At Oishya have eaten enough of it to know that it's damn tasty. From the streets of Tokyo to the fishing villages of Hokkaido, Japan's culinary landscape is as diverse as it is delicious. And let us tell you, they take their food seriously. What sets Japanese cuisine apart is its emphasis on quality ingredients and attention to detail. The Japanese have a way of making even the simplest dish into a work of art. Take sushi, for example. It's just raw fish on a bed of rice, right? Wrong. The fish has to be impeccably fresh, the rice perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the presentation flawless.
But Japanese cuisine is about more than just sushi. There's ramen, soba, udon, tempura, yakitori, and countless other dishes that showcase the depth and complexity of Japanese flavours. And let's not forget about the umami, that elusive fifth taste that the Japanese have mastered. Whether it's in a bowl of miso soup or a spoonful of soy sauce, umami adds a richness and depth to the food that is hard to replicate.
Another thing we love about Japanese cuisine is its focus on seasonality. Japanese chefs take pride in using ingredients that are in season, and you can taste the difference. From the sweet, plump strawberries of spring to the hearty root vegetables of winter, each season brings a new set of flavours and textures to the table.
What really makes Japanese cuisine special is the people behind it. Whether it's the sushi master who has been perfecting his craft for decades or the ramen vendor who serves up bowls of steaming noodles with a smile, there is a sense of pride and dedication that permeates the entire industry. And that's what makes eating in Japan such a memorable experience.
In the end, Japanese cuisine is more than just food. It's a reflection of the culture and traditions of a nation that takes pride in its culinary heritage. So if you ever have the chance to visit Japan, do yourself a favour and explore the amazing world of Japanese cuisine. We promise you won't be disappointed. Today, we would love to explore for you the exciting world of Japanese cuisine and its diverse range of flavours, textures and cooking styles.
At the heart of Japanese cuisine lies the humble bowl of cooked rice, a staple in most Japanese meals. From simple white rice to fragrant mixed rice, rice forms the base of many classic Japanese dishes such as sushi, onigiri and donburi.
Sushi is the jewel in the crown of Japanese cuisine. It's not just raw fish and rice – it's a delicate art form that requires years of training and dedication. The sushi chef, or itamae, is a master craftsman, using his knife like a samurai sword to create perfect slices of fish that melt in your mouth. The rice is just as important, cooked to perfection and seasoned with vinegar and sugar.
Onigiri may seem like a simple snack, but it's a staple of Japanese cuisine that has been enjoyed for centuries. These small rice balls are typically filled with a variety of ingredients, such as salmon, tuna, or pickled plum, and wrapped in nori seaweed. But don't let their humble appearance fool you – onigiri is a carefully crafted work of art. The rice is seasoned with salt and vinegar, then carefully moulded into a perfect shape by skilled hands.
Donburi is a hearty Japanese dish that is perfect for a satisfying meal. It consists of a bowl of steamed rice topped with a variety of ingredients, such as beef, pork, chicken, or seafood, and often includes vegetables and a soft-boiled egg.
Donburi is a hearty Japanese dish that is perfect for a satisfying meal. It consists of a bowl of steamed rice topped with a variety of ingredients, such as beef, pork, chicken, or seafood, and often includes vegetables and a soft-boiled egg.
Kare Raisu, or Japanese curry rice, is a dish that has become a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine. It's a rich and flavourful curry that is milder than its Indian counterpart, often made with potatoes, carrots, and onions, and served over a bed of fluffy rice.
Chazuke is a simple yet satisfying Japanese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It consists of a bowl of steamed rice topped with a variety of toppings, such as grilled salmon, pickled vegetables, or seaweed, and then covered with hot green tea or dashi broth.
Kayu is a traditional Japanese rice porridge that is often served as a comforting breakfast or light meal. It's a simple dish made by boiling rice in water until it breaks down and becomes soft and creamy. Kayu can be flavoured with a variety of ingredients, such as salt, soy sauce, or dashi broth, and can be topped with a range of toppings,
Sashimi is the ultimate expression of Japanese culinary excellence. It's a dish that showcases the purity of raw fish, served in its most natural state, without any adornment or interference. The fish is carefully selected, sliced with precision, and presented on a platter like a work of art.
Yakizakana, or grilled fish, is a quintessential Japanese dish that is simple yet elegant. It's a dish that celebrates the natural flavours of fresh fish, cooked over an open flame until the skin is crispy and the flesh is juicy and tender.
It's a noodle that is steeped in tradition, with a history that dates back centuries. The art of making soba requires skill and patience, as the buckwheat flour is carefully mixed with water and kneaded until it forms a smooth dough. The dough is then rolled out and cut into thin noodles, which are cooked to perfection in a savoury broth or served cold with a dipping sauce.
Udon is a simple yet sublime dish that exemplifies the soul of Japanese cuisine. It's a thick, chewy noodle that is made from wheat flour, and it can be enjoyed hot or cold in a variety of preparations. Udon is often served in a savoury broth made with dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, and it can be topped with an array of ingredients,
Ramen is the ultimate comfort food of Japan, and its popularity has spread worldwide. It's a dish that is a perfect marriage of flavours and textures, and it's been elevated to an art form by passionate ramen chefs. The heart of ramen lies in the broth, which is often simmered for hours or even days to extract the maximum flavour from the ingredients. Ramen can be served with an almost endless variety of toppings, such as pork belly, bamboo shoots, and nori seaweed.
