Guide Note

While many Americans immediately think of sushi and sushi restaurants when Japanese food is mentioned, Japanese cuisine is varied and expansive. Rice, noodles, soup, meat, fish and fried food are all part of Japanese cuisine.

Fast Facts

1. Rice is a staple of Japanese food
2. Meat is less common than in Western food
3. Breakfast is traditionally savory, not sweet

Udon are a thick wheat noodle that is usually served hot, often in soup. Soba is a thinner, buckwheat noodle that is often served cold, but occasionally comes in a hot broth. Somen, usually eaten cold, are a thin wheat noodle. Ramen is a wheat noodle usually served in a hot, meat-based broth. Every region has its own variant on ramen. It is also a popular instant food.

Rice is often served on its own as a side dish, and is well known as a large part of sushi. Onigiri are rice balls with some sort of stuffing in the middle. Domburi is a bowl of rice with meat, vegetables, egg or another topping. Kare Raisu is rice with a curry sauce. Okayu is a rice porridge that is often served to the sick, much like chicken soup is in the United States. Ochazuke is rice made with green tea, salmon and seaweed. Mochi is a sweetened rice ball sold as a dessert, and sometimes made with ice cream.