Culinary Tour of Japan: Exploring Japanese Food & Cuisine

Take a taste of Tokyo! Embark on a culinary tour exploring the various flavours and cuisines that make Japan famous. A delicious and exciting experience awaits!

Food and cuisine are an integral part of Japanese culture, and the country is known for its delicious and unique culinary traditions.

From sushi and ramen to tempura and yakitori, there is a wide variety of dishes to discover and enjoy. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most popular and iconic foods and dishes in Japan, as well as some of the culinary traditions and customs that make Japanese cuisine so special.

One of the most famous and popular Japanese dishes is sushi. Sushi is a type of food that is made from vinegared rice, which is typically served with raw fish or other seafood. The most common type of sushi is called nigiri sushi, which is a small ball of rice topped with a piece of fish. Other types of sushi include maki sushi, which is sushi that is rolled in seaweed, and temaki sushi, which is sushi that is rolled in a cone shape. Sushi is often served with soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger.

maki sushi

Another popular Japanese dish is ramen. Ramen is a type of noodle soup that is made with Chinese-style wheat noodles in a meat or fish-based broth. The broth is usually flavored with soy sauce or miso and may contain ingredients such as pork, chicken, and seafood. Ramen is often served with a variety of toppings such as green onions, mushrooms, and sliced pork.

ramen

Tempura is a dish that is made by deep-frying seafood and vegetables in a light and crispy batter. The batter is made from wheat flour, egg, and cold water and is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, dashi, and mirin. Tempura is a popular dish in Japan and is often served as a side dish or as a topping for soba or udon noodles.

Tempura

Yakitori is a type of skewered chicken that is grilled over hot coals. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sake, and sugar before being grilled. Yakitori is a popular dish in Japan, and it is often served at izakaya, which are casual Japanese pubs.

yakitori

Japanese cuisine is heavily influenced by the seasons and the natural environment. The Japanese people have a deep respect for nature, and this is reflected in their cuisine. There is a strong emphasis on using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. This is why you'll often find dishes that feature ingredients that are only available during certain times of the year. For example, in the spring, you'll find dishes that feature cherry blossoms and bamboo shoots, while in the fall, you'll find dishes that feature mushrooms and chestnuts.

shitake mushrooms

Chestnuts

Japanese cuisine also has a strong emphasis on presentation and aesthetics. The food is often arranged in an artful and visually pleasing manner, and it is served on beautiful and intricate dishes. This is known as "food as art" and it is a fundamental aspect of Japanese cuisine.

Another important aspect of Japanese cuisine is the use of dashi, a broth made from seaweed and fish that is used as a base for many dishes. Dashi is considered to be the foundation of Japanese cuisine and is used in dishes such as miso soup and udon noodle soup.

Japanese tea ceremony is also an important aspect of Japanese cuisine. The tea ceremony is a ritual that is used to serve tea and is steeped in tradition and etiquette. The tea ceremony is performed in a special room called a tea room and is often accompanied by traditional Japanese sweets.

In conclusion, Japanese cuisine is a unique and delicious blend of flavors, textures, and traditions. From sushi and ramen to tempura and yakitori, there is a wide selection and would take quite some time to taste all. Enjoy!