Somen is a delicate and refined dish that represents the pinnacle of Japanese culinary artistry. It's a thin, white noodle that is made from wheat flour and has a silky texture that is almost ethereal. Somen is often served cold, either with a dipping sauce or as a salad with a variety of toppings, such as cucumber, shrimp, and sesame seeds.
Oden is a dish that is steeped in tradition and history, and it's a staple of Japanese cuisine during the colder months of the year. It's a simmering pot of various ingredients, such as daikon radish, konnyaku, boiled eggs, and fish cakes, that are cooked in a savoury broth made with dashi, soy sauce, and mirin.
Shabu shabu and sukiyaki are two popular Japanese hotpot dishes that have been gaining popularity in the UK. Shabu shabu involves thinly sliced meat and vegetables that are cooked by dipping them in boiling broth, while sukiyaki is cooked in a sweet and savoury sauce. Both dishes are a fun and interactive way to enjoy a communal meal with friends or family, and are often served with rice, noodles, or dipping sauces.
Yakitori is the quintessential street food of Japan, and it's a dish that has captured the hearts and palates of people around the world. Skewered and grilled over hot coals, the chicken is cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and a juicy and flavourful interior.
Teppanyaki is the ultimate theatrical dining experience, and it's a style of cooking that has become synonymous with Japanese cuisine. The sizzling and smoking hot plate is a stage for the chef's culinary artistry, as they skilfully cook up a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables with flair and precision.
Miso soup is the ultimate comfort food, and it's a dish that has been a staple of Japanese cuisine for centuries. Made with miso paste, dashi, and a variety of ingredients such as tofu, wakame seaweed, and green onions, it's a simple yet satisfying dish that warms the soul.
Hayayakko is a simple yet delicious dish that's a staple of Japanese cuisine. Made with soft tofu, green onions, ginger, and a drizzle of soy sauce, it's a dish that's bursting with flavour and texture. The key to a great hayayakko lies in the quality of the tofu, which should be soft and silky, yet firm enough to hold its shape.
Korokke is the ultimate comfort food, and it's a dish that has become a beloved staple of Japanese cuisine. These crispy and delicious potato croquettes are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as ground beef, shrimp, or cheese, and are coated in panko breadcrumbs before being deep-fried to perfection.
Omuraisu is a dish that's full of surprises, and it's a testament to the innovation and creativity of Japanese cuisine. This delicious dish features a bed of fried rice, filled with ingredients such as chicken, shrimp, or vegetables, and is then topped with a fluffy and perfectly cooked omelette.
Hayashi Raisu is a dish that's steeped in history and tradition, and it's a true classic of Japanese cuisine. This hearty dish features a rich and flavourful beef stew, cooked with onions and mushrooms, and is served over a bed of steaming hot rice.
Hambagu is a dish that's both simple and sophisticated, and it's a true representation of the beauty and elegance of Japanese cuisine. This delicious dish features a juicy and flavourful hamburger patty, made with a blend of ground beef and pork, and is served with a rich and savoury sauce, made with a combination of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce.
Bento is a popular Japanese lunchbox meal that has gained popularity in the UK in the recent years. It consists of a compact and convenient container that is typically divided into compartments to hold a variety of foods such as rice, vegetables, meat, and fish.
Tempura is a dish that's steeped in tradition and precision, and it's a true testament to the mastery and skill of Japanese cuisine. This delectable dish features a variety of seafood, vegetables, or even meat, coated in a light and crispy batter, and deep-fried to perfection.
Okonomiyaki is a dish that's both humble and bold, and it's a true representation of the creativity and versatility of Japanese cuisine. This hearty dish features a savoury pancake, made with a blend of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, and is topped with a variety of ingredients, such as seafood, meat, or vegetables.
Monjayaki is a dish that's often overlooked in the world of Japanese cuisine, but it's one that deserves far more attention. This Tokyo street food staple is a cross between Okonomiyaki and a savoury pancake, featuring a gooey mixture of flour, vegetables, and seafood, all cooked up on a hot grill.
Oh, gyoza! These little pockets of pure deliciousness are an absolute joy to eat. Whether you're dipping them in soy sauce or slurping them up with a spoonful of hot broth, gyoza never fail to satisfy. We've had them in high-end restaurants and from street vendors, and every time, they're a perfect combination of crispy and juicy, with a perfectly seasoned filling that bursts with flavour.
Chawanmushi is a savoury Japanese egg custard dish that is steamed and served in a small bowl called a chawan. It typically contains ingredients such as chicken, shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, and ginkgo nuts, and is flavoured with dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. Chawanmushi is a delicate and subtle dish that is often served as an appetiser in traditional Japanese cuisine.
Yakiniku is a celebration of meat, fire, and flavour. It's a Japanese-style BBQ that's all about getting the best cuts of meat and grilling them to perfection. Whether you're in a fancy restaurant or a small hole-in-the-wall joint, the smell of sizzling meat is enough to make your mouth water
Pickles, or tsukemono, are an essential part of Japanese meals, often served as a side dish or topping. They are made using a variety of vegetables, such as cucumbers, daikon radish, and eggplant, and are pickled in salt, vinegar, or a combination of both. Tsukemono are served as a side dish or condiment and are believed to aid in digestion.
Mochi, for example, is a type of sticky rice cake that has a chewy, almost gummy texture. It's unlike anything you've ever tasted. And then there's anko, or sweet red bean paste, which has a smooth, silky texture that's both comforting and indulgent.