Japanese Cuisine

Japanese Cuisine is a creation of a centuries-old tradition, a high sense of aesthetic sensibility, a rich epicurean experience and liberal adaptability of modern tastes. Cuisine has always been an essential part of Japanese culture. Be it the traditional rice dishes or the Japanese style hamburger, Japanese food has reached the level of Art transcending beyond the mere lines of cooked dishes for consumption. Your tour to Japan is not complete until you taste, savor and enjoy the experience that is Japanese Cuisine. Take a brief look into some of the most popular dishes of Japan and choose what's going to be your favorite.

- Rice Dishes
Rice has been occupying the most important place in the list of food stuff in Japanese cuisine for over 2000 years. Although, vast changes have occurred in eating patterns over the last decades and rice consumption is gradually decreasing in recent years. But, rice still remains one of the most important ingredients in Japan today and is used in many dishes. Some of the most popular rice dishes are Rice Bowl, Sushi, Domburi, Onigiri, Kare Raisu, Fried Rice, Chazuke and Kayu.

- Seafood Dishes
Varieties of fish, shellfish and other sea foods from oceans, lakes and rivers are used in the mouth watering Japanese cuisine. These are prepared and enjoyed in different recipes. Take your pick from raw, dried, boiled, grilled, deep fried or steamed varieties of sea food. Don't miss the Sashimi and Yakizakana.

- Noodle Dishes
There are various traditional Japanese dishes which have always been a part of Japanese cuisine. Also, there are some Japanized noodle dishes which have been introduced later. Most of these are a big hit. Soba, Udon, Ramen, Somen and Yakisoba are some of the lip smacking noodle varieties.

- Nabe Dishes
Nabe dishes or hot pot dishes are cooked in a hot pot, usually at the table. Traditional ingredients are vegetables such as negi or Japanese leek, hakusai or Chinese cabbage, various mushrooms, seafood and meat. There are many variations according to regions and personal choices. Cold winter months are the perfect time to savor the dishes. Some special nabe dishes are Oden, Sukiyaki, Shabu-Shabu and Chanko Nabe.

- Soya Bean Dishes
Tofu, natto, miso and many other important ingredients of Japanese cooking are made of soya beans. Yudofu, Agedashi Tofu and Miso Soup are some of the most popular soya bean based dishes.

- Yoshoku Dishes
Yoshoku means Western food. A large number of Western dishes have been brought in to Japan over the centuries. Many of them have been adapted to Japanese cuisine and these dishes are now called Yoshoku dishes. Some of the most popular ones are Korokke, Omuraisu, Hayashi Raisu and Hamubagu.

- Other Popular Dishes
Tempura, Monjayaki, Gyoza and Chawanmushi are some of the other dishes which are very popular in Japan. Some of these were introduces from other countries like China. Okonomiyaki is an interesting mix between pizza and pancake. Tsukemono are Japanese pickles, served with most Japanese meals.