Every country has its take on food and Japan is no different. Like Europe, Asia has many unique dishes from countries that are all different from one another. From sweet desserts to salty mains, there are a variety of unique options to choose from. Here, I am going to list 5 unmissable dishes of traditional Japanese cuisine.
1. Fugu
Fugu is the Japanese name for the poisonous pufferfish. Although it sounds dangerous, believe me when I say it is a must-eat food on your trip to Japan. Only experts that train for years on how to remove the fish’s highly toxic organs without contaminating the rest of the meat prepare this dish. If prepared incorrectly this delicacy can lead to death. So, Fugu is the perfect meal to try for all you daredevils out there.
2. Natto
Just how Marmite divides the people of Australia, Natto does the same to the people of Japan. This traditional Japanese food is made by fermenting soybeans in a special type of bacteria. Natto has a strong smell similar to moldy cheese, as well as a sticky texture. However, many other people love these fermented soybeans for their full-bodied salty and savory flavor, just like some people love marmite for its salty flavor. However, is natto delicious or disgusting? It is up to you to decide.
3. Traditional Japanese Cuisine: Takoyaki
When it comes to Japanese street food, nothing is more popular than Takoyaki. Takoyaki in simple English means octopus balls. They cook this delicacy on a special hot plate. The balls are turned with a pick or skewer every minute to ensure they are evenly cooked and to obtain a perfect ball shape. Finally, they brush it with takoyaki sauce (similar to Worcestershire sauce) and mayonnaise and top it with seaweed and fish flakes. A portion of Takoyaki is normally 6 balls but make sure to get your own because you won’t want to share it. In fact, it is a must for what concerns traditional Japanese cuisine.
4. Mochi
Finally, some delicious Japanese desserts. Mochi is a unique Japanese food best described as “rice cakes”. Recently they are becoming more well-known outside of Japan, especially with the popularity of frozen mochi filled with ice cream. There are plenty of other flavors available in Japan. Some of them are normal for foreign visitors like strawberry or green tea. However, you may find strange flavors too, like grass plants.
5. Traditional japanese cuisine: Kanten
Finally, to finish off our list we have Kanten. A must-eat food on your trip to Japan. Kanten is a Japanese dessert made from red algae. It is gelatin combined with various kinds of fruits to make it tastier. You can add kiwi, strawberry, orange, or sliced melon. Whatever you like. They serve Kanten with a cup of Japanese tea. Sencha is the most popular of the traditional teas people drink in Japan. Overall, Kanten reminds me a lot of the Jelly that I eat with ice cream.
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