The Atlas · Nº 06 ·Japan

Most Popular Japanese Food

Japanese food is precision and umami: a counter of hand-pressed sushi, a steaming bowl of ramen slurped fast, meat grilled at your own table as yakiniku. It runs on rice, dashi, and the seasons, from a deep noodle culture to delicate sweets, and nowhere goes deeper than Tokyo.

403 dishes ranked·38 in the global top 1,000 ·14,689 diner ratings·Best rank Nº 60

Plate I — The Origins

Fig. 1 Where 403 ranked japanese dishes were born. Dish origin

Drag to pan · Double-click or +/− to zoom · Select a marker for its entry

The Signature Dishes

The twelve highest-ranked Japanese dishes, by global position.

Yakiniku, barbecue from Japan
Plate IIBarbecue · Japan

1 Nº 60 worldwide

Yakiniku

Barbecue · 焼き肉 · 焼肉

Japanese tabletop barbecue, bite-sized cuts of beef and vegetables grilled by the diners over a sunken charcoal or gas grill, then dipped in a soy-based tare sauce. Korean in origin but wholly its own in Japan, it is a social, order-as-you-go feast, and our top-ranked Japanese dish.

★ 4.5|91% positive |148 ratings

Ramen, noodle dish from Japan
Plate IIINoodle Dish · Japan

2 Nº 81 worldwide

Ramen

Noodle Dish · ラーメン · Shina Soba · Chūka Soba

The noodle soup that took over Japan and then the world, curly wheat noodles in a broth that ranges from clear to thick and fatty, topped with pork, egg, and scallion. It arrived from China around 1910 and grew into a national obsession with endless regional schools.

★ 4.4|85% positive |756 ratings

Shoyu ramen, noodle dish from Japan

3Shoyu ramenNº 84

Noodle Dish · Also Shina soba

The soy-sauce style of ramen, and the Tokyo classic: a clear, brown, savory broth seasoned with shoyu, with springy noodles, chashu pork, bamboo, and a soft egg. The oldest of the four main ramen schools, it is the balanced, unshowy benchmark.

★ 4.4|202 ratings

Gyoza, dumplings from Japan

4GyozaNº 85

Dumplings · Also Jiaozi

Japan's pan-fried dumplings, thin wrappers folded around pork and cabbage, crisped golden on the bottom and steamed through on top. Descended from Chinese jiaozi and brought back after the war, they are the near-obligatory side to a bowl of ramen.

★ 4.4|597 ratings

Maguro nigiri sushi, rice dish from Japan

5Maguro nigiri sushiNº 90

Rice Dish · Also Tuna Nigiri Sushi

Nigiri sushi at its most classic, a hand-pressed pillow of vinegared rice topped with a slice of maguro, lean bluefin tuna, and a dab of wasabi. Simple and exact, it is the piece a sushi chef is judged by, meant to be eaten in a single bite.

★ 4.4|82 ratings

Tonkotsu ramen, noodle dish from Japan

6Tonkotsu ramenNº 138

Noodle Dish

The rich style from Kyushu, a ramen built on tonkotsu, pork bones boiled hard for hours until the broth turns milky, thick, and deeply porky. Served with thin, firm noodles, melting chashu, and a jammy egg, it is the most indulgent of the ramen family.

★ 4.4|271 ratings

Otoro nigiri sushi, rice dish from Japan

7Otoro nigiri sushiNº 152

Rice Dish

The luxury nigiri, topped with otoro, the fattiest cut from the belly of the bluefin tuna, so richly marbled it melts on the tongue. The most prized and expensive piece at the sushi counter, it needs nothing but the warm rice beneath it.

★ 4.4|43 ratings

Miso ramen, noodle dish from Japan

8Miso ramenNº 200

Noodle Dish · Also 味噌ラーメン

Hokkaido's contribution to ramen, a hearty bowl built on fermented miso stirred into the broth, giving it a thick, savory, faintly sweet body. Loaded with corn, butter, bean sprouts, and ground pork, it is the warming answer to a northern winter.

★ 4.3|270 ratings

Maki, rice dish from Japan

9MakiNº 212

Rice Dish · Also 巻き寿司

Rolled sushi, vinegared rice and fillings wrapped in a sheet of nori seaweed and sliced into rounds, the most familiar sushi outside Japan. Invented in the 18th century, it runs from slim single-filling hosomaki to the fat, many-ingredient futomaki.

