🇯🇵 The food of Japan

102 dishes from Japan, best known first, across 40 cities and regions.

Japanese cooking centers on rice, seasonal produce, and seafood, with a focus on subtle flavors and careful presentation. Meals are built from small, separate dishes, often including pickles, soup, and sides. Over centuries, influences from China and the West have shaped the cuisine, but it remains distinct in its restraint and respect for ingredients.

Rice, fish, and seasonal vegetables are core to every meal.
Sushi began as a way to preserve fish by fermenting it in rice.
Japanese etiquette includes saying 'itadakimasu' before eating.
Each dish is served separately to keep flavors distinct.
Meat became common only after the 19th century.

The cooking of Japan

Japanese food is shaped by the country's geography and history. Rice is the foundation, often served with miso soup and a variety of small side dishes. Fish, both cooked and raw, is central, reflecting Japan's island setting. Techniques like grilling, simmering, and deep-frying (as in tempura) are common, but oil and strong spices are used sparingly. Meals highlight the seasons, with ingredients chosen for freshness. Over time, dishes from China and the West, such as ramen and curry, have been adapted to local tastes. Presentation matters: each dish is served separately, often in its own bowl or plate.

Staple foods in Japan

Steamed white rice is the mainstay, eaten at nearly every meal. Noodles like soba (buckwheat) and udon (wheat) are also popular. Fish and seafood, grilled or raw, are common sources of protein. Soybeans, in forms like tofu and miso, are widely used. Pickled vegetables and seasonal greens round out meals. Meat became more common after the 19th century, with dishes like tonkatsu (breaded pork) and sukiyaki (beef hotpot).

From region to region in Japan

Regional cooking in Japan reflects local climate and history. In Kagoshima, pork is traditional, while beef is found in Oumi. Some areas, like Suwa, have customs involving deer. Sushi styles also vary by region, with some places favoring fermented versions and others preferring fresh. The use of certain ingredients, such as specific fish or vegetables, can differ widely from north to south.

At the table in Japan

Meals are served with rice on the left and soup on the right, with side dishes behind. Each food is placed in its own dish to keep flavors distinct. Chopsticks are used, and it's customary to say 'itadakimasu' before eating and 'go-chisō-sama deshita' after. On tatami floors, shoes are removed, and diners may sit kneeling or cross-legged, depending on formality and gender.

Festival and religious food in Japan

During New Year's, special feasts may include foods reflecting both Japanese and Western traditions. Some regions have rituals involving animal sacrifice for Shinto ceremonies. Historically, Buddhist influence meant that meat was avoided during certain periods, shaping festival foods to focus on fish and vegetables.

Where this page comes from

The facts in this overview come from the Wikipedia article "Japanese cuisine", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence. Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

TeaVegan茶 🇨🇳 China and 5 moreA drink made by soaking tea leaves in hot or cold water Drink

Pizza 🇮🇹 Italy and 4 moreFlatbread topped with tomato, cheese and baked at high heat Main dish, Lunch, Dinner

Ice cream 🇺🇸 United States and 5 moreA frozen dessert made from sweetened, flavoured milk or cream Sweet or dessert, Snacks

Sushi寿司 🇯🇵 JapanVinegared rice paired with seafood, vegetables or other toppings Main dish, Lunch, Dinner TofuVegan豆腐 🇨🇳 China and 5 moreSoft white blocks made by curdling soy milk and pressing the curds Main dish

SakeVegan酒 🇯🇵 JapanJapanese alcoholic drink brewed from polished rice and kōji mold Drink

RamenMeatラーメン 🇯🇵 Japan and 1 moreJapanese noodle soup with Chinese-style wheat noodles in hot broth Soup, Lunch, Dinner Naanनान 🇮🇳 India and 5 moreLeavened flatbread baked in a tandoor or on a pan, soft and spotted with golden brown Bread, Lunch, Dinner

Bubble tea珍珠奶茶 🇹🇼 Taiwan and 5 moreSweet tea with chewy tapioca pearls, served hot or cold Drink

Soy milkVegan豆奶 🇨🇳 China and 5 moreA plant-based drink made by soaking, grinding, and boiling soybeans Drink, Breakfast, Snacks

KabochaVeganカボチャ 🇯🇵 Japan and 5 moreA sweet, dense winter squash with edible skin, used in Japanese and Asian cooking Main dish, Lunch, Dinner

Sashimi刺身 🇯🇵 JapanThin slices of raw fish or meat, served with soy sauce and condiments Main dish, Lunch, Dinner

Tempura天ぷら 🇯🇵 Japan and 1 moreSeafood or vegetables coated in a light batter and deep-fried Main dish, Lunch, Dinner

Cheesecake 🇬🇷 Greece and 5 moreA chilled dessert of sweetened soft cheese on a crumb or pastry base Sweet or dessert, Snacks

MochiVegan餅 🇯🇵 JapanJapanese rice cake made by pounding glutinous rice into a sticky, chewy mass Sweet or dessert

Bibimbap비빔밥 🇰🇷 South Korea and 1 moreKorean rice bowl with mixed vegetables, meat, egg and chili paste Main dish, Lunch, Dinner

MatchaVegan抹茶 🇯🇵 Japan and 2 moreBright green Japanese tea powder made from shade-grown leaves Drink

Miso soup味噌汁 🇯🇵 JapanJapanese soup of miso paste and dashi stock, often with tofu and seaweed Soup, Breakfast, Lunch Onigiriおにぎり 🇯🇵 JapanHand-shaped Japanese rice balls, often wrapped in seaweed Main dish, Lunch, Snacks

Udonうどん / 饂飩 🇯🇵 Japan and 4 moreThick wheat noodles served hot or cold in Japanese cooking Noodle or pasta dish, Lunch, Dinner

OolongVegan烏龍茶 🇨🇳 China and 3 moreA semi-oxidized Chinese tea with a wide range of flavors and aromas Drink

MacaronVegetarian 🇫🇷 France and 5 moreAlmond meringue sandwich cookie with a creamy or jam filling Sweet or dessert, Snacks, Tea time

Potato saladVegetarianKartoffelsalat 🇦🇹 Austria and 5 moreBoiled potatoes mixed with dressing, herbs, and vegetables, served cold or warm Salad or side, Lunch, Dinner

Fried rice 🇨🇳 China and 5 moreCooked rice stir-fried with eggs, vegetables, meat or seafood, and seasonings Main dish, Breakfast, Lunch

Okonomiyakiお好み焼き 🇯🇵 JapanJapanese savory pancake cooked on a griddle with cabbage and toppings Main dish, Lunch, Dinner

Beef StroganoffMeatбефстроганов 🇷🇺 Russia and 6 moreSautéed beef in a creamy mustard and sour cream sauce, often with mushrooms or onions Main dish, Lunch, Dinner

Croquette 🇫🇷 France and 5 moreA deep-fried roll with a creamy or starchy filling, coated in breadcrumbs Street food, Snacks, Lunch

Bento弁当 🇯🇵 Japan and 4 moreA Japanese meal packed in a box, often with rice, meat or fish, and vegetables Main dish, Lunch

Congee粥 🇨🇳 China and 5 moreRice simmered in water to make a soft, comforting porridge Main dish, Breakfast, Dinner

SojuVegan소주 🇰🇷 South Korea and 3 moreClear Korean spirit distilled from grains or starches, usually enjoyed neat Drink

Sponge cakeVegetarian 🇮🇹 Italy and 5 moreA light, airy cake made with eggs, flour and sugar, often served plain or with fillings Sweet or dessert, Tea time

Crème caramelVegetarian 🇫🇷 France and 5 moreCustard dessert topped with a layer of liquid caramel Sweet or dessert

TakoyakiMeatたこ焼き 🇯🇵 Japan and 1 moreRound Japanese snack balls with octopus, cooked in a special molded pan Street food, Snacks

SobaVegan蕎麦 🇯🇵 Japan and 1 moreJapanese noodles made from buckwheat, served hot in broth or cold with dipping sauce Noodle or pasta dish, Lunch, Dinner

NattoVegan納豆 🇯🇵 JapanSticky, fermented soybeans often eaten with rice at breakfast in Japan Main dish, Breakfast, Lunch

Baozi包子 🇨🇳 China and 5 moreSteamed wheat buns filled with meat or vegetables, common across China and beyond Main dish, Breakfast, Snacks

DangoVegan団子 🇯🇵 JapanJapanese sweet dumplings made from rice flour, often served on skewers Sweet or dessert, Snacks, Tea time

YakitoriMeat焼き鳥 🇯🇵 JapanChicken skewers grilled over charcoal and seasoned with salt or tare sauce Street food, Dinner, Snacks

Sukiyakiすき焼き 🇯🇵 JapanJapanese hot pot with beef, vegetables, and a sweet-salty broth Main dish, Dinner

Jiaozi餃子 🇨🇳 China and 1 moreChinese dumplings with meat or vegetable filling, served boiled, steamed or fried Dumpling, Breakfast, Lunch

Zongzi粽子 🇨🇳 China and 5 moreSticky rice parcels with sweet or savoury fillings, wrapped in leaves and steamed or boiled Main dish, Lunch, Dinner

SeitanVegan 🇨🇳 China and 5 moreWheat gluten shaped and cooked as a meat substitute Main dish

TonkatsuMeat豚カツ 🇯🇵 JapanDeep-fried pork cutlet coated in crisp panko breadcrumbs Main dish, Lunch, Dinner

Red bean pasteVegan 🇯🇵 Japan and 2 moreSweet or plain paste made from boiled adzuki beans, used in East Asian desserts Sweet or dessert, Snacks, Tea time

Naengmyeon냉면 🇰🇵 North Korea and 3 moreLong, chewy noodles served cold, often in a tangy broth or spicy sauce Noodle or pasta dish, Lunch, Dinner

KosharyVeganكشرى 🇪🇬 Egypt and 2 moreA mix of rice, pasta, lentils and sauce topped with fried onions, from Egypt Main dish, Lunch, Dinner

SchnitzelMeat 🇦🇹 Austria and 5 moreThin slices of meat, pounded, breaded and fried until crisp Main dish, Lunch, Dinner

DorayakiVegetarianどら焼き 🇯🇵 JapanJapanese sweet with red bean paste between two castella pancakes Sweet or dessert, Snacks, Tea time