Welcome to our first edition of Flavourful Journeys, where each week, we will explore the world through its most beloved dishes. This week, we will start with Japan, where culinary tradition meets precision, beauty, and bold flavour. From Tokyo’s buzzing street food stalls to Kyoto’s serene kaiseki dining, Japanese cuisine is a feast for all the senses.
The Essence of Japanese Cuisine
Japanese food, also known as Washoku, is known for its simplicity, seasonality, and respect for ingredients. With a strong emphasis on umami – the savoury fifth taste – Japanese cuisine often features elements like dashi (broth), soy sauce, miso, and fermented food. Rice is a staple, often accompanied by seafood, pickled vegetables, and grilled meats.
In Japan, some of the world's most iconic dishes are:
- Sushi and sashimi – delicate cuts of raw fish served with vinegared rice
- Ramen – hearty noodle soup in a rich, flavourful broth
- Tempura – lightly battered and deep-fried vegetables and seafood
- Okonomiyaki – a savoury pancake filled with anything from cabbage to pork
- Takoyaki – crispy octopus balls, a street food staple
Where to Go for the Best Bites
Whether you're wandering in neon-lit backstreets in Tokyo or soaking in an Onsen in the countryside, you’re never far from a truly unforgettable meal. From high-end omakase dining to sizzling street snacks, here are some of the top regions to explore if you want to experience Japanese cuisine at its finest:
🍣 Tokyo – Innovation Meets Tradition
The capital city is a sprawling epicentre of culinary creativity. Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world. Head to Tsukiji Outer Market for sushi, tamagoyaki, and grilled skewers fresh off the flame. Don’t miss a trip to one of the city's countless ramen joints — many of which are open 24/7.
🐙 Osaka – Japan’s Street Food Capital
Nicknamed tenka no daidokoro ("the nation’s kitchen"), Osaka is all about comfort food and bold, punchy flavours. Try takoyaki (octopus balls) straight from the pan, or okonomiyaki — a savoury pancake layered with cabbage, pork, bonito flakes, and a drizzle of mayo and tangy sauce.
🍵 Kyoto – Refined, Seasonal, and Spiritual
Kyoto cuisine leans toward the delicate and seasonal, reflecting the city's Zen roots and imperial past. Try kaiseki ryori, a multi-course meal that balances flavour, colour, and texture with impeccable presentation. For something simpler, sample yudofu (simmered tofu) or enjoy matcha desserts in Gion.
🦀 Hokkaido – A Seafood and Dairy Haven
Japan’s northernmost island is known for its pristine nature and unbeatable seafood. Think snow crab, sea urchin, scallops, and buttery salmon roe — often served atop bowls of perfectly steamed rice (kaisendon).
Food Festivals You Won't Want to Miss
Japan celebrates food with the same reverence it shows for art, nature, and tradition, and its festivals (or matsuri) are a spectacular way to experience this first-hand. Throughout the year, cities and countryside villages alike host events that spotlight regional ingredients, seasonal delicacies, and time-honoured cooking methods.
Here are some must-visit events that every food lover should add to their itinerary:
🍜 Ramen Expo (December, Osaka)
Held in Expo Commemoration Park, this event is a ramen lover's dream. Dozens of top ramen shops from across Japan set up stalls, each offering a different regional take, from creamy Hokkaido miso to fiery Kyushu tonkotsu.
❄️ Sapporo Snow Festival (February, Hokkaido)
While it's famous for massive ice sculptures and snowy scenes, the Sapporo Snow Festival is also a feast of winter foods. Warm up with steaming bowls of miso ramen, grilled scallops, buttery corn, and Hokkaido’s signature dairy desserts.
🐟 Tsukiji Shishi Matsuri (June, Tokyo)
One of the oldest festivals in Tokyo, this celebration at the former Tsukiji fish market includes processions, lion dances, and — of course — incredible seafood. Enjoy ultra-fresh sashimi, grilled eel, and fish skewers while soaking in a traditional market atmosphere. It’s a tribute to Japan’s deep fishing heritage.
Cook at Home: Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry
Just like us, I bet you’re now craving a traditional Japanese dish! Our easy Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry recipe delivers a crispy texture and rich, comforting flavour.
Making Time: 40 Minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 Boneless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Egg, beaten
- 100g Plain flour
- Lucas Easicoat Katsu Curry Crumb Coater
- 1 Can of Potts Sauces Katsu Curry Cooking Sauce
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Steamed rice to serve
· Optional: pickled radish or fresh salad on the side
Method:
- Prepare the chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, dip into the beaten egg, and coat generously with Lucas Easicoat Katsu Curry Crumb Coater
- Fry until golden: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Shallow-fry the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Drain on kitchen paper
- Warm the sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the Potts Sauces Katsu Curry Cooking Sauce over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot
- Serve: Slice the chicken into strips. Serve over a bed of rice and pour the katsu curry sauce generously over the top. Garnish with pickled radish or a fresh green salad for extra crunch
From bustling city bites to countryside delicacies, Japan offers a journey as flavourful as it is unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a future trip or just dinner tonight, we hope this week’s Flavourful Journeys brings Japan a little closer to home.