Ask anyone about their favorite Japanese food, and you’ll probably hear the majority of them say sushi. No doubt, sushi is one of the most popular foods in the world because of the fresh ingredients used and the intricacy in the preparation. However, it’s understandably not everyone’s cup of tea.
If you’re in the mood for some Japanese food but not a sushi fan, no need to worry. There are tons of other dishes that you can try. Check out our list below for some of the top Japanese delights you shouldn’t miss out on!
Katsudon
Katsudon is the perfect comfort food for anyone looking for a filling and delicious meal. It’s made with hot steamed rice, crispy fried pork cutlet, and egg poured on top, and some sautéed onions, all simmered in dashi broth. Of course, you’ll also find a variety of other dishes made with tonkatsu, but no doubt, katsudon is one of the crowd favourites. You just can’t go wrong with it!
Melonpan
When ordering Japanese food, why not add in a snack or two to eat in the afternoon? Melonpan is a popular sweet bun that comes with a crunchy cookie-like crust and fluffy interior. You’ll find it with various fillings like custard, chocolate chip, caramel, and others. But, contrary to what its name suggests, this bakery treat doesn’t actually taste like melon but simply looks like one.
Chicken Karaage
Chicken karaage is so versatile that you can eat it as a main meal, side dish, or snack to fill you up in your day. It is essentially a Japanese fried chicken made with boneless thighs that are marinated in soy sauce, sake, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, then coated in potato starch and deep-fried until crispy. It’s usually served with Japanese mayonnaise as is or some mayonnaise mixed with Dijon mustard and mirin.
Omurice
The term omurice is a loose combination of omelette and rice, and that’s exactly what it is. It is a Western-inspired Japanese dish consisting of fried rice wrapped in an omelette and topped with ketchup. Fried rice can be made in different ways, but the common ingredients would be carrots, green peas and peppers, ham or bacon, and soy sauce.
Okonomiyaki
If you’re ordering food to share with friends, you might enjoy okonomiyaki, which is a popular Japanese street food described as a savoury pancake. It’s made with a wheat flour batter mixed with toppings like shredded cabbage, meat, and seafood, then cooked on a flat griddle or teppan. Once cooked, the okonomiyaki is topped with mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and dried seaweed to add flavour and texture to every bite.
Udon
When you think of noodles and Japanese food, the first thing that comes to mind might be ramen. However, udon is another popular alternative you can eat if you want something different.
Udon noodles are made with wheat flour and are thicker and chewier than soba noodles. They traditionally don’t contain eggs, so they’re perfect for vegans and vegetarians. You can eat udon hot, with a delicious broth made of soy sauce, dashi, and mirin, or cold, with a light dipping sauce.
There’s so much more to Japanese cuisine than sushi, so even if you aren’t a fan of this, you’re sure to find another dish that’ll match your taste buds. So whether you’re in the mood for a full meal or light snack, the list above can help you decide what to order. Head over to ChefOnline and try an alternative to sushi today!
