Japanese Foods That Even Locals Love (But Travelers Often Miss)

Oyako don is a traditional Japanese rice bowl.

It’s made with simply cooked chicken, egg, and onion simmered in soy sauce and fish stock.

The taste is mild yet deeply satisfying, and you’ll feel completely full and happy after eating it.

This is a dish loved by many Japanese — especially the guys!

Crispy fried chicken is coated in a sweet vinegar sauce and topped with creamy egg mayonnaise.

It pairs perfectly with fluffy Japanese rice, and many of my foreign friends fall in love with it after the first bite.

I know… this might seem like a “weird” food for some.

Natto is a traditional Japanese superfood — sticky, slightly salty, slightly sweet, and full of umami.

It’s definitely an acquired taste, but if you want to eat like a true local, give natto gohan a try.

Japan has many types of hot pot dishes.

When you hear “hot pot,” you might think of Chinese food, but Japanese nabe is quite different.

The soup base comes in many flavors: soy sauce, soy milk, miso, kimchi, tomato, curry, spicy chili, seafood… the list goes on!

Popular toppings include beef offal, oysters, or seasonal vegetables.

If you visit Japan in winter, a steaming bowl of nabe is the ultimate comfort food.

Have you tried Japanese curry?

It’s thicker and milder than Indian or Thai curry, but incredibly comforting.

Toppings vary widely — fried shrimp, cheese, egg, sausage, and more.

This is a dish you can find almost anywhere in Japan, and each shop has its own twist.

Takikomi gohan is rice cooked with seasonal ingredients like mushrooms, vegetables, or seafood.

Many restaurants cook it in a traditional Japanese clay pot (nabe), giving it a rich aroma and authentic flavor.

It’s simple but deeply satisfying.

Oden is a Japanese winter favorite.

It’s a hot, light broth filled with simmered ingredients like daikon radish, boiled eggs, fish cakes, and konjac.

You’ll often find it in izakaya (Japanese pubs) or even convenience stores in winter.

Korokke are breaded and deep-fried potato patties, sometimes mixed with meat, crab, or vegetables.

They’re crispy on the outside, soft inside, and perfect as a street snack or side dish.

These are savory Japanese pancakes cooked on a hot griddle.

Okonomiyaki is made with cabbage, batter, and various toppings like pork, squid, or cheese.

Monjayaki is runnier in texture but equally tasty — a Tokyo specialty.

A Japanese take on Chinese chili shrimp, this dish is mildly spicy and coated in a sweet-savory sauce.

It’s a popular item in Japanese-Chinese restaurants.