7 Characteristics That Create Japanese Culinary Culture

1. The Rich Interchange From Many Countries Creates Unique Japanese Culinary Culture

Japanese culinary culture has a diversity of fresh ingredients and unique cooking styles. There, you can also find a blend of Chinese and Western cuisine in traditional Japanese dishes.

If you look closely, the famous Ramen noodles in Japan actually originated from China but were cleverly and creatively processed by the Japanese to become their own attractive noodle dish.

Another famous Japanese dish, golden fried Tempura, actually comes from Portugal and first appeared in Japan in the 16th century.

If you are a fan of Japanese cuisine, did you know that Yakiniku – Japanese grilled meat also originated from the distant West?

From there, we can see the endless creativity of the Japanese through the way they receive other cuisines and then process and cook them in a new way, creating their own unique flavors.

2. Each Japanese Dish Has Its Own Meaning and Story 

Japanese dishes are not only beautiful in appearance, each ingredient or dish of Japanese people also has its own meaning, expressing good wishes to the enjoyer. Some examples include:

• Shrimp  often appears in dishes during Tet holidays with the meaning of a wish for longevity and a lucky start.
• Snow Fish  Roe means a wish for a prosperous and happy family.
•  Red Ear Fish , intended to represent good luck.
• Sea Bream  brings wishes of abundance and prosperity.
• Tofu  brings wishes for good health.
• Satoimo Taro  with wishes for family growth and harmony.
• Taiyaki Fish Cakes  are often considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
•  Traditional Japanese Sake is believed to ward off evil spirits and prolong the life of the drinker. 
  

  

3. Balanced Nutrition Diet, Minimalist Cooking

Japanese eating habits are very healthy, mostly low-fat foods such as fish, vegetables, as well as seasoning and minimizing cooking steps. This is also one of the secrets to longevity recognized by scientists.

• Eat a lot of fish:  Besides beef and pork, Japanese people often choose to eat  sea fish  and seafood rich in fatty acids and omega. Because it brings good health benefits as well as helps the body to get enough energy with low calories.
• Eat lots of green vegetables:  Japanese people have many dishes made from plants, beans, salads, etc. and also regularly eat fruit in their daily meals.
• Eat fermented foods:  Miso soup, soy sauce, pickled plums, fermented soybeans are indispensable dishes in  Japanese cuisine . Helps support digestion, healthier intestines.
• Simplify the way of cooking:  This is a characteristic of Japanese culinary culture. Japanese people prioritize raw, steamed, and boiled dishes over dishes that are cooked multiple times or dishes with a lot of oil.
• Use less seasoning:  Keeping the basic flavor of food intact is the golden rule in Japanese cuisine. They use very few additives, especially salt, which helps the food taste sweet and fresh. 
  

  

4. Philosophy in Japanese Culinary Culture

Another interesting thing in Japanese culinary culture is the philosophy of “Three Five” and most dishes follow this rule. Specifically:

• Five flavors: Sour – Spicy – ​​Bitter – Salty – Sweet
• Five methods: Raw – Steamed – Fried – Grilled – Simmered
• Five colors: White – Yellow – Red – Blue – Black

In addition, the Japanese way of seasoning also follows the vowel order of the Japanese alphabet “Sa – shi – su – se – so” with:

• Sa: Sugar, alcohol
• Shi: Salt
• Su: Vinegar
• Se: Soy sauce
• So: Miso Soybean

That is why Japanese dishes have a harmonious, distinct flavor and beautiful colors, creating the uniqueness of Japanese culinary essence.

5. Culinary Culture Changes with the Seasons 

Japanese cuisine also shows its seasonal characteristics. There, you will feel the natural flavors of the four seasons. Through ingredients that are only available in each season and the way dishes are presented according to each season to ensure suitability with the climate, weather and freshness.

• Spring:  With outstanding dishes such as clam rice, fresh bamboo shoots, firefly squid, salmon and sweets made from strawberries and cherry blossoms. For the Japanese, cherry blossoms are the symbol of spring, so dishes often feature this characteristic pink color.

You can feel the taste of Japanese spring through  Sakura Garden Set  only available at Ussina Sky 77.

• Summer:  Japanese people often choose cold dishes to cool down the body such as eel rice, grilled eggplant, bamboo noodles, cold noodles, tofu, etc. The dishes are prepared and decorated simply and fresh.
• Autumn:  Japanese autumn has many famous dishes, especially dishes made from Matsutake mushrooms and Japanese saury, roasted sweet potatoes, pumpkin…
• Winter:  Japanese winter is characterized by hot dishes such as hot pot, Oden, porridges such as Okayu, Zosui,… or Ramen noodles and stews,… to warm the body from the inside.

6. Japanese People Pay Special Attention to Breakfast

In addition, Japanese people pay special attention to their breakfast. Instead of fast food, Japanese breakfast is usually rice. It is carefully prepared with full nutrition to be able to recharge energy for the whole day.

A traditional Japanese breakfast will be a combination of rice, soup, protein or fermented soybeans, and side dishes.

A basic Japanese breakfast might include:

• White rice
• Grilled Salmon
• Omelet
• Miso Soup
• Boiled vegetables, pickled vegetables
• Fermented soybeans 
  

  

7. Japanese Culture of Greetings During Meals

Dining with Japanese people also requires proper manners and following specific etiquette. 

For Japanese people, they usually say “Itadakimasu” before eating, which means please. After eating, they usually say “Gochiso sama deshita” which means thank you for the delicious meal. 

Japanese culinary culture is not only about the beauty and attractiveness of the dishes, but also contains creativity, ingenuity, meaning, and the refined culture and minimalist lifestyle of the Japanese people.