When it comes to culinary adventures, Japanese cuisine has to have a place on everyone’s list for obvious reasons. Go on a food tour in any city around the world and you will stumble upon ramen shops and Osaka-style izakayas in the unlikeliest of places. Japanese food is simply that good to warrant almost a widespread presence. However, die-hard fans looking for an authentic gastronomic fix might not get the best of what original Japanese flavors provide.
That’s not to say you can’t find a restaurant that serves teppanyaki that’s close to the original that locals enjoy. You just have to know how to make your Japanese culinary adventure worth the time, money, and effort you spend. Whether or not you’re a true-blue foodie, it matters to know how to elevate your experience in ways that no other casual diner could ever attain. Here are a few tips you might want to keep in mind:
1. Understand what makes Japanese cuisine so great
You can never be a true fan of Japanese food if you don’t know the elements that make it distinct from the cuisine of other countries. Many would assume that menu options contain a certain spiciness but they are more diverse than you think. Japanese food covers a wide range of flavor profiles that create a harmonious balance which includes a unique flavor known as umami.
Much of the cuisine’s distinct flavors are from certain ingredients such as mirin which is often used for dipping sauces and as an essential component of ramen broth. What’s more, Japanese cuisine heavily uses vegetables, soy sauce, and other components like wasabi to round out the flavors of each meal. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to love the food but knowing all this encourages you to dig deeper into what makes it special.
2. Learn about regional culinary traditions and cooking styles
You must know how your favorite Japanese meals are prepared to learn how different restaurants serve the same dish. Traditional food preparation focuses heavily on steaming, grilling, simmering, and deep frying on top of sashimi which involves serving raw slices of seafood paired with soy sauce and red radish.
Learning about these types of food preparation also opens you up to Japan’s culinary culture, including traditions that help preserve local flavors There’s more to Japanese food than what big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka are known for, so venture into regional culinary styles and be bold enough to try out dishes you don’t often find in well-known establishments.
3. Look for authentic restaurants near you
You don’t have to visit Japan to experience the distinct flavors it’s known for but it won’t help to visit a local Japanese restaurant that doesn’t serve anything close to such flavors either. However, you just have to be cautious around restaurants and bars boasting an eclectic menu of seasonal favorites.
The fact that they mention the word “authentic” should raise eyebrows because it could only be riding on a trend. If you’re looking for original yakitori in Los Angeles, make sure the brand uses ingredients sourced from Japan and has a presence in the country.
4. Don’t forget about the drinks!
The best thing about Japanese food is that you need to pair each dish with the right type of beverage. Some menu items such as karaage and sashimi are best paired with beer (either Asahi or Sapporo) while dishes like Gyudon and Okonomiyaki could be gulped down with cold soda. Wherever your feet and palate take you in your exploration of Japanese cuisine, never order a good beverage on the side.
Endnote
Japanese food is everywhere but it takes effort to get the full gastronomic experience being in Japan without having to travel there. Use this guide and go beyond what’s already familiar.
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