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Japanese Cuisine
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Sushi restaurants have sprung up all over the UK, but Japanese cuisine is far more varied than just sushi.
One thing to note is they generally don't follow our starter-main course-dessert concept - most dishes arrive at the same time.
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We've used the roman names for dishes but if they're only labelled in Japanese characters, smiling and pointing will probably work! If you try something you really like, ask the waiter to write down the Japanese name and if you need a break from rice and noodles, there's plenty of international food around.
Japanese cuisine - Rice dishesRice is more or less the equivalent of Britain's bread. Japanese rice, which is short-grained and sticky, is cooked and served in any number of ways. It'll come with most meals, including a traditional breakfast - its only rival is the noodle!
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Although it tastes good, people have been known to choke as the sticky grains stick in their windpipe. Take care!
Sushi: The famous sushi is rice, flavoured with vinegar, and served with fish or vegetables. You'll find it presented in a number of ways.
Donburi: A bowl of steamed rice, topped with anything from chicken to eel.
Onigiri: A much-loved snack, onigiri is a seaweed-wrapped rice ball containing fish, pickled foods or sometimes just seasoning. You'll find them more or less anywhere. |
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Curry rice: Japan cuisine has its own version of curry, which is milder than that produced in India, sometimes sweeter and often a less appealing brown colour. Curry rice is a serving of both in one bowl and in spite of its appearance, is very popular.
Omurice: Rice (fried, in this case) has found its way into omelettes, accompanied by meat, vegetables and seasoning.
Japanese cuisine - Noodles
You probably won't be past the airport when you spot your first noodle bar. Noodles can be served cold, or hot, in soup. Varieties include udon (thick, made from wheat), somen (thin, wheat) and soba (thin, made of buckwheat).
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Japanese cuisine - SoupEverything from dumplings to tofu lurks at the bottom of Japanese soups, which are great for warming up. Try ramen, a meat-flavoured soup with noodles and toppings that vary from region.
Japanese cuisine - Other savoury dishes
Takoyaki: Sliced octopus, served in balls of batter and sold as fast food.
Tempura: Deep-fried seafood or vegetables that often come with a dip.
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Japanese cuisine - Sweet thingsWagashi: Like miniature cakes in appearance, wagashi comes in all shapes and flavours. They go well with green tea.
Japanese cuisine - Drinks
The world famous sake is available throughout the country, although beer is popular too. Less well known but just as lethal the next day is shōchū, a vodka-like spirit that often finds its way into cocktails. Japanese tea usually means green tea but green tea doesn't just mean green tea - there is a baffling array of varieties.
If you are intrigued by Japanese cuisine and fancy visiting Japan on your gap trip then take a look below at our Japanese gap programmes!
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