A quick guide on Japanese food:
The names on the menu and the
lists of ingredients used in the dishes might confuse you initially.
However, once you understand that rice is the staple food of Japan and
that it forms the base of most of the dishes, then you will be able to
better understand what will be included in your order. Some of the
popular forms of rice include mochi, (rice cakes) and gohan (steamed
rice). Accompaniments include okazu, which is served along with soup and
rice, rolled omelet (tamagoyaki), dry seaweed (nori), etc. Asa-gohan is
one of the items served for breakfast. This consists of a bowl of
steamed rice. Japanese cooking also uses a wide variety of seafood as
well.
Types of Japanese restaurants:
Be prepared to be
shocked, since there are more than 30 varieties of such restaurants with
each one offering different types of food. Here is a list containing
names of some of them along with details of what they serve.
Ramen:
If you are interested in Chinese style noodles served in a fish or meat
broth, then this is your best option. FYI, it's nothing like the
packets.
Soba: Such hotels serve cold or hot Japanese buckwheat noodles containing various types of toppings.
Izakaya:
Such a place is a treat for those who love drinking. You can choose
from various types of drinks and foods such as sashimi, yakitori,
edamame, etc. The combinations of these foods along with drinks are
awesome.
Sushi: The Sushi served on a Japanese restaurant menu is
very popular in countries such as Canada and the U.S. However, the
Western variety of sushi is very different from those served in food
outlets in Japan.
Shabu-shabu: Be prepared for an exotic delight here. These outlets serve a hot pot containing varieties of fresh ingredients.
Takoyaki: These are Japanese pancakes containing octopus filling, topped with pickled ginger, mayonnaise and sweet sauce.
Kare Raisu: Ordering this is a must for individuals who love curry along with rice prepared in the Japanese style.