Typical dishes
> Donburi
Donburi is a rice-based dish. It consists of a bowl of rice with other ingredients such as Tempura, egg, chicken or beef on the top. Like sushi, there are many different Donburi dishes.
> Miso Soup
Miso soup is probably the most famous traditional Japanese dish of all. It very popular in Japan, and it is eaten at every mealtime. The main ingredients in this traditional soup are Dashi (fish stock) and miso (soybean paste). Tofu and spring onions are often added, too.
> Nabe
Nabe is the name for a wide range of dishes served in a hotpot. According to personal preferences, a mixture of vegetables, meat, seafood and mushrooms are cooked together in a pot.
> Nimono
Nimono is the name for dishes which are cooked in a well-seasoned liquid, mostly consisting of root vegetables or meat.
> Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a cross between a pancake and pizza. Flour, water, eggs, vegetables, seafood and meat are mixed together and cooked in a frying pan. Any ingredients can be used. Okonomiyaki tastes great even without an elaborate crudité garnish – a sprinkling of green seaweed seasoning and a tasty sauce sets this dish off perfectly.
> Sashimi
Sashimi is the name for raw fish. It is rich in protein and essential fatty acids and therefore very nutritious. Sashimi is often made from tuna, but other types of fish are also used. This Japanese speciality is served with an elaborate display of finely cut vegetables. Strong spices such as wasabi or grated ginger provide an extra culinary kick, and soy sauce completes the sashimi experience.
> Shabushabu
Shabushabu is a Japanese meat fondue. Prime beef is cut into paper-thin strips and dipped into a hot broth for a few seconds. A special dip made from sesame sauce or Ponzu-soy sauce (a mixture of soy sauce and lime juice) gives the meat an exotic flavour. Not only beef, but also onions, chinese leaves, tofu, mushrooms, carrots and noodles are cooked in the broth.
> Sukiyaki
Sukiyaki is a classic amongst the meals cooked in a saucepan. It is quick to prepare and a wonderful meal for the whole family. Sukiyaki is special because the main ingredients of meat, vegetables and tofu are dipped in a bowl of beaten egg before they are cooked and eaten.
> Sushi
Fish and rice are the basic ingredients of Japanese cuisine. Wrapped in dried seaweed, they are transformed into the authentic delicacy of sushi, which is available in many different variations. Even in Japan, sushi is considered to be a luxury and it is usually served on special occasions.
> Tempura
Tempura is the name for little bite-sized pieces of food that are deep fried in batter. Fresh prawns, aubergines, Shiitake mushrooms or a mixture of shrimps and vegetables are covered in a batter of eggs, flour and cold water and then deep fried. They are eaten with a special dip which also includes soy sauce.
> Yakitori
Yakitori consists of three to five bite-sized chicken pieces threaded onto a bamboo skewer. They are cooked on the barbecue and dipped in sauce. Yakitori is often served as a bar snack.
Desserts
> Maccha-Aisu
Maccha-Aisu is a special type of ice cream made with green tea which is very popular amongst the Japanese. Green tea powder is heated with milk and made into ice cream. Rum and vanilla are also added to perfect the flavour of this popular dessert.
> Wagashi
Wagashi are special sweets made without butter. They are often made from An, a paste of red azuki beans and sugar. Wagashi are seldom home-made. They are usually bought in department stores and confectionary shops for special occasions, they are generally served with green tea. The slight bitterness of the aromatic green tea is the perfect accompaniment to the sweetness of the Wagashi.
> Zenzai
Zenzai is a popular traditional sweet soup served as a delicate dessert and also at coffee or tea time. Zenzai is made by cooking together red beans, water and sugar. This typical Japanese dish is accompanied by small rice cakes, either toasted or grilled, called "mochi". The hard "mochi" pieces are eaten with chopsticks whilst the soup is sipped straight out of the bowl.
Drinks
> Ryokucha
Ryokucha is the name for Japanese green tea. It is drunk at any time and anywhere, and is available in a wide range of flavour strengths, from mild to intensive. The mild varieties are a popular choice at mealtimes because they complement the meal without overpowering it.
> Sake
Sake is the name for rice wine which is traditionally served at a Japanese meal. The better quality sake is for drinking and the lower quality is used for cooking.
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