The secret of Japanese cuisine: healthy, exceptional and delicious

Japanese cuisine is known all over the world for its unique combination of flavors, healthy ingredients and high-quality processing.

Japanese cuisine is not limited to sushi and sashimi, although these dishes are the most famous, but includes a whole range of other delicious dishes. Here is an overview of some of the main aspects of Japanese cuisine:

Fish and seafood:

Japanese cuisine is rich in fish and seafood. Sashimi, sushi and tempura are some of the most popular dishes. Sushi is usually made up of slices of raw fish on top of rice, while sashimi is thin slices of raw fish without rice.

Rice:

Rice is the basis of the Japanese diet. The Japanese usually consume round-grain rice (japonica), which is used not only for sushi, but also for many other dishes.

Miso soup:

Miso soup is a traditional Japanese soup made from miso paste (fermented soybean paste) mixed with water, seaweed and other ingredients. It is commonly served for Japanese breakfast.

Tempura:

Tempura is a method of frying where food (often seafood or vegetables) is coated in batter and fried until golden. Served with dipping sauce.

Yakitori:

Yakitori are skewers of chicken or other ingredients that are grilled and often served with tare sauce (a sweet and savory sauce).

Nabe:

Nabe is a type of Hot Pot where vegetables, meat and other ingredients are cooked in an aromatic broth. It is a favorite dish for family celebrations or in the winter months.

Ramen:

The Japanese version of this popular noodle dish is known for its various regional variations. The basis of ramen is usually a broth based on pork or chicken meat, on which noodles and various ingredients are served.

Tempura Udon:

Udon noodles are served in a hot soup, often kake udon, and are accompanied by pieces of tempura (fried food) on top.

Yaki Udon:

Udon noodles are pan-fried with various ingredients such as vegetables, chicken, seafood or tofu. The mixture is seasoned with soy sauce or okonomiyaki sauce.

Sukiyaki:

Sukiyaki is a dish where thin slices of beef, vegetables and tofu are cooked in a hot pot on the table. Individual portions are dipped in sweet soy sauce and fried.

Okonomiyaki:

Okonomiyaki is a kind of Japanese pancake or pancake that can contain various ingredients such as cabbage, pork, seafood and more. It is usually served with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise.

Tamago Yaki:

Tamago yaki is a sweet omelette cake made by mixing eggs with sugar and soy sauce. These dishes are often prepared in a special pan called "makiyakinabe" and served as breakfast or dessert.

Tonkatsu:

Tonkatsu is a fried slice of pork that is coated in panko breadcrumbs (crispy Japanese breadcrumbs) and served with Japanese sauce and cabbage.

Katsudon:

Katsudon is rice served with a slice of tonkatsu (fried pork), onion and egg. All these ingredients are simmered in a sauce and served over rice.

Yudofu:

Yudofu is a traditional Japanese dish that involves cooking tofu in a light broth. It is a popular dish that is often served in the winter months.

Unagi:

Unagi is a grilled eel that is usually served with unagi sauce and served over rice. This dish is known for its sweet and salty taste.

Bento:

Bentos are packed lunches that consist of various small portions of food and are often prepared in boxes for easy portability.

Matcha:

Matcha is a green tea that is ground into a powder and used to make matcha tea and various desserts.

Japanese cuisine is known for its aesthetics, precision and emphasis on seasonal ingredients. The traditional preparation of Japanese dishes requires skill and patience, which is why Japanese cuisine remains one of the most popular gastronomic styles in the world.