In 2013, Japanese food was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and is becoming more and more popular.
The most well-known Japanese meal and restaurant in your country is probably “Sushi”. Sushi is of course delicious, but there are many other tasty foods that are less known but that I now would like you to know about.
Here, I would like to introduce you to some “strange foods of Japan.”
Through my various experiences of traveling abroad, studying abroad, and interacting with foreigners, I have been surprised to learn that many of the foods I used to take for granted are unique to Japan.
Some of them may not be considered food in the tourists’ home country, some may be considered dangerous to eat, and some may be strange, but when you try them, you may find that they are delicious. You never know until you try something. Let’s try!
1. Raw Eggs 🥚
When you think of Japan, the first things that might jump to mind are sushi and sashimi, right? They’re our iconic dishes that celebrate the pure, natural flavors of the ingredients. And guess what? We’ve taken our love for fresh flavors to the next level by enjoying eggs in their raw glory.
Don’t worry, in Japan, where our food safety standards are sky-high, these eggs are super fresh and top-notch. So, munching on them raw? Totally safe!
Raw eggs? They’re like a culinary magic trick. Silky smooth on their own, but add some toppings and you’ve got a taste sensation. Plus, that dreamy creamy yolk mixed with the slightly bouncy white? It’s a texture party in your mouth.
Stay tuned, I’ll be diving into some Japanese dishes that put raw eggs in the spotlight!
Tamago kakegohan (Egg on rice) 🍚
A super simple bowl of rice, raw egg, and a splash of soy sauce. Might sound basic, but trust me, it’s something I crave time and time again.
Whenever I’m back from one of my long trips abroad, guess what’s the first thing I dive into? Yep, that comforting bowl of tamago kake gohan.
With the egg all silky, it coats each grain of rice so perfectly, it’s almost like sipping a drink. Who knew something so simple could be so satisfying?
It is a quick and easy meal at home, and finding a restaurant that offers it can be a bit difficult.
However, you can certainly eat at the Sukiya restaurants listed on this page.
Sukiyaki 🥩
Imagine this: premium wagyu beef and veggies, all sweetly simmered close to a teriyaki-style sauce. Now, dip them in whisked raw egg.
Oh, the magic that happens! The egg gives everything this smooth and creamy touch. And guess what? I sometimes go a bit overboard and end up using around four eggs in one meal! Can’t help it; it’s that good.
Mazesoba 🍜
My ultimate favorite noodle dish! Noodles mixed with raw egg just slide down your throat so effortlessly.
Once, I made mazesoba without raw egg while abroad, and guess what my foreign friends said? “Mazesoba without raw egg feels incomplete!” That’s the mighty power of the raw egg for you.
2. Raw Chicken 🐓
In Miyazaki Prefecture, located in the south of Japan, it’s famous for “torisashi” – yes, raw chicken! Some restaurants there serve it up as a special treat. Without the cooking, the chicken’s natural tenderness and juiciness really shine, and you can savor its deep, rich flavor.
Of course, they use only the freshest and highest quality chicken. I’ve eaten it many times and trust me, I’ve never felt sick afterwards. You can eat with peace of mind!
3. Horse Meat Sashimi 🐴
When I told some of my foreign friends that we eat horse meat in Japan, they were surprised. Moreover, in Japan, horse meat is eaten raw, not as processed meat.
Horse meat is lean, tender, and very palatable. It is also known as a healthy food with low calories and high protein. The meat has no odor at all.
4. Yukke 🐮
This dish is made primarily from fresh, high-quality lean cuts of beef that have been thinly sliced or pounded.
It’s a must-have dish in many yakiniku restaurants here in Japan. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time I go out for yakiniku restautant!
5. Live squid sashimi 🦑
Ever had squid so fresh, it’s almost still swimming? I once watched a chef take a squid straight from the tank and prepare it right in front of me. Freshly-prepared squid has this crystal-clear look and a silky smooth texture that’s just incomparable.
When the squid is first taken out of the water, it turns a stressed-out shade of red. But with a precise cut by the chef, it instantly goes back to being beautifully white. It took me by surprise, and I couldn’t help but gasp. Such a captivating sight!
