Joanna Marie O. Santos
July 25, 2021

Eat your way through Japan with our list of must-try Japanese food such as fresh sushi, takoyaki, and matcha green tea.

Wondering what to eat in the Japanese archipelago during your post-COVID trip? Look no further!

As you traverse the streets of Japan, stop by any random food stalls called yatai and get acquainted with different types of cuisine. Take your taste buds on a gastronomic journey with our curated list of must-try food in Japan.

  Top Picks of Must-Try Food in Japan   Hunt for the Best Sushi in Japan  

Any trip to Japan is incomplete without trying the world-famous Japanese dish, sushi.

The country is sprawling with great sushi places you can visit, from high-end restaurants to small food stalls. However, always keep in mind that there are different varieties of sushi in existence and not all sushi is made equal. Today, its most common forms are nigiri (hand-shaped), "maki" (rolled), and "chirashi" (a bowl of rice with toppings). See for yourself why this simple yet flavorful Japanese cuisine is a must-try dish for all travelers in Japan.

Pro-tip: Head to the iconic Tsukiji Jogai Market (Tsukiji Outer Market) in Tokyo where many restaurants and shops still offer high-quality sushi dishes for much affordable prices.

  Delight in a Bowl of Japanese Noodles  

The culinary delights from Japan expand to far more than just the classic sushi. One of the most popular and easily available dishes in Japan is soba noodles. Made of buckwheat flour, these noodles are as thin as a regular spaghetti strand and can be served hot as a noodle soup and cold with a dipping soy sauce.

Pro-tip: Enjoy these traditional Japanese noodles chilled to better appreciate their incredible texture.

  Feast on the Salty Yet Savory Takoyaki (Japanese Octopus Balls)  

Originating from Osaka, these gooey golden balls are pan-fried with batter and small pieces of octopus. Before serving, the crispy balls are topped with mayonnaise, sweet brown sauce, and katsuobushi fish flakes.

Without question, takoyaki is a well-loved and famous food in Japan among locals and foreigners alike.

  Treat Your Palette to the Earthy Taste of Matcha Green Tea in Japan  

In the Land of the Rising Sun, there is a tea ceremony called sado or the Way of Tea. This involves the centuries-old art of preparing matcha green tea in Japan. Aside from having a high level of antioxidants, matcha green tea also helps in metabolism and enhances weight loss, among other health benefits.

Tasting the rich and sharp flavor of matcha green tea, paired with sugary sweets, is a must for any matcha lovers for a one-of-a-kind Japan experience.

Buy Yourself a Plate of Local-Favorite Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Cake)  

Still have room for dessert?

Indulge your sweet tooth with taiyaki, a Japanese fish cake made with pancake or waffle batter. As one of Japan’s most popular street foods, this golden-brown treat comes with tasty fillings from the traditional sweet red bean to the more savory flavors such as custard, matcha cream, sausage, and cheese. At times, the taiyaki is even filled with ice cream goodness for that modern twist.

This list doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of all the must-try food in Japan. These dishes not only take you on an experience like no other but also let you get a glimpse of rich Japanese culture through your taste buds.

  Images from Freepik and Pixabay