The Top 10 best foods in Japan, and the Prefecture where they are from!

I have been in Japan for almost 2 months now, and had the honour of tasting a ton of food! Here are some of my favourites, and a brief history of them in Japan:

1. **Sushi (Edo, now Tokyo):** Sushi originated in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Edo period. Originally, it was a way of preserving fish by fermenting it with rice. Over time, sushi evolved into various forms, including nigiri, maki, and sashimi.

2. **Tempura (Nagasaki):** Tempura is a dish of battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables. It is believed to have been introduced to Japan by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century, and Nagasaki, due to its historical connections with foreign trade, became a hub for tempura.

3. **Ramen (China, adapted in Japan):** Ramen noodles were originally brought to Japan by Chinese immigrants. However, the modern version of ramen, with its various regional styles and broths, is a distinctly Japanese creation. Different regions of Japan, such as Hakata, Sapporo, and Tokyo, have their own unique styles of ramen.

4. **Tonkatsu (Tokyo):** Tonkatsu is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet. It is said to have been invented in Tokyo in the late 19th century by a Japanese chef who was inspired by European cuisine.

5. **Sashimi (Various coastal regions):** Sashimi consists of thinly sliced raw fish or seafood served without rice. It is believed to have originated along the coastal regions of Japan, where fishermen would slice fresh catch and serve it immediately.

6. **Yakitori (Tokyo):** Yakitori is skewered and grilled chicken, typically seasoned with salt or tare (a sweet soy sauce glaze). It originated in Tokyo as a street food and has since become popular throughout Japan.

7. **Okonomiyaki (Osaka and Hiroshima):** Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made with a batter of flour, eggs, cabbage, and various toppings such as pork belly, seafood, and green onions. There are two main styles: Osaka-style and Hiroshima-style, each with its own preparation method and toppings.

8. **Udon (Sanuki, Kagawa Prefecture):** Udon are thick wheat noodles served in a clear broth made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. Sanuki, in Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, is famous for its Sanuki udon, known for its chewy texture and served both hot and cold.

9. **Miso Soup (Northern Japan):** Miso soup is a traditional Japanese soup made from dashi stock and fermented soybean paste (miso). It is typically served with tofu, seaweed, and green onions. Miso soup has its origins in Northern Japan, where colder climates favored the use of fermented foods for preservation and flavor.

10. **Takoyaki (Osaka):** Takoyaki are octopus-filled batter balls, cooked in a special molded pan until golden brown. They are a popular street food snack believed to have originated in Osaka, where they are commonly served with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed.

These foods represent just a small portion of the diverse and delicious cuisine found throughout Japan. Each dish reflects the country’s rich culinary history, regional specialties, and cultural influences. I cannot recommend enough to come and try some of these delicious treats out!!

Also, you can make some of these at home, and I have the recipes! Check out my e-recipe books on Etsy! If you like what I am creating and want to support, feel free to buy a book:

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