And get this – even after it’s served, the squid continues to move for a bit. Nature’s magic in action!
6. Tarako 🐟
A food made from salted cod ovaries, it is salty and has a unique flavor and taste. The tiny grains give such a unique texture.
It’s a very popular food in Hakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, located in the west of Japan.
Pair it with rice, and bam! – I can effortlessly devour a full bowl.
And oh, mix it with pasta? You get the famous Tarako Spaghetti, a fusion dish that’s super popular in Japan. It’s kind of like Japan’s own spin on Italian cuisine!
7. Shirako (Milt) 🐟
It’s the milt from cod or pufferfish, and trust me, it looks a bit… well, let’s say “unique”. Super creamy and subtly flavorful, this dish is pure luxury.
You’ll find it in fancy Japanese restaurants and cool izakayas.
As a kid, its look had me saying, “No way!”, but as an adult? One taste and I was totally hooked!
8. Natto (fermented soybeans) 🫘
This food,gooey, stringy wonder from Japan, is called Natto! You see it, with all its sticky strands, and think, “Is that really food?” Trust me, I get the skepticism.
But natto is a superstar health food! It’s a champ at improving blood flow, balancing your gut, and aiding digestion.
It’s super affordable at local supermarkets, so why not take a wild culinary leap?
9. Motsu 🐮
They have this chewy, bouncy texture that’s kind of fun – like a culinary workout for your jaws! They’re packed with nutrients like iron and B-vitamins, so it’s like health food with a twist.
Stay tuned, I’ve got some killer dishes using these quirky ingredients to recommend!
Motsunabe 🍲
Imagine offals, those quirky-looking things, simmering with veggies in a savory broth – miso, soy, or even salt-based. Once those offals absorb the broth, they lose any unwanted smell and gain a punch of flavor.
And the broth? It gets infused with the juiciness of the offals. Pouring that over rice or noodles is like a ticket to flavor town!
Sure, offals may not win any beauty contests, but taste-wise? They’re the champs! Even my international buddies are all praises.
Motsu-ni (stewed motsu) 🔥
This dish is stewed with soy sauce or miso. Motsu-ni, stewed slowly, is well seasoned, and Each bite, packed with bold and savory tastes, making it a dream pair for a bowl of rice or a glass of sake.
It is often served at izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) and teishoku-ya (set meal restaurants).
10. Sea urchin 🍣
Ever spotted those spiky orbs while beach-hopping? Those are sea urchins, or “uni” in Japanese.
In some parts of Asia, sea urchins are prized as a luxury seafood. They’re a sushi superstar, known for their rich, creamy taste with a unique sweet-savory flavor combo.
If you ever find yourself in a fancy sushi joint, treat yourself to some top-notch uni – it’s so luscious, it practically melts in your mouth!
11. Umeboshi (Pickled plums) 🇯🇵
This looks like an apricot, but is way saltier and packed with a sour punch? That’s “Umeboshi”, a traditional Japanese dried plum.
Fun fact: It’s said that Japan’s flag was inspired by this little red fruit sitting atop white rice! 🇯🇵
Umeboshi, with its characteristic salty and natural sourness, is umimaginable! Every Japanese person knows just how tart it can be.
Even just looking at it or thinking about Umeboshi can make your jaw tighten and set your mouth into full drool mode. That’s some powerful food!
This food is often used in daily meals, onigiri (rice balls), and bento boxes. Please buy a rice ball with this umeboshi in it at a convenience store
Prepare for the jaw-tightening, drool-flooding sensation! I bet you’ll make the funniest face when you take a bite. Give it a go!
Conclusion
Many traditional foods unique to Japan are healthy foods. Maybe that’s the secret to our longevity? While some might look a bit adventurous or even daunting, when in Japan, dive in and give them a try!
I hope you all discover as many Japanese foods you are interested in as possible. If you are interested in more foods and restaurant suggestions that i think tourists often miss then check out our cheap but delicious meals and restaurants in Japan guide, thanks for reading!