★ 4.3|229 ratings

Sukiyaki, beef dish from Japan

10SukiyakiNº 249

Beef Dish · Also すき焼き

A sweet and savory beef hot pot cooked at the table, thin slices of beef and vegetables simmered in a broth of soy, sugar, and mirin, then dipped in raw beaten egg before eating. Winter and celebration food, communal and cooked as you go.

★ 4.3|61 ratings

Karaage, technique from Japan

11KaraageNº 252

Technique

Japanese fried chicken, bite-sized pieces marinated in soy, ginger, and garlic, dusted in potato or arrowroot starch, and fried until shatteringly crisp. An izakaya and bento staple, juicy inside and light outside, served with a wedge of lemon and mayonnaise.

★ 4.3|176 ratings

Tsukemen, noodle dish from Japan

12TsukemenNº 297

Noodle Dish

The dipping style of ramen, where thick cold noodles are served separately from a small bowl of intense, concentrated broth into which each mouthful is dunked. Keeping the noodles firm and the soup hot and strong, it is a favorite of Tokyo ramen devotees.

★ 4.3|49 ratings

The Departments

Every Japanese dish in our ranking, grouped the way you'd order them.

The Complete Ledger

All 403 Japanese dishes in the world ranking. Every entry, leaf by leaf.

403 entries
  1. 60 Yakiniku Barbecue Japan ★ 4.5
  2. 81 Ramen Noodle Dish Japan ★ 4.4
  3. 84 Shoyu ramen Noodle Dish Tokyo ★ 4.4
  4. 85 Gyoza Dumplings Japan ★ 4.4
  5. 90 Maguro nigiri sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 4.4
  6. 138 Tonkotsu ramen Noodle Dish Fukuoka ★ 4.4
  7. 152 Otoro nigiri sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 4.4
  8. 200 Miso ramen Noodle Dish Sapporo ★ 4.3
  9. 212 Maki Rice Dish Japan ★ 4.3
  10. 249 Sukiyaki Beef Dish Japan ★ 4.3
  11. 252 Karaage Technique Japan ★ 4.3
  12. 297 Tsukemen Noodle Dish Tokyo ★ 4.3
  13. 321 Nigiri Rice Dish Tokyo ★ 4.2
  14. 333 Sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 4.2
  15. 388 Karē Stew Japan ★ 4.2
  16. 412 Kaiseki Assorted Small Dishes or Ritual Japan ★ 4.2
  17. 431 Hamamatsu gyoza Dumplings Hamamatsu ★ 4.2
  18. 447 Katsudon Rice Dish Japan ★ 4.2
  19. 487 Kushiyaki Barbecue Japan ★ 4.2
  20. 548 Okonomiyaki Pancake Kansai Region ★ 4.1
  21. 561 Gunkanmaki Rice Dish Tokyo ★ 4.1
  22. 591 Tendon Rice Dish Japan ★ 4.1
  23. 610 Hakata ramen Noodle Dish Fukuoka ★ 4.1
  24. 672 Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki Pancake Hiroshima Prefecture ★ 4.1
  25. 679 Tataki Technique Kōchi Prefecture ★ 4.1
  26. 707 Chutoro nigiri sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 4.1
  27. 708 Tekkadon Rice Dish Japan ★ 4.1
  28. 747 Hamachi nigiri sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 4.1
  29. 755 Takoyaki Snack Osaka ★ 4.1
  30. 814 Tonkatsu Pork Dish Japan ★ 4.1
  31. 824 Teppanyaki Barbecue Kobe ★ 4.1
  32. 832 Nabemono Technique Japan ★ 4.1
  33. 871 Shio ramen Noodle Dish Hakodate ★ 4.0
  34. 910 Yakitori Chicken Dish Japan ★ 4.0
  35. 913 Yokohama-Style Ramen Noodle Dish Yokohama ★ 4.0
  36. 964 Unagi nigiri sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 4.0
  37. 969 Tempura Technique Japan ★ 4.0
  38. 978 Onsen tamago Egg Dish Japan ★ 4.0
  39. 1,097 Teriyaki Technique Japan ★ 4.0
  40. 1,123 Atsuage Appetizer Japan ★ 4.0
  41. 1,137 Negima yakitori Chicken Dish Japan ★ 4.0
  42. 1,147 Sake nigiri sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 4.0
  43. 1,160 Momiji manjū Dessert Itsukushima Island ★ 4.0
  44. 1,161 Goma dare Dipping Sauce Japan ★ 4.0
  45. 1,194 Goma wakame Salad Japan ★ 4.0
  46. 1,284 Ebi furai Shrimp/Prawn Dish Nagoya ★ 4.0
  47. 1,342 Tempura udon Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.9
  48. 1,351 Karē raisu Stew Japan ★ 3.9
  49. 1,352 Futomaki Rice Dish Kansai Region ★ 3.9
