Chicken Karaage (唐揚げ) is a Japanese-style fried chicken, and it is one of the most popular Japanese dishes. It is a great appetizer to go with drinks, a family-friendly dinner entree, and a perfect item for a Bento lunch box. Chicken is marinated well before coated lightly with flour and starch, and deep fried. With simple ingredients you can find anywhere, it is very easy to make Karaage at home.
Chicken Udon (鶏うどん) is a simple yet satisfying dish made with Udon noodles and tender chicken thigh pieces simmered in a flavorful hot soup. It’s a light meal but hearty enough to enjoy on its own. While Chicken Udon is great any time of the year, it’s especially comforting and delicious during the colder months.
Hanami Dango (花見団子) is a Japanese sweet Mochi dessert, where 3 different Dango balls, pink, white, and green, are skewered on a stick. In Japan, the end of March to April is the time of viewing and appreciating cherry blossoms (“hanami”). People go to parks where a lot of cherry trees are and eat and drink under the trees. Hanami Dango is commonly eaten during the cherry blossom season, although it is available all year round at many stores in Japan. Hanami Dango is so popular it is even represented by the emoji! 🍡
Katsudon is a popular Japanese rice bowl, Tonkatsu (deep-fried pork) and eggs cooked in a sweet and savory broth and placed over rice. It is a typical lunch dish you can get at casual restaurants everywhere in Japan. Udon noodle shops, small corner restaurants, and bento shops all have Katsudon on their menus.
Matcha green tea-flavored desserts are now popular worldwide, and matcha ice cream seems to be just as beloved in the U.S. as it is in Japan. Since matcha pairs well with dairy, it’s a naturally delicious choice for ice cream. In fact, matcha ice cream has become a well-known Japanese dessert in the U.S., extending its appeal beyond just Japanese cuisine.
Hiyayakko (冷奴) is a cold tofu salad with some toppings and soy sauce or ponzu. It is fresh and cold, and perfect for hot summer. Hiyayakko can be a great side dish or an appetizer to go with any Japanese meal throughout the year.
Onigiri (おにぎり), often called rice ball in English, is steamed rice that is formed into different for shapes with various fillings and wrapped with Nori roasted seaweed. It’s a quick light meal or satisfying snack you can make yourself or buy at many stores in Japan.