Top 5 Winter Dishes in Japan: Warm Flavors for Cold Days

From hot pots, fragrant bowls of noodles to sweet cakes, winter dishes in Japan not only captivate diners but also carry the cultural identity of the land of the rising sun. Below are the top 5 winter dishes in Japan that you must try when you have the opportunity to visit this country.

1. Oden

Oden is one of the most popular winter dishes in Japan (Image source: Collected)

Oden is one of the most popular winter dishes in Japan, loved by everyone from street vendors to high-end restaurants. It consists of a variety of ingredients such as eggs, tofu, fish cakes, daikon and konjac, slowly cooked in a fragrant dashi broth. The dashi broth is made from kelp and bonito flakes, giving it a rich and savory flavor.

Oden is often sold at convenience stores or small roadside stalls, bringing a cozy and intimate feeling. This is an ideal dish to enjoy on cold winter days, when the heat from the oden pot and the gentle aroma spreads to dispel the cold. Not only that, oden is also a symbol of Japanese winter culinary culture, associated with moments of gathering with family and friends.

2. Sukiyaki

Sukiyaki often appears at family gatherings or year-end parties (Photo source: Collected)

Sukiyaki is one of Japan's iconic winter dishes, often served at family gatherings or year-end parties. This hot pot dish consists of thinly sliced beef, vegetables, tofu, and shirataki (transparent noodles) cooked in a sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin.

When eating, people often dip the cooked ingredients into a bowl of beaten raw eggs, creating a rich and delicious flavor. Sukiyaki is not only a delicious dish but also a part of Japanese culture, showing the connection and sharing in family meals. This is an indispensable dish on the list of winter culinary experiences when coming to Japan.

3. Nabe

Nabe is considered one of the most popular winter dishes in Japan (Image source: Collected)

Nabe is a term for traditional hot pot dishes, considered one of the most popular winter dishes in Japan. There are many different types of nabe such as chanko nabe (sumo hot pot), yosenabe (mixed hot pot) or kimchi nabe (kimchi hot pot). What these hot pot dishes have in common is the variety of ingredients, from seafood, meat, vegetables to udon or mochi noodles.

Nabe is not only a dish but also a social activity, when people sit around the hot pot, add ingredients and enjoy in a cozy atmosphere. With its rich flavor and high nutritional value, nabe is the perfect choice to fight the cold of winter and enjoy the connection at every meal.

4. Zenzai

Zenzai is made from simmered azuki red beans (Image source: Collected)

Zenzai is a Japanese winter dish made from simmered azuki beans and served with grilled or boiled mochi. This sweet soup is often served as a dessert, providing warmth and sweetness on cold days.

Zenzai is not only a dish but also has spiritual value, often appearing in festivals or New Year's to wish for good luck. The rich flavor of red beans combined with the softness of mochi creates a dish that is both delicious and rich in cultural meaning. If you come to Japan in winter, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy this hot bowl of zenzai.

5. Ramen noodles

Ramen is not only a popular dish all year round but is also especially popular in winter (Photo source: Collected)

Ramen is not only a popular dish all year round, but is also especially popular in winter. With its hot broth, chewy noodles, and toppings such as pork, soft-boiled eggs, seaweed, and green onions, ramen is one of the most popular winter dishes in Japan.

Famous ramen varieties such as miso ramen in Hokkaido, shoyu ramen in Tokyo or tonkotsu ramen in Kyushu all have their own unique flavors, suitable for the diverse tastes of diners. A steaming bowl of ramen in the cold weather not only warms the body but is also an unforgettable culinary experience when traveling to Japan.

Winter dishes in Japan not only warm the hearts of diners but also demonstrate the richness and sophistication of the country's culinary culture. If you have the opportunity to visit Japan in the winter, do not forget to take the time to enjoy these dishes. They not only help you feel the warmth in the winter but also leave memorable memories of the unique cuisine of the land of the rising sun.

Source : https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/mon-an-mua-dong-o-nhat-ban-v16126.aspx