  50. 1,415 Temaki Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.9
  51. 1,416 Ikura Sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.9
  52. 1,427 Nikuman Dumplings Japan ★ 3.9
  53. 1,428 Kaisendon Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.9
  54. 1,433 Buri nigiri sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.9
  55. 1,459 Imagawayaki Dessert Japan ★ 3.9
  56. 1,460 Higashi Dessert Japan ★ 3.9
  57. 1,510 Osaka-Style Okonomiyaki Pancake Osaka Prefecture ★ 3.9
  58. 1,571 Shogayaki Pork Dish Japan ★ 3.9
  59. 1,729 Katsu karē Meat Dish Japan ★ 3.9
  60. 1,738 Chashu Pork Dish Japan ★ 3.9
  61. 1,739 Agedashi tofu Side Dish Japan ★ 3.9
  62. 1,872 Tororo soba Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.9
  63. 1,874 Hōtō Noodle Dish Yamanashi Prefecture ★ 3.9
  64. 1,884 Amanattō Dessert Tokyo ★ 3.9
  65. 1,893 Shirasu don Rice Dish Kanagawa Prefecture ★ 3.9
  66. 1,898 Daigaku imo Snack Japan ★ 3.9
  67. 1,899 Zunda mochi Dessert Sendai ★ 3.9
  68. 1,937 Goma-ae Side Dish Japan ★ 3.9
  69. 1,952 Tsukudani Technique Japan ★ 3.9
  70. 1,993 Nikujaga Stew Japan ★ 3.9
  71. 1,995 Ohitashi Technique Japan ★ 3.9
  72. 2,008 Onigiri Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.9
  73. 2,018 Agemono Technique Japan ★ 3.9
  74. 2,027 Saba zushi Rice Dish Kyoto ★ 3.9
  75. 2,037 Butadon Pork Dish Obihiro ★ 3.9
  76. 2,066 Bento Assorted Small Dishes or Ritual Japan ★ 3.9
  77. 2,069 Shabu-shabu Meat Dish Osaka ★ 3.8
  78. 2,070 Yaki-udon Stir-fry Kitakyushu ★ 3.8
  79. 2,079 Karē udon Stew Biei ★ 3.8
  80. 2,094 Sūpu karē Soup Sapporo ★ 3.8
  81. 2,122 Donburi Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  82. 2,124 Hitsumabushi Eel Dish Nagoya ★ 3.8
  83. 2,166 Yudofu Appetizer Kyoto Prefecture ★ 3.8
  84. 2,168 Kamonanban Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  85. 2,169 Nizakana Technique Japan ★ 3.8
  86. 2,170 Akami nigiri sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  87. 2,191 Negitorodon Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  88. 2,192 Dorai karē Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  89. 2,197 Mizu manjū Dessert Japan ★ 3.8
  90. 2,198 Mizu yokan Dessert Japan ★ 3.8
  91. 2,201 Shiitake dashi Soup Japan ★ 3.8
  92. 2,212 Wakame udon Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  93. 2,238 Butajiru Soup Japan ★ 3.8
  94. 2,302 Itamemono Technique Japan ★ 3.8
  95. 2,318 T Tsukejiru Dip Japan ★ 3.8
  96. 2,345 Taiyaki Dessert Tokyo ★ 3.8
  97. 2,346 Hiyashi chūka Noodle Dish Sendai ★ 3.8
  98. 2,381 Ikuradon Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  99. 2,462 Gyukatsu Beef Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  100. 2,508 Yakisoba Stir-fry Japan ★ 3.8
  101. 2,583 Miso nikomi udon Noodle Dish Nagoya ★ 3.8
  102. 2,585 Chirinabe Assorted Small Dishes or Ritual Japan ★ 3.8
  103. 2,619 Uni gunkan maki Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  104. 2,633 Ikinari dango Dessert Kumamoto Prefecture ★ 3.8
  105. 2,648 Tsukimi soba Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  106. 2,649 Ita soba Noodle Dish Yamagata Prefecture ★ 3.8
  107. 2,719 Horenso no goma-ae Salad Japan ★ 3.8
  108. 2,736 Imoni Stew Tohoku Region ★ 3.8
  109. 2,748 Tarako Spaghetti Pasta Japan ★ 3.8
  110. 2,825 Okinawa soba Noodle Dish Okinawa Prefecture ★ 3.8
  111. 2,828 Sunomono Salad Japan ★ 3.8
  112. 2,839 Jingisukan Lamb Dish Hokkaido Region ★ 3.8
  113. 2,842 Udon Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  114. 2,855 Gyūdon Beef Dish Kanto Region ★ 3.8
  115. 2,862 Kamameshi Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  116. 2,873 Uni nigiri sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  117. 2,880 Matsumaezuke Pickling Matsumae ★ 3.8
