood.
• Ramen — wheat noodles served in rich broths such as soy, miso, chicken, or pork, often topped with egg, scallions, seaweed, and slices of meat.

Miso soup

A staple of Japanese cooking. Its main ingredients are miso paste, dashi broth (made from seaweed and dried fish flakes), and various additions depending on the region and season — tofu, scallions, seaweed, and more.

Yakitori

Yakitori are grilled chicken skewers, though sometimes vegetables or other meats are used. The pieces are grilled to perfection and served with teriyaki-style sauce. Yakitori is a popular bar snack, often enjoyed with beer or sake.

Gyoza

Gyoza are Japanese dumplings inspired by Chinese cuisine. They have thin dough wrappers and are filled with minced meat (usually pork or chicken), vegetables, and spices. Gyoza can be boiled, fried, or steamed and are served with soy-based dipping sauces.

Mochi

Mochi is a sweet rice dessert made from glutinous rice pounded into a sticky dough. It is often filled with sweet red bean paste, fruit, or chocolate. Mochi is especially popular during New Year’s celebrations.

Panko-fried shrimp

These shrimp are coated in airy panko breadcrumbs and fried until golden and crispy. They are typically served with teriyaki-like sauces or sweet soy glaze. The inside remains tender, while the crust stays light and crunchy.

Tempura

Tempura is one of the most iconic Japanese dishes. Vegetables or seafood are coated in a delicate batter and deep-fried until crisp and light. Common ingredients include shrimp, fish, pumpkin, and eggplant. Tempura is served with soy sauce or a special dipping sauce and can be a main dish or side.

These traditional Japanese dishes are definitely worth trying!