What to Eat in Japan

Although it’s gotten much easier to satisfy my cravings for Japanese food here in Montreal over the past few years, for me, a major part of travelling to Japan (or anywhere else, for that matter) has always been about eating.

I usually keep a “checklist of deliciousness” on my phone to make sure nothing gets overlooked. Because people often ask me for advice when they’re planning a trip to the land of the rising sun, I’ve decided to share my basic checklist with you… and to illustrate it.

So without further ado, here is what I recommend you eat in Japan, from typical dishes, to street food, and convenience store snacks.

DISHES

Ramen (ラーメン)
Nothing to do with store-bought dry noodle packs. Delightfully salty broth, chewy noodles, marinated egg, slices of meat and other yummy toppings. This one is a must. (Illustration no.1)

Kitsune udon (きつねうどん)
Fatter, chewier noodles than ramen, in a lighter broth. Just as delicious.

Zaru soba (ざる蕎麦)
Cold buckwheat noodles with dipping sauce. Particularly refreshing in the summer!

Karaage (唐揚げ)
Japanese fried chicken. Yas!

Miso shiru (味噌汁)
Miso soup is everywhere you turn in Japan: healthy, comforting, and just so good!

Gyoza (餃子)
Amazing dumplings that are great as a side dish for ramen, or on their own. (Illustration no.2)

Salmon oyakodon (サーモン親子丼)
Oyakodon is more common as chicken and egg on top of rice. “Oya” = parent. “Ko” = child. “Don” = rice bowl. See how that works? My favourite, though, is the raw fish version, with salmon and salmon roe (another kind of parent and child combo). If you’re visiting Tsukiji fish market, this is a good time to look for one. (Illustration no.3)

Tako wasabi (たこわさび)
Cold raw octopus and wasabi. Refreshing with a pleasant kick.

Sushi (寿司)
Yes, in Japan, most sushi actually contains raw fish. Even if you eat sushi all the time at home, do not miss the opportunity to try authentic nigiri and maki! (Illustration no.4)

Tonkatsu (とんかつ)
A tender, deep fried pork cutlet. Also try katsudon, which is basically tonkatsu and egg on a bed of rice. Or katsukare, a piece of tonkatsu on curry rice. You’re welcome.

Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き)
An Osaka specialty often called “Japanese pizza” that is really nothing like pizza in my opinion. Chopped cabbage, veggies, maybe some meat, special sauce, Japanese mayo and dried bonito flakes. Unique and delicious. (Illustration no.5)

Omurice (オムライス)
An odd-looking and -sounding dish that it took me years to try. Basically an omelette over tomato-flavoured (ketchup!) fried rice. Surprisingly satisfying. (Illustration no.6)

Curry rice (カレーライス)
Thicker and heartier than Indian curry. Tender meat and veggies, served with rice. One of my favourite comfort foods! (Illustration no.7)

Teriyaki burger (テリヤキバーガー)
Available at most fast food chains, like Mos Burger, Lotteria, and even McDonald’s. Tastes exactly how it sounds!

SNACKS & DESSERT

Onigiri (おにぎり)
A ball of rice with a surprise in the middle and usually some nori (seaweed) on the outside. My favorites are sake (grilled salmon) or ikura (salmon roe). (Illustration no.8)

Takoyaki (たこ焼き)
Dough dumplings with pieces of squid, covered in sauce, mayo and dried bonito flakes. An Osaka specialty. But watch out! They tend to be really hot and can easily burn your mouth. (Illustration no.9)

Mitarashi dango (みたらし団子)
Balls of mochi (dumpling made from rice flower) skewered in groups of three or four, and covered in a sweet soy sauce glaze. Chewy and delicious. A street food favourite. (Illustration no.10)

Coffee jelly (コーヒーゼリー)
Basically coffee-flavoured Jello, often served with cream. SO GOOD! Also look for coffee jelly-flavoured drinks at Starbucks and Baskin Robbins. (Illustration no.11)

Melon pan (メロンパン)
A round, fluffy, bread roll that is a little crisp and sweet on the outside. Heavenly when baked fresh. There is a shop that makes them near Senso-ji in Asakusa (Tokyo). (Illustration no.12)

Everything matcha (抹茶)
Of course, matcha tea is a must. As is anything with matcha in it. Roll cake, lattes, pudding, Häagen-Dazs ice cream, soft serve (Illustration no.13)—you name it!

Aloe yogurt (アロエヨーグルト)
Fresh and juicy pieces of aloe in yogurt. You won’t regret it! Find it at a conbini (convenience store) or supermarket.

Jagabee (ジャガビー)
Kind of like fries, but they’re chips. My favourite is the soy sauce and butter flavour.

Rolled crepes (クレープ)
Thin crepes stuffed with fruit, whipped cream, chocolate, caramel, or my favourite—half-baked cheese cake—and rolled. Find them on Takeshita street in Harajuku (Tokyo).

DRINKS

Plum wine (梅酒)
A sweet wine that is syrupy and smooth, made from plums. Drink it on the rocks, in a cocktail (or “sour”), or my personal go-to, cut with soda water.

Calpico (カルピコ)
A milky non-carbonated soft drink that is slightly sweet. Find it in your nearest vending machine.

Cold green tea (緑茶)
Keep a bottle with you at all times, especially if you’re travelling in summer. There’s no drink more refreshing! Warning: green tea in Japan is unsweetened (as it should be). (Illustration no.14)

Jasmine tea (ジャスミン茶)
A tea with a more flowery taste. For when you want a break from green tea.