Japanese Food Thread - Preparing for our Trip
Apr 8th, 2013 | 11:03 PM
#21
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,392
Likes: 0
We only once had sushi as a meal in it's own right during our 17 night trip, though as has been discussed, it was a (small) part of the kaiseki ryori meals at the 4 ryokans we stayed in.
There is so much variety, the raw fish element of sushi is such a tiny part.
As has been said you have noodle places of different types, of course ramen is available everywhere and often perfect for a very quick stop. Katsu places abound, and what's not to love about breaded deep fried pork served with rice and shredded cabbage? Of course, there are the tempura places, the yakitori joints, the okonomiyaki places - these are large pancake-like fritters made from batter and cabbage mixed and with various other ingredients mixed in according to your choice, in some regions it's more batter less cabbage and in others the other way around, very regional. You could try for a tofu-specialist restaurant, an unagi (eel) place... Of course there are burger chains, very much international but we went for Mos burger, the original Japanese burger chain, fast food that hit the spot. You can find nabe/ oden restaurants, hot pots/ stews that are traditional, filling and not usually expensive. For snacks, not much street food as it's not generally big in Japan but perhaps mitarashi dango (like savoury mochi glazed in soy, sold on sticks) or rice crackers? Oh and what about sukiyaki and shabu shabu restaurants, where you choose your ingredients and cook them yourself either on a charcoal grill or in a broth hot pot?
There is so much variety, the raw fish element of sushi is such a tiny part.
As has been said you have noodle places of different types, of course ramen is available everywhere and often perfect for a very quick stop. Katsu places abound, and what's not to love about breaded deep fried pork served with rice and shredded cabbage? Of course, there are the tempura places, the yakitori joints, the okonomiyaki places - these are large pancake-like fritters made from batter and cabbage mixed and with various other ingredients mixed in according to your choice, in some regions it's more batter less cabbage and in others the other way around, very regional. You could try for a tofu-specialist restaurant, an unagi (eel) place... Of course there are burger chains, very much international but we went for Mos burger, the original Japanese burger chain, fast food that hit the spot. You can find nabe/ oden restaurants, hot pots/ stews that are traditional, filling and not usually expensive. For snacks, not much street food as it's not generally big in Japan but perhaps mitarashi dango (like savoury mochi glazed in soy, sold on sticks) or rice crackers? Oh and what about sukiyaki and shabu shabu restaurants, where you choose your ingredients and cook them yourself either on a charcoal grill or in a broth hot pot?
Apr 10th, 2013 | 08:21 AM
#23
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
For snacking throughout the day, just bop into one of the numerous convenience stores (known as a conbini here). You'll find all sorts of snack items that are much healthier than those found in American convenience stores. Indeed, many locals returning home late from work pick up their dinners here as well. Make sure you pick up some Green Tea Haagen-Dazs if you like green tea.
P.S. I have found that teriyaki is much more popular in the U.S. than in Japan.
P.S. I have found that teriyaki is much more popular in the U.S. than in Japan.
Apr 10th, 2013 | 12:18 PM
#24
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Check out the article about izakayas in the NY Times. Another amazing option for eating (and drinking!) in Japan. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/10/di...ewanted=1&_r=0
