Stop Ordering These 10 Basic Dishes At Japanese Restaurants, Try These 10 Instead
Explore The Japanese Culinary World
If you've taken a liking to Japanese cuisine, we're here to tell you that there's more to it than meets the eye. Instead of ordering the same California Roll and edamame combo, why not try something different? Japanese cuisine is rich and expansive - there are so many unique and delicious dishes for you to try! Here are 10 basic dishes we suggest you stop ordering so that you can try these 10 next time instead.
1. California Rolls
Did you know the California Roll isn't traditionally Japanese and is actually an American invention? While it is a tasty and popular roll you can easily find at any Japanese restaurant in the US, maybe it's time to jump outside your comfort zone to explore more authentic flavors. There's so much more to try than just crab meat and avocado!
www.bluewaikiki.com on Wikimedia
2. Teriyaki Chicken
Another dish often found in westernized Japanese restaurants, teriyaki chicken tends to be a fan favorite thanks to its sweet, thick, and heavy sauce that was made to please American palates. It doesn't echo the complex and balanced flavors of many authentic Japanese dishes though, meaning it's time to explore something else.
3. Tempura Ice Cream
While tempura is a traditional Japanese cooking technique, the tempura ice cream you might find at some Japanese restaurants in America, is not. It's more of a novelty dessert item that sounds a lot better than it actually tastes. Maybe it's worth trying some more traditional and unique desserts like mochi or dorayaki.
4. Spicy Tuna Roll
Spicy tuna rolls are up there as one of the most popular rolls to order, and while it's true that they're super tasty, they don't exactly showcase the natural flavors of the fish. Oftentimes, the spicy mayo sauce is too heavy, overshadowing the quality and flavor of the seafood, something you'd rarely (if ever) find happening in Japan.
5. Philadelphia Roll
No roll is more American than the ones with cream cheese in it! The Philadelphia Roll is another example of an Americanized sushi option that isn't found traditionally in Japanese sushi cuisine. The flavor is incredibly overpowering and transforms the fresh fish into something else entirely.
6. Chicken Yakisoba
Chicken yakisoba is a common Japanese-style fried noodle dish that you can easily find on the menu. Its flavors appeal to a wide variety of audiences, with its sweet, salty, and umami-rich sauce making it clear why it's a popular pick. But because of its popularity, it's grown to be too much of a comfort order; what about trying other authentic Japanese noodle dishes like soba or ramen?
7. Dragon Roll
Topped with avocado and eel sauce, The Dragon Roll is arguably one of the most ordered specialty rolls around, likely thanks to its cool name. However, being flashy might be its only catch! This American-style sushi definitely packs a punch in the flavor department, but lacks freshness and balance. Can we even call it sushi at this point?
Prayitno / Thank you for (12 millions +) view from Los Angeles, USA on Wikimedia
8. Edamame with Salt
Edamame is a beloved starter thanks to its simplicity. However, we'd like to argue that maybe it's a little too simple? It's a dish so common, it might be preventing some customers from exploring other more unique appetizers.
9. Gyoza
Gyoza are Japanese pan-fried dumplings that are delicious, but can easily be found in many other Asian cuisines with slight variations. It's also incredibly easy to whip up yourself at home if you buy frozen versions! If you want to get to know Japanese cuisine a bit more, it might be more worth ordering something you've never tried before. Think karaage or agedashi tofu instead!
Photo by REEET JANK on Unsplash
10. Katsu Don
Katsu dons are bowls of steaming rice topped with fried, breaded pork cutlet, egg, and onions. It's by far one of the most popular dons ordered in America, and it's not hard to see why given its familiar textures and taste. But while this comfort staple is representative of Japanese cuisine, why not branch out some more? There are plenty of other unique dons featuring other meats and seafood worth trying.
1. Unagi Don
Speaking of interesting dons, one you absolutely need to try is the iconic and luxurious unagi don which features tender and juicy eel! Glazed with a sweet and savory sauce that perfectly complements the bed of steamed rice, this dish is a must try. Everything tastes so balanced and the delicate texture and rich flavor of the eel is excellently highlighted.
2. Chikuzenni
Though it's a difficult word to say, it's worth the embarrassment of mispronouncing it just to get a taste. Chikuzenni is a traditional Japanese braised dish that's made with a variety of ingredients like chicken, root vegetables, and shiitake mushrooms. It's quite the simple dish, but its home-cooked feel will definitely have you appreciating its gentle flavors.
3. Omurice
Part omelet, part fried rice, what's not to love? A comforting meal that'll taste just like mom's cooking, omurice is a popular dish in Japan thanks to its delicious taste and fun preparation. If you ever get a chance to watch a chef prepare this dish, you'll be in awe of their skill. Who knew cooking eggs could be a talent?
4. Nikujaga
Made with meat (typically beef), potatoes, onions, and sometimes carrots, nikujaga is the epitome of a heartwarming stew. Simmered in sweetened soy sauce, you'll be surprised by how flavorful the dish is despite looking so plain. The Japanese definitely have a knack for balancing simplicity with depth, so if you ever have a chance to order this, try it out for yourself!
Takeshi aka. Momotaro on Wikimedia
5. Hamachi Kama
Japan is known for their excellent frying abilities as seen with tempura, but one lesser-known dish worth ordering that highlights their grilling techniques instead, is hamachi kama. This dish features grilled yellowtail collar that's renowned for its tender, fatty meat. Often served with a side of soy sauce for dipping, this is one straight-forward dish that'll show you the power of natural flavors.
RightCowLeftCoast on Wikimedia
6. Takoyaki
One of Japan's most popular street snacks, takoyaki is a must try! Made from a flour-based batter that's stuffed with octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion, it's topped off with a delightful takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise. It's an "explodes in your mouth" kind of flavor that'll surprise you given how small each bite is!
7. Yakiniku
Yakiniku simply translates to "grilled meat" in English. Also known as Japanese BBQ, this is more so an experience than just a meal. It involves grilling bite-sized pieces of meat at your table, cooking and sharing the food together with friends and family. It's such a fun dining experience that's topped off with delicious cuts of meat.
Prastika Herlianti on Unsplash
8. Kaisendon
If you're a seafood lover, look no further than kaisendon for your perfect meal. Just imagine a bowl of steaming rice topped with a generous assortment of fresh sashimi. It can include anything from fish, shrimp, sea urchin, and even crab! It's colorful, pretty to look at, and so fresh to eat. It's the ultimate dish to highlight Japan's love for fresh and natural ingredients.
9. Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a type of Japanese pancake, and no, we're not talking about the maple syrup and whipped cream kind. This is Japan's take on a savory pancake, literally translating into "grilled as you like it." With so many customizable options, you can include your preferred combination of ingredients, like adding in seafood, meat, or vegetables. It's a heartwarming meal that perfectly encapsulates Japanese cuisine.
10. Udon Sukiyaki
Combining the best of both udon and the classic sukiyaki hot pot, this dish is everything you want in a filling and satisfying meal. Featuring thick and chewy udon noodles, they're thrown in a savory soy sauced-based broth that's loaded with beef, tofu, and vegetables. You won't be disappointed if you ever get the opportunity to order it in an excellent Japanese restaurant.
KEEP ON READING
The 5 Most Consumed Foods in the Entire World
