Japanese+Food

In Japan, there is a huge variety of food ranging from the popular sushi to the fried tempura. Before you dig in, you must know the proper etiquette that is involved in the Japanese lifestyle. Don't fret though, it is expected that foreigners don't apply all these rules: I know by now that your probably hungry. If you want a basic idea of what it is that you are going to be eating soon, get ready to be amazed from the choices!
 * You will in most cases begin with a damp hand towel. Men can be seen wiping their face with the towel but women should use it only to wipe their hands. When you are done with that, just fold it and put it on your tray.
 * When ordering your food, avoid asking for special requests. The chefs work hard to prepare your meal and when asked to change something, it is basically a slap in the face.
 * Before you eat, say "itadakimasu", or I gratefully receive.
 * When grabbing food from the communal plate (you normally share the food), be sure to use the end opposite of the chopsticks that you ate with to grab the food.
 * When eating rice put the bowl to your mouth, push the rice into your mouth with your chopsticks, and don't put soy sauce on it.
 * Wasabi shouldn't be added to soy sauce when used for sushi.
 * Don't forget to slurp up your miso soup! It is considered good manners as you show that you are savoring your food.
 * For alcoholic drinks someone other than yourself is supposed to pour your drink. Avoid getting a little tipsy at more formal restaurants. In restaurants other than that, don't worry about it as long as you don't bother the other guests.
 * Do not burp, blow your nose, or bring up "unappetizing" topics while at the table. To blow your nose or burp, excuse yourself and go to the bathroom.
 * After you are done eating, return your dishes back to where they were originally positioned at and say"gochisosama (deshita)", or thank you for the meal.

Sushi- Here in America we have seen this common dish in many Japanese restaurants. This is normally eat in one bite on special occasions, even in Japan! Currently, sushi is often thought of having rice and a special sushi vinegar. As you may know, there are a variety of types of sushi including norimaki, temaki, nigiri, and there is much more. They have rice, seaweed, and normally some other vegetable like cucumber and a type of seafood.

Tempura- Originally brought to Japan by the Portuguese, tempura is a popular food in Japan and America. Basically, it's just some sort of seafood or vegetable that is deep fried that ends up having a light breading. A comon way that it is served is just on a plate with a seperate bowl for some dipping sauce. In most cases, it comes with a dipping sauce.

Noodle Dishes- A common dish found in Japan, appearing in many restaurants, are udon. Udon is mainly a soup with very thick noodles. It can be made several ways. It is eaten by holding the bowl to you mouth (with little space in between) and grabbing noodles with your chopsticks guiding them into your mouth. Another common dish is soba. These noodles are made of buckwheat flour, wheat flour, and water and are around the same density as spaghetti noodles. They can be served hot or cold and in some dishes are served with a soya based sauce. Last but not least is ramen noodles. Originating in China and eventually finding it's way to Japan, ramen is popular in many places. It is made thousands of different ways, a difference at every vendor, and can be served with goya as a side dish.

Gyoza- Another Chinese originated dish that made it to Japan, gyoza is a common dish. It is a Japanese influenced dumpling that are eaten after you have dipped them in the dipping sauce. They are usuallly fried, can have a variety of fillings, and could be made with seafood instead of meat.

Wasabi- As a change of pace, let's talk about something other than the main dish, wasabi. Wasabi is a Japanese horseradish that is prepared as a green paste. It is used as a condiment, just like ketchup or mustard would be to a hot dog, to sashimi (raw fish) and sushi. It's flavor is strong but doesn't leave an afteertaste in someone's mouth.

Now that you know some basics on Japanese food, I suppose it's time for you to eat. Whenever you get a menu in your hands, you should now be able to at least have the slightest idea of what it is that you are about to eat (as long as it's not in Japanese). I wish you good luck in eating Japan's exotic food, さようなら (bye)!