Japanese Food

Japanese food is loved all around the world for its fresh flavors and pretty look. Japanese cooks care a lot about making food look as good as it tastes. Rice is the most important food in Japan and is eaten at almost every meal. Seafood is also very popular because Japan is an island country surrounded by ocean.

Popular Japanese Dishes

Sushi is probably the most famous Japanese food. It is made with rice and often topped with fresh fish. Ramen is a hearty noodle soup that comes in many flavors. Tempura is seafood or vegetables dipped in batter and fried until crispy. Miso soup is a warm, salty soup made from soybean paste.

Japanese Food Culture

In Japan, people say "itadakimasu" before eating, which means "I humbly receive this food." Meals are often served in many small dishes instead of one big plate. Bento boxes are special lunchboxes with different foods arranged neatly inside. Japanese people believe that food should please all five senses.

Fun Facts

• Japan has more than 160,000 ramen restaurants.
• In Japan, it is polite to slurp your noodles loudly because it shows you enjoy the food.
• The Japanese eat about 17 billion bowls of rice every year.

Did You Know?

Japan has the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, even more than France!