Are you planning a meal at a Japanese restaurant but feeling overwhelmed by the wide variety of dishes on the menu? Japanese cuisine is known for its unique blend of flavors, meticulous preparation, and artistic presentation. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Japanese food or trying it for the first time, knowing which dishes to order can elevate your dining experience.
This guide will break down 12 must-try dishes to help you confidently explore the rich and dynamic world of Japanese cuisine. From fresh sushi to savory ramen, you’ll leave your meal not just satisfied but wanting to go back for more.
Sushi and Sashimi
When people think of Japanese food, sushi and sashimi top the list. But there’s much more to these dishes than meets the eye.
1. Nigiri
One of the most iconic types of sushi, nigiri consists of a slice of fresh fish or seafood on top of vinegared rice, often secured with a hint of wasabi. Popular options include tuna (maguro), salmon (sake), and sweet shrimp (amaebi). Its simplicity allows the fresh flavors of the seafood to shine.
2. Sashimi
For a pure taste of the ocean, opt for sashimi. These slices of raw fish or seafood are served without rice, letting the texture and flavor take center stage. Pair it with soy sauce, wasabi, and freshly grated ginger for an authentic experience.
3. Maki Rolls
Perfect for beginners, maki rolls wrap vinegared rice and fillings like cucumber, avocado, and crab inside a sheet of seaweed (nori). Try futomaki (thick rolls) or temaki (hand rolls) for a delicious twist.
Ramen and Noodles
Japanese noodle dishes are comfort food at its best. They’re hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
4. Tonkotsu Ramen
This rich and creamy noodle soup is made with a slow-simmered pork bone broth, springy noodles, and toppings like sliced pork belly, soft-boiled egg, green onions, and bamboo shoots. It’s a hearty and satisfying choice that warms you from the inside out.
5. Yakisoba
A stir-fried noodle dish, yakisoba is cooked with vegetables, pork, and a tangy sauce that gives it its distinctive flavor. It’s a savory and slightly sweet dish that’s perfect for noodle lovers.
6. Udon Soup
Thicker and chewier than ramen, udon noodles are often served in a mild broth made from soy sauce and dashi (a type of fish stock). Add tempura shrimp or fried tofu for a satisfying texture contrast.
Donburi and Rice Dishes
Hearty rice bowls make for a satisfying one-dish meal packed with bold flavors.
7. Gyudon
A comfort food classic, gyudon is a bowl of rice topped with thinly sliced beef cooked in a sweet soy-based sauce with onions. It’s filling, delicious, and bursting with umami.
8. Unadon
Love eel? Unadon combines grilled eel glazed in a sweet, savory kabayaki sauce with a bed of fluffy white rice. The smoky flavor of the eel pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.
Tempura and Small Plates
Small plates and fried delights play a key role in Japanese dining culture, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
9. Tempura
Light, crispy, and addictive, tempura consists of battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables. Shrimp is a popular choice, but you can also try options like sweet potato, eggplant, and zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly twist.
10. Gyoza
These pan-fried dumplings, filled with minced pork, garlic, and vegetables, are an ideal appetizer. Dip your gyoza in soy sauce mixed with vinegar for added flavor.
11. Takoyaki
This street food classic from Osaka features fried balls of batter stuffed with pieces of octopus. Topped with mayonnaise, bonito flakes (dried fish flakes), and takoyaki sauce, these bite-sized snacks pack serious flavor.
Desserts
No meal is complete without a sweet treat to finish.
12. Mochi Ice Cream
To end your meal on a sweet note, try mochi ice cream. It’s a delightful dessert of sticky rice cake filled with creamy ice cream. Popular flavors include green tea, mango, and strawberry.
Explore Japanese Cuisine with Confidence
Japanese restaurants offer a treasure trove of dishes, from light and refreshing sushi to hearty bowls of ramen and flavorful small plates. Whether you want to stick with a classic or try something adventurous, the 12 dishes highlighted above are excellent choices to start.
Next time you visit a Japanese restaurant, use this guide as your menu cheat sheet to impress your dining companions and enhance your culinary experience. Once you try these dishes at En Sushi, you might just find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even left the table.