  118. 2,898 Japanese Cheesecake Cheese Dessert Japan ★ 3.8
  119. 2,931 Tori katsu Fried Chicken Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  120. 2,945 Unadon Eel Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  121. 2,975 Katsu Technique Japan ★ 3.8
  122. 2,995 Chirashizushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  123. 3,003 Gyutan Offal Dish Sendai ★ 3.8
  124. 3,026 Sashimi Fish Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  125. 3,030 Tokushima ramen Noodle Dish Tokushima ★ 3.8
  126. 3,045 Hotate nigiri sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  127. 3,052 Seseri yakitori Offal Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  128. 3,058 Asahikawa ramen Noodle Dish Asahikawa ★ 3.8
  129. 3,070 Takayama ramen Noodle Dish Takayama ★ 3.8
  130. 3,081 Black Miso Cod Saltwater Fish Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  131. 3,104 Matcha soba Noodle Dish Uji ★ 3.8
  132. 3,114 R Rui-be Seafood Hokkaido Region ★ 3.8
  133. 3,115 Iwakunizushi Rice Dish Iwakuni ★ 3.8
  134. 3,126 Botamochi Dessert Japan ★ 3.8
  135. 3,127 Kuri kinton Potato Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  136. 3,128 Nerikiri Dessert Japan ★ 3.8
  137. 3,129 Ikura chawanmushi Egg Dish Kyoto Prefecture ★ 3.8
  138. 3,136 Nozawana Pickling Nagano Prefecture ★ 3.8
  139. 3,137 Coffee daifuku Dessert Japan ★ 3.8
  140. 3,151 Hadaka soba Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  141. 3,175 Asari no sakemushi Clam Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  142. 3,176 Kenpi Snack Kōchi ★ 3.8
  143. 3,184 Agebitashi Vegan Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  144. 3,244 Takikomi gohan Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  145. 3,324 Hanetsuki Technique Tokyo ★ 3.8
  146. 3,368 Tai-meshi Rice Dish Ehime Prefecture ★ 3.8
  147. 3,376 Sanbaizu Sauce Japan ★ 3.8
  148. 3,409 Kuzumochi Dessert Japan ★ 3.8
  149. 3,452 Kuro-mame Side Dish Japan ★ 3.8
  150. 3,456 Hanami dango Dessert Japan ★ 3.8
  151. 3,503 Kakuni Pork Dish Nagasaki ★ 3.8
  152. 3,508 Kake soba Noodle Soup Japan ★ 3.8
  153. 3,536 Yokosuka Navy Curry Stew Yokosuka ★ 3.8
  154. 3,561 Bonjiri yakitori Chicken Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  155. 3,620 Ankimo Saltwater Fish Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  156. 3,631 Age gyoza Dumplings Japan ★ 3.7
  157. 3,639 Wakayama ramen Noodle Dish Wakayama ★ 3.7
  158. 3,647 Torisashi Chicken Dish Kagoshima Prefecture ★ 3.7
  159. 3,650 Aji nigiri sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  160. 3,701 Sakata Ramen Noodle Soup Sakata ★ 3.7
  161. 3,702 Temarizushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  162. 3,703 Chakin zushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  163. 3,704 Battera Rice Dish Kansai Region ★ 3.7
  164. 3,705 Hirame nigiri sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  165. 3,708 Yaki karē Casserole Kitakyushu ★ 3.7
  166. 3,722 Akafuku Dessert Mie Prefecture ★ 3.7
  167. 3,723 Kamome no tamago Dessert Iwate Prefecture ★ 3.7
  168. 3,724 Kurumi mochi Dessert Iwate Prefecture ★ 3.7
  169. 3,726 Salmon Chazuke (Sake chazuke) Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  170. 3,735 Mentai tamagoyaki Egg Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  171. 3,745 Nishin soba Noodle Dish Kyoto Prefecture ★ 3.7
  172. 3,746 Hegi soba Noodle Dish Niigata Prefecture ★ 3.7
  173. 3,772 Saba misoni Saltwater Fish Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  174. 3,773 Buri daikon Saltwater Fish Dish Toyama Prefecture ★ 3.7
  175. 3,774 Tofu misozuke Snack Fukuoka Prefecture ★ 3.7
  176. 3,831 Hotate Salad Salad Japan ★ 3.7
