1. Sushi & Maki: The quintessential Japanese dish
Sushi and maki are undoubtedly the most celebrated representatives of Japanese food in Europe. These little mouthfuls combine rice seasoned with vinegar, fresh fish, and sometimes vegetables or nori seaweed for makis. Sushi can be served in a variety of ways: as nigiri (fish placed on a ball of rice) or as rolls (maki). It is a Japanese dish that is both simple and sophisticated, perfectly embodying the refinement of Japanese cuisine. Although ubiquitous in Europe, sushi are far from being the only exceptional Japanese dish full of umami.
- Find our selection of authentic Japanese products to make your sushi and maki HERE
2. Dashi: The base stock of Japanese cuisine
Dashi is a light yet flavoursome stock that serves as the base for many Japanese dishes such as soups, sauces, and marinades. Prepared from kombu (seaweed) and, in its more elaborate version, dried bonito and/or shiitake, mackerel, sardine…, it is the foundation of traditional Japanese cuisine, providing an unrivalled depth of flavour.
- Find our selection of authentic Japanese products to make your own dashi at home HERE
3. Ramen: A comforting classic
Ramen are another pillar of Japanese gastronomy. These wheat noodles served in a flavoursome broth can be complemented with numerous ingredients: pork, eggs, vegetables, or seaweed. This comforting Japanese dish is particularly appreciated for its balance of textures and flavours. Ramen can be purchased as a prepared pack for quick and easy preparation, or made from scratch at home.
- Find our selection of authentic Japanese products to make your ramen at home, discover our ramen recipe HERE
4. Onigiri: The simplicity of rice
Onigiri is a staple of Japanese cuisine, often consumed as a snack or for quick meals. This traditional Japanese dish consists of a ball of rice, generally filled with salmon, salted plum, or seasoned with furikake. The combinations are endless. Onigiri are shaped by hand and often partially or fully wrapped in a sheet of nori. Perfect for an authentic Japanese food experience.
- Find our selection of authentic Japanese products to make your onigiri HERE
5. Miso Soup: A comforting classic
Miso soup is another quintessential Japanese dish found in most traditional meals. Prepared from miso paste (fermented soy, soy and rice, barley…), tofu, seaweed, and vegetables, this soup is a pillar of Japanese cuisine, offering an intense and comforting umami flavour.
- Find our selection of authentic Japanese products to make your miso soup HERE
6. Tempura: The lightness of frying
Tempura is a Japanese speciality consisting of pieces of vegetables or seafood coated in a light batter and fried. This Japanese dish is a perfect example of the art of mastering textures: the outside is crispy, while the inside remains tender and delicate. Tempura is often served with a sauce made from soy and grated daikon. The flour used enhances the flavour of the ingredients and is the key to the best tempura. You will find it at Nishikidori.
- Find our selection of Japanese tempura flour to cook delicious homemade tempura HERE
7. Yakitori: Japanese skewers
Yakitori are grilled chicken skewers, a popular speciality in izakayas (Japanese gastropubs). Each piece of chicken is carefully grilled on a Japanese binchotan charcoal barbecue, offering a smoky and succulent flavour. This traditional Japanese dish is often accompanied by a savoury or sweet-and-savoury "tare" sauce.
- Find our selection of sauces to accompany your yakitori HERE
8. Tonkatsu: The crunch of pork
Tonkatsu is a Japanese dish consisting of a breaded and fried pork cutlet (shoulder or loin), served with shredded cabbage and a delicious tonkatsu sauce (sweet and spicy sauce). This comforting dish is a classic of Japanese cuisine that the whole family enjoys, with a golden crust and a juicy interior.
- Find our selection of Japanese sauces to accompany your tonkatsu HERE
9. Japanese Curry: The Indian influence reimagined
Japanese curry is a rich and flavoursome traditional Japanese dish, influenced by Indian curries but adapted to the Japanese palate. This quintessential Japanese dish is often prepared with pork, beef, or chicken, accompanied by vegetables such as carrots and potatoes. Served of course with rice, it has become a staple of Japanese menus.
- Find our selection of Japanese curry HERE
Japanese specialities are a true journey of the senses, combining balance, refinement, and richness of flavours. Whether you are a sushi lover, a ramen enthusiast, or a tempura fan, every Japanese dish has its own story and its place in the gastronomic culture of Japan. Through these traditional Japanese dishes, you will discover the authenticity and diversity of Japanese cuisine, which continues to delight palates the world over.
Feel free to explore our selection of Japanese products to recreate these classic Japanese dishes at home and bring a touch of authenticity to your meals.
And you? What is your favourite Japanese dish? Choose your easy Japanese recipe. Fancy a 100% authentic Japanese culinary experience? Discover our selection of sake and our Japanese tableware.
