No matter how adventurous your appetite may be to try out new gourmet cuisine when traveling abroad, there eventually comes a time when you find yourself craving some comfort food. For many people, that comfort comes from the familiar crunch and flavor of fried food. If you find yourself needing to scratch that itch in Japan, the country’s world of…

In the realm of Japanese snacking, the role of 駄菓子 dagashi can’t be understated. These low-cost, fun-packed goodies serve not only as delicious treats but also as a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Imbued with elements of whimsy, dagashi is a true embodiment of joy and culture, making them an absolute must-try for first-time visitors to Japan. The following guide…

When it comes to Japanese cuisine, dishes like sushi, ramen, and tempura may be the first to come to mind. However, tucked within the nation’s rich culinary repertoire is a fried delight that deserves its spotlight, 唐揚げ karaage. This crispy, flavor-packed dish, often compared to fried chicken, has its unique intricacies that make it a must-try for anyone visiting Japan….

Every visit to Japan promises a plethora of culinary experiences. Among sushi, ramen, tempura, and the rest of traditional Japanese fare, there lies a hidden gem – Japanese pasta. This delightful fusion of Italian pasta and Japanese ingredients and flavors has been stirring up the gastronomic world with its creativity and deliciousness. What is Japanese Pasta? Japanese pasta, as the…

Summers in Japan can get quite hot and humid. When the thermometer rises, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a refreshing, icy treat. Fortunately for you, there’s a wide variety of traditional and modern frozen desserts in Japan ready to cool you down and please your senses. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of Japan’s most beloved icy…

Japan is a country surrounded by the ocean, and as such, seafood has always played an essential role in its culinary culture. One popular way to enjoy fish is 焼き魚 yakizakana, which refers to fish grilled with a variety of seasonings and flavors. In this guide, we will introduce you to the world of yakizakana, including the most popular types,…

Ramen (ラーメン) is a beloved Japanese noodle soup dish that has gained global popularity. Chances are you’ve heard the name before and perhaps even have a restaurant that serves it where you live. What is ramen? A bowl of ramen consists of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a savory broth that is usually made from chicken or pork bones, miso…

Sushi (often written as 寿司 or すし) is a traditional Japanese dish that has become a global sensation. Its unique combination of ingredients can offer a delightful culinary experience. This dish is available in various forms across the world, but Japan is the best place to savor the authentic taste of sushi. What is sushi? Sushi is a food that’s…

If you’ve ever traveled in Japan, you have likely been introduced to the convenient and delicious world of 弁当 bento. Whether prepared on your own or bought from a store, bento are a popular and really fun way to try various types of Japanese food, as many small sample-sized dishes are usually stuffed into each of the bento box’s compartments….

When it comes to popular Japanese dishes that’ve made a tasty impression all over the world, 天ぷら tempura is surely one of the heavy hitters. That may be because it has so many similarities to comfort foods around the world. While tempura packs some unique and delicious Japanese flavor, the dish largely consists of lightly battered, deep-fried seafood and vegetables,…

As Japan increasingly becomes a top destination for travelers from around the world, it’s crucial to understand the unique customs and traditions that make this nation so captivating. One such aspect of Japanese culture that often piques the curiosity of tourists is its rich alcoholic heritage. In this article, we’ll explore the world of Japanese alcohol, including the rules for…

When it comes to food that puts Osaka on the map, it’s hard to argue against a stronger top two than お好み焼き okonomiyaki and たこ焼き takoyaki. One is a tangy pancake-like dish made on an open grill made to your liking, and the other are juicy dumplings that are packed with more flavor than their size suggests. Both have become…

For Japanese people, tea (お茶 ocha) is not just a drink, but a cultural experience that has been passed down for centuries. With its unique flavor profiles, health benefits, and variety of types, it has become increasingly popular worldwide. Visitors often buy Japanese tea as a gift or for their own enjoyment at home. Additionally, traditional Japanese tea ceremonies provide…

Although Japan offers a variety of traditional alcoholic beverages, some of them regional specialties, sake—known as 日本酒 nihonshu (lit. “Japanese alcohol”) in Japanese—and 焼酎 shōchū are two of the most representative and popular kinds. Both sake and shochu are often paired with traditional cuisine. What are sake and shochu? Sake and shochu are traditional Japanese alcoholic drinks that have been…

すき焼き Sukiyaki and しゃぶしゃぶ shabu-shabu are two different dishes, but they both are a great way to experience the piping hot and delicious appeal of traditional Japanese hot pot cooking. What are sukiyaki and shabu-shabu? Sukiyaki and shabu-shabu are two types of Japanese hot pot cooking. Sukiyaki is a Japanese hot pot dish usually made with thinly sliced beef cooked…