  177. 3,896 Morokyu Side Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  178. 3,965 Kishimen Noodle Dish Nagoya ★ 3.7
  179. 3,967 Karukan Sweet Bread Kagoshima Prefecture ★ 3.7
  180. 3,983 C Curry Doria Casserole Yokohama ★ 3.7
  181. 4,070 Ikayaki Squid Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  182. 4,109 Ise udon Noodle Dish Ise ★ 3.7
  183. 4,115 Mitsumame Dessert Japan ★ 3.7
  184. 4,117 Sasami yakitori Chicken Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  185. 4,151 Zaru soba Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  186. 4,170 Wanko soba Noodle Dish Morioka ★ 3.7
  187. 4,171 Tororo Side Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  188. 4,195 Nasu dengaku Side Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  189. 4,307 Goma dango Dessert Japan ★ 3.7
  190. 4,316 Yōkan Dessert Japan ★ 3.7
  191. 4,366 Omusoba Egg Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  192. 4,379 Kinpira Technique Japan ★ 3.7
  193. 4,381 Abura soba Noodle Dish Tokyo ★ 3.7
  194. 4,384 Tebasaki yakitori Chicken Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  195. 4,431 Warabimochi Dessert Kansai Region ★ 3.7
  196. 4,432 Karē pan Snack Japan ★ 3.7
  197. 4,435 Tsukune yakitori Chicken Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  198. 4,449 Nanbanzuke Saltwater Fish Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  199. 4,451 Kimo yakitori Offal Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  200. 4,463 Pīman no nikuzume Appetizer Japan ★ 3.7
  201. 4,466 Ika sōmen Squid Dish Hakodate ★ 3.7
  202. 4,467 Tamago boro Snack Japan ★ 3.7
  203. 4,470 Wakame soba Salad Japan ★ 3.7
  204. 4,479 Karintō Snack Japan ★ 3.7
  205. 4,496 Wafu Dressing Japan ★ 3.7
  206. 4,531 Mori soba Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  207. 4,540 Saltwater Eel Nigiri Sushi (Anago nigiri sushi) Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  208. 4,552 Gyūhi Dessert Japan ★ 3.7
  209. 4,606 Tekkamaki Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  210. 4,613 Oshizushi Rice Dish Kansai Region ★ 3.7
  211. 4,645 Tamagoyaki Egg Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  212. 4,708 Momo yakitori Chicken Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  213. 4,732 Nimono Technique Japan ★ 3.7
  214. 4,777 Yaki imo Street Food Japan ★ 3.7
  215. 4,778 Hayashi Rice Stew Asago ★ 3.7
  216. 4,870 Ichigo daifuku Dessert Japan ★ 3.7
  217. 4,890 Zōni Soup Japan ★ 3.7
  218. 4,891 Toyama Black Ramen Noodle Soup Toyama Prefecture ★ 3.7
  219. 4,916 Tamagodon Egg Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  220. 4,917 S Sumi ika nigiri Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  221. 4,918 Hamaguri nigiri sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  222. 4,920 Neri yokan Dessert Japan ★ 3.7
  223. 4,932 Enoki maki Appetizer Japan ★ 3.7
  224. 4,933 Nameko soba Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.7
  225. 4,983 Robatayaki Technique Hokkaido Region ★ 3.7
  226. 4,999 Shutō Side Dish Odawara ★ 3.7
  227. 5,046 Kasutera Cake Nagasaki ★ 3.7
  228. 5,057 Yakimono Barbecue Japan ★ 3.7
  229. 5,078 Soba Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.6
  230. 5,087 Kitakata ramen Noodle Dish Kitakata ★ 3.6
  231. 5,096 Fukujinzuke Pickling Japan ★ 3.6
  232. 5,097 Tsukimi udon Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.6
  233. 5,105 Yakizakana Fish Dish Japan ★ 3.6
  234. 5,109 Kitsune udon Noodle Dish Osaka ★ 3.6
  235. 5,111 Sakuramochi Dessert Tokyo ★ 3.6
  236. 5,123 Himono Saltwater Fish Dish Japan ★ 3.6
  237. 5,155 Tantanmen Ramen Noodle Soup Japan ★ 3.6
  238. 5,159 Kiritanpo Rice Dish Akita Prefecture ★ 3.6
  239. 5,160