Japanese Food: Top 10 Must-Try Typical Japanese Meals

Japanese cuisine is a unique combination of flavours and colours that have attracted food enthusiasts worldwide. Rooted in centuries-old tradition, it is a culinary treasure that perfectly combines simplicity with exquisite craftsmanship. In Japanese culture, food is not only a source of nutrition; it is an art form and a cultural expression. From the crowded streets of Tokyo to the peaceful scenery of Kyoto, every meal is an opportunity to enjoy the flavours and essence of Japanese life. In this blog, Let Kiichin introduce typical Japanese meals. Each Japanese dish is a picture of tradition, community and the art of living from the Land of the Rising Sun.

1. Typical Japanese Meals: Breakfast

In Japan, breakfast is more than just a meal because it sets the tone for the day. Unlike Western breakfasts, which often include heavy and sweet items, the Japanese breakfast brings simplicity, and balance. Japanese people use fresh, seasonal ingredients for this meal. What does a typical Japanese meal consist of? Here are some examples of common Japanese breakfast dishes.

Typical Japanese meals: breakfast

1.1. Rice and Miso Soup

A staple in Japanese breakfast, steamed rice is often served alongside a bowl of miso soup. Miso soup typically contains seaweed, tofu, and various vegetables.

Rice and Miso soup are popular dishes in typical Japanese meals

In Japanese culture, rice symbolizes sustenance, while miso soup is known for its comforting and savoury flavour.

Using this Hikari Miso Japan Miso Soup Tour - 60 Servings for your Miso soup

1.2. Grilled Fish

Grilled fish, a choice of Japanese breakfasts, brings a protein-rich element to the morning table. Commonly featuring mackerel or salmon, the fish is meticulously seasoned with soy sauce or mirin. The grilling process results in a crispy exterior that contrasts with the tender, flaky interior, creating a delightful taste.

Japnese usually choose this dish for breakfast

1.3. Pickles and Fermented Foods

This dish is not only popular in Japan but also in Asia. Pickles, known as tsukemono, are often served to add a crunchy and tangy element to the meal. These can include cucumber, daikon radish, or plums.

Pickles contribute to the Japanese concept of "soshoku" or plant-based eating.

1.4. Natto (Fermented Soybeans)

Natto is a unique fermented soybean dish known for its rich flavour and sticky appearance. It is often mixed with soy sauce and mustard to eat with white rice. This dish may seem difficult to eat for many people, but it is a favourite dish in Japan.

Natto is believed to have health benefits and is a testament to the Japanese appreciation for fermented foods

1. Typical Japanese Lunch

In Japan, lunch is more than just midday refuelling. Unlike hurried meals on the go, the Japanese approach to lunch is a moment to savour and appreciate the goodness of carefully prepared dishes.

2.2. Bento Boxes

Japanese-style bento boxes always bring excitement to eaters by combining different dishes to create a complete lunch box. The special thing is the way the food is arranged and shaped in interesting ways. These compartmentalized lunch boxes often contain rice, pickled vegetables, a protein source like fish or meat, and a bit of umami in the form of nori or seaweed.

The bento boxes are meticulously made

You also try this Yamaco 801831 Magewappa Bento Box - Authentic Japanese Lunch Box to make your Bento

2.2. Ramen and Udon Noodles

Noodles take centre stage in many Japanese lunchtime favourites. Whether it's a steaming bowl of ramen with savory broth, or thick and chewy udon noodles swimming in a flavorful soup, these dishes are hearty and satisfying, providing the energy needed for the rest of the day.

Ramen and Udon Noodles

2.3. Donburi (Rice Bowls with Toppings)

Donburi bowls showcase the beauty of simplicity. A generous serving of rice is topped with a variety of ingredients, such as teriyaki chicken, beef, or tempura, creating a harmonious blend of flavours in one bowl.

Donburi is a typical Japanese meal in Japan

3. Typical Japanese Dinner

In Japan, dinner serves as a time for connection, communication, and the sharing of the day's experiences. The significance of dinner in Japanese culture goes beyond satisfying hunger. It is an opportunity for families to strengthen bonds and maintain traditions.

3.1. Sushi and Sashimi

Sushi and sashimi are traditional and staple dishes on the Japanese table. Sushi, bite-sized portions of rice topped with fresh fish or other ingredients, offers interesting flavor combinations. Sashimi, thinly sliced raw fish, demonstrates the purity of ingredients and the artistry of Japanese culinary craftsmanship.

Sushi and Sashimi is a typical Japanese dinner dish

Use this Shimojima Hinoki Cypress Wooden Sushi Geta Plate - 5 Servings to decorate Sushi dish

3.2. Hot Pot Dishes (Nabe)

Nabe, or hot pot dishes, are a winter favourite that brings the family together around a simmering pot. Ingredients like thinly sliced meat, vegetables, and tofu are cooked at the table in a communal pot of flavorful broth. It's a heartwarming experience that adds warmth not just to the body but also to familial bonds.

Hot Pot Dishes (Nabe)

Experience Ikenaga Cast Iron Shabu Shabu Hot Pot - Premium Quality Cooking Pot to cook hot pot

3.3. Tempura

Crispy and light, tempura is a popular Japanese dish where vegetables, seafood, or meat are coated in a light batter and deep-fried to perfection. It adds a delightful crunch to the dinner table and showcases the Japanese skill of balancing textures in a single dish.

Tempura is made from vegetables

Using 22cm Taniguchi-Metal Japan IH Tempura Pan to make tempura dish

3.4. Okonomiyaki (Savory Pancakes):

Okonomiyaki, often referred to as Japanese savoury pancakes, are a customizable delight. These pancakes, made with a batter of flour, grated yam, eggs, shredded cabbage, and various toppings, are cooked on a griddle. Often enjoyed in a casual setting, they exemplify the diversity and creativity found in Japanese home cooking.

Okonomiyaki (Savory Pancakes)

In short, Japanese cuisine offers a rich exploration of flavours and a variety of dishes that reflect the country's cultural heritage. From the simplicity of a traditional breakfast to the complex flavours of a carefully prepared dinner, each meal is a culinary journey through Japan's history and traditions. Which of the above typical Japanese meals is your favourite? If you have the chance, try it. Follow Kiichin to learn more interesting things about Japanese culinary culture!