8 Famous Dishes from the Land of the Cherry Blossoms

Japanese cuisine has caught the world's attention thanks to its impeccable flavours and eye-catching presentation, which come together perfectly in a style of eating that is unmistakably Japanese. The 8 dishes below are the ones that have made Japanese cuisine as renowned as it is today.

1. Sushi

Sushi is the first thing you order when you visit Japan or even just step into a Japanese restaurant. It is usually cut into rounds and served with dipping condiments to taste, most commonly Japanese soy sauce, wasabi or pickled ginger. Diners usually put a whole piece in their mouth and slowly savour its full flavour.

The gentle tang of vinegared rice, the freshness of raw fish and the sharp heat of wasabi can each be clearly tasted in every bite. The most popular sushi toppings are tuna, squid and raw prawns.

2. Shabu-shabu

This is a Japanese hot pot whose star ingredient is thinly sliced beef. The beef is carefully chosen: it must be fresh and cut into thin, even slices. Diners swish the slices through the simmering broth and eat them as soon as they are just barely cooked.

The broth is made with healthy ingredients such as kombu seaweed, shiitake mushrooms and cabbage, which give it its natural sweetness.

3. Tonkatsu

Tonkatsu is a breaded pork cutlet, but one made with great care. Its main ingredients are pork and breadcrumbs. It was created in the 19th century and is still hugely popular in Japan today. It is usually served with shredded cabbage and miso soup.

4. Sashimi

Sashimi is a traditional Japanese dish made mainly from seafood. The seafood goes through a careful selection process; even when it is caught, special tools are used so that it is handled as little as possible, keeping every piece perfectly fresh.

The seafood the Japanese most often choose for sashimi includes salmon, squid, prawns, octopus, tuna and mackerel… Vegetarians can enjoy it too, with the seafood replaced by fresh, nourishing vegetables.

5. Sukiyaki

Sukiyaki is made with rib-eye beef and a variety of mushrooms. It has won over Japan with its rich flavour, especially when dipped in raw beaten egg or Kikkoman soy sauce.

To eat it, dip the pre-sliced beef into the pot and enjoy it as soon as it is just cooked.

6. Udon, ramen and soba

Udon

Udon noodles are made from wheat flour, a little salt and water. They are delicious hot or cold. The noodles are thick, long and milky white, and the carefully made broth is savoury with a light, refreshing sweetness that goes perfectly with every strand.

Ramen

If it's your first time, ramen and udon may seem quite similar, but look closely and you'll see that ramen noodles are thinner and more yellow than udon. Ramen is extremely popular and is usually served with pork, seaweed, fish cake, sweetcorn, cabbage and more, so there's something to suit everyone.

Soba

Unlike white udon or bright yellow ramen, soba noodles are dark brown because they are made from buckwheat flour mixed with wheat flour. Soba can be served hot or cold as you like, usually with Japanese soy sauce, radish, seaweed and wasabi. The Japanese traditionally eat soba at New Year and during major festivals.

7. Sake

Sake is well known to anyone who loves Japanese food. Japan's signature rice wine is brewed from top-quality rice and is especially popular in winter, when a cup of warm sake makes for cosy, heart-warming moments. Sake dates back to ancient times, and its flavour has changed a great deal over the years as the rice used to make it has changed.

8. Tempura

Tempura came along after the famous sushi, but the Japanese love it just as much for its aroma and unique flavour, making it a classic dish of the land of Detective Conan. Tempura is made with all kinds of seafood and vegetables coated in a light batter and fried until crisp and delicious.