When you’re seeking a warm and comforting meal, Japanese cuisine should be your first choice. Whether you want a simple soothing soup or a rich, hearty curry, there are many dishes to choose from – all guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.
Original Travel lists Tokyo, the capital of Japan, in the top 10 places worldwide that foodies should explore. Next time you’re visiting the city, be sure to try these four delicious dishes.
Miso soup
Miso soup is known primarily for its delicious taste, but it has many health benefits too. In fact, one study found that people who consumed more miso soup had a reduced heart rate – so it’s no wonder people swear by it as a breakfast dish with the potential to lower blood pressure and boost gut health.
Miso soup consists of a base of dashi broth made from dried kelp and bonito flakes, miso paste, silken or firm tofu, wakame (dried seaweed), and sliced green onions as garnish. It’s primarily the miso paste, made from fermented soy beans, that gives the dish its signature umami flavour.
Oden
This one-pot dish is an authentic wintertime favourite that usually consists of boiled eggs, fish cakes, and daikon or konjac, stewed in dashi broth – the same clear soy broth that forms the base of many other dishes, like miso soup and udon noodles.
Oden is a versatile dish and, if you visit Japan, you may be able to enjoy its different regional variations. It’s often served as a communal meal from a large pot at the centre of the dinner table – the social aspect of which simply adds to the soul-soothing experience.
Okayu
Okayu is a soft and comforting meal that’s often known as a healing food. Being so light and soothing on the stomach, it’s traditionally eaten when people are unwell – this practice comes from the Kanto region.
Okayu is essentially a type of rice porridge, but it’s eaten in different ways and is highly customisable. Commonly-enjoyed toppings include chopped green onion, Japanese pickled plums, sesame seeds, nori seaweed, salted salmon, and Japanese parsley.
Katsu curry
A popular dish all around the world, katsu curry combines rich flavours with hearty textures for a seriously satisfying meal. It’s a substantial, filling dish, largely thanks to the use of panko breadcrumbs that create a crispy coating on the katsu – the perfect choice for an indulgent treat. The classic version of katsu curry is a meat dish with chicken or pork, but it can be made vegetarian or vegan too, with tofu, sweet potatoes, or other plant-based ingredients.
For food that’ll soothe your soul, nothing beats these four Japanese dishes. While you’re bound to find versions not too far from you, there’s nothing quite like enjoying these meals in Japan for a truly authentic experience.
Author bio: Maria King
Maria is a lover of food and culture who spends much of her time travelling. She enjoys discovering new flavours, and shares her top tips for recreating popular dishes with the readers of her blog.