20 Japanese foods you must try at least once

🍱 Why these Japanese foods are a must-try

Japan is more than sushi and ramen. Its cuisine is full of regional specialties, seasonal surprises, and comforting everyday dishes. Whether you’re visiting or learning Japanese at home, tasting these iconic dishes gives you a real connection to the culture.

Let’s explore 20 delicious Japanese foods you must try at least once — and what makes them so unforgettable.

🥢 Top 20 Japanese foods you must try

1. Sushi (すし)
A timeless classic. Try it fresh at a sushi counter or affordable at a conveyor-belt shop.

2. Ramen (ラーメン)
Hot noodles in a rich broth — choose from miso, shoyu, shio, or tonkotsu.

3. Tempura (天ぷら)
Crispy fried vegetables or seafood, often served with dipping sauce and rice.

4. Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き)
A savory “Japanese pancake” with cabbage, meat, mayo, and sweet sauce.

5. Takoyaki (たこ焼き)
Octopus-filled dough balls, grilled and topped with bonito flakes and sauce.

6. Tonkatsu (とんかつ)
Breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, usually served with shredded cabbage.

7. Udon (うどん)
Thick, chewy noodles in hot broth — especially comforting in winter.

8. Soba (そば)
Buckwheat noodles, served hot or cold. A summer favorite when chilled.

9. Karaage (唐揚げ)
Japanese-style fried chicken, marinated and incredibly juicy.

10. Yakitori (焼き鳥)
Grilled chicken skewers — try with tare (sweet soy glaze) or just salt.

11. Gyoza (餃子)
Pan-fried dumplings with juicy pork and garlic chive filling.

12. Onigiri (おにぎり)
Rice balls wrapped in seaweed. Easy, tasty, and available everywhere.

13. Unagi (うなぎ)
Grilled freshwater eel glazed in sweet soy sauce. Rich and savory.

14. Nikujaga (肉じゃが)
Japanese home-cooked stew made of meat, potatoes, and onions.

15. Chawanmushi (茶碗蒸し)
A warm, savory egg custard with shrimp, mushroom, and ginkgo nut.

16. Oden (おでん)
A winter stew with fish cakes, daikon, eggs, and tofu simmered in broth.

17. Shabu-shabu (しゃぶしゃぶ)
Hot pot where you cook thin-sliced meat and vegetables yourself.

18. Kaiseki (懐石料理)
A traditional multi-course meal showcasing seasonal ingredients.

19. Matcha Desserts (抹茶スイーツ)
Green tea-flavored everything — cake, ice cream, parfaits, and mochi.

20. Mochi (餅)
Sticky rice cakes — soft, chewy, and often filled with red bean or ice cream.

🍽️ Tips for Food Travelers or Learners

You don’t need to travel to Japan to explore its food. Visit local Japanese restaurants, join a cooking class, or try easy recipes at home.

Learning Japanese food words also helps with your language study. You’ll see these terms on signs, menus, and in conversations.

📖 Practice Japanese While You Eat

Studying Japanese is even more fun when tied to food. You’ll learn words like:

いただきます (itadakimasu) – said before eating
ごちそうさまでした (gochisousama deshita) – said after eating
おいしい (oishii) – delicious!
もう一つください (mou hitotsu kudasai) – one more, please!

You can practice ordering food, describing taste, and reading menus — perfect real-life Japanese.

👩‍🏫 Want to Learn Japanese with a Native Teacher?

Learning Japanese doesn’t stop at the classroom. We help you speak naturally about daily life, food, travel, and more — in your own pace and style.

✅ 1-on-1 private classes with native Japanese teachers
✅ Lessons focus on real-life use, not textbook drills
✅ Trial lesson is only $15 — or free with any monthly or 3-month plan

👉 Book Your Trial

📸 Follow us for daily tips and fun content:
@worldwise.study