Japanese foods is like that one friend who always looks effortlessly chic—balanced, flavorful, and completely irresistible. If you’ve ever found yourself falling down a rabbit hole of Japanese foods on Instagram at 2 AM (we’ve all been there), then this list is for you!
Today, we’ll discover five iconic Japanese dishes that you absolutely need to try!
Mochi (Japanese Dessert)
Dessert first? Absolutely. Life is short, and so are these adorable rice cakes.
Mochi is a soft, chewy delight made from glutinous rice pounded into a sticky, elastic texture. While traditional mochi is often filled with red bean paste, modern variations include ice cream, matcha cream, and even chocolate.
Pro Tip: Be careful when eating mochi—its chewy texture has been known to challenge even the most experienced snackers. Take small bites and savor the flavor!
If you want to know How to Make Mochi, check out our Mochi recipe!
Tonkatsu (Crispy Japanese Pork Cutlet)
If you love deep-fried food (who doesn’t?), Tonkatsu is about to become your new obsession.
This beloved Japanese dish features a juicy pork cutlet coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection. Served with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of sweet-savory Tonkatsu sauce, it’s the best comfort food.
Fun fact: The word Tonkatsu comes from ton (pork) and katsu (cutlet). It’s also considered a lucky meal in Japan, often eaten before exams or big events. So, if you have a major presentation coming up, you know what to do.
Takoyaki (Japan Street Food Snack)
Imagine biting into a crispy, golden ball and experiencing a creamy, savory explosion of flavor—welcome to the world of Takoyaki!
These little octopus-filled dumplings originated in Osaka and are a staple of Japanese street food. Topped with bonito flakes that wave from the heat, mayonnaise, and Takoyaki sauce, they’re a flavor-packed bite of Japan.
Best enjoyed: Piping hot, straight from the street vendor. But if you’re making them at home, a Takoyaki pan is a must.
Ramen (Because Instant Noodles Are Just the Beginning of Japanese Foods)
You probably think of Ramen as those 99-cent instant packs.
Classic Japanese Ramen is a steaming bowl of umami-packed broth, springy noodles, and mouthwatering toppings like chashu (braised pork), marinated eggs, and scallions. Whether you go for shoyu (soy sauce), miso, tonkotsu (pork bone), or shio (salt) ramen, each region of Japan has its own specialty.
Onigiri The Best Japanese Snack (rice balls)
Sometimes, simple is best. Onigiri (rice balls) are a staple of Japanese convenience stores and bento boxes. Cooks often wrap these triangular or oval-shaped rice snacks in crispy nori (seaweed) and fill them with delicious surprises like tuna mayo, salmon, pickled plum (umeboshi), or even teriyaki chicken.
Pro Tip: To keep your onigiri fresh and crisp, store the nori separately and wrap it just before eating!
FAQ: Questions About Japanese Foods
Absolutely! Japanese cuisine is known for its balance of protein, vegetables, and umami flavors. Many dishes emphasize fresh ingredients, minimal oil, and fermented foods, which are great for gut health.
Takoyaki, hands down! These octopus-filled treats are a staple at festivals and night markets across Japan.
Yes! Many Japanese recipes are easier to recreate than you might think. Start with something simple like Tonkatsu or Ramen, and work your way up.
