4 : What do people eat for dinner in Japan?
In this series, I’ll be sharing questions that our customers have asked!
Q. What do people eat for dinner in Japan?
A. In Japan, dinner is typically a well-balanced meal, often consisting of a variety of dishes. The traditional style follows the “ichiju-sansai” (一汁三菜), which translates to “one soup and three sides.
- Rice (Shoku) :
The meal usually starts with white rice, which serves as the base of the dinner. Takikomi gohan, a seasoned rice with ingredients like vegetables, mushrooms, or seafood, is also commonly enjoyed, especially on special occasions.
- Main Dish (Shusai) :
A typical main dish could include grilled fish, such as salmon, mackerel (saba), or sardines (iwashi). The fish is often simply grilled with salt to highlight its natural flavors. Other popular options include teriyaki chicken, which is glazed with a sweet soy sauce, and tonkatsu, a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet typically served with shredded cabbage and a tangy sauce.
- Side Dishes (Kobachi):
Side dishes are an essential part of Japanese dinners, often including:
– Pickles (Tsukemono): A variety of pickled vegetables like cucumbers, radishes, or plums.
– Kinpira gobo: A stir-fried dish made with burdock root and carrots, seasoned with soy sauce and mirin.
– Cold tofu (Hiyayakko): Tofu served cold, topped with green onions, grated ginger, and soy sauce.
- Soup (Shiru) :
Miso soup is the most common soup, typically made with miso paste, tofu, and seaweed, sometimes adding seasonal vegetables. There are also lighter clear soups, which may contain vegetables or fish, providing a refreshing contrast to the other dishes.
- Other Common Dishes :
– Curry rice (Kare raisu): A comforting dish made of curry sauce served over rice with meat and vegetables. This dish is often enjoyed once a week in many households.
– Sukiyaki or Shabu-shabu: These hot pot dishes, popular in colder months, involve thinly sliced beef or pork cooked at the table with vegetables in a flavorful broth.
- Noodles :
For variety, soba (buckwheat noodles) or udon (thick wheat noodles) are also common dinner items, typically served in a hot broth or stir-fried, especially during colder months.
- Beverages :
During dinner, green tea is the most common beverage, but people may also enjoy beer or sake with their meals, particularly for special occasions or when dining out.
Japanese dinners focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and aim to create a balanced, satisfying meal that includes a variety of tastes and textures. The idea is not just to eat but to appreciate the harmony and thoughtfulness behind each dish.
