What is the national dish of Japan?
Japan has no official national dish, but sushi is the most famous choice. Ramen and Japanese curry rice are also so popular that many people call them national dishes.
Sushi combines vinegared rice with fish, seafood or vegetables. It began centuries ago as a way of preserving fish in fermented rice. The style most people know today, nigiri, became popular as fast food in Edo, now Tokyo, in the early 1800s. Today, sushi ranges from cheap conveyor-belt restaurants to expensive counters run by master chefs.
Ramen, a noodle soup that arrived from China, became hugely popular in Japan in the 20th century. Each region has its own style, such as rich pork-bone tonkotsu from Fukuoka or miso ramen from Sapporo. Japanese curry rice, introduced via British sailors in the late 1800s, is a favorite home-cooked meal.
Washoku
In 2013, UNESCO added washoku, traditional Japanese food culture, to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Washoku emphasizes fresh seasonal ingredients, rice, miso soup and side dishes, along with careful presentation. It is especially linked with New Year celebrations and special family meals.
Did You Know?
Instant noodles were invented in Japan by Momofuku Ando, who launched Chicken Ramen in 1958. He later created Cup Noodles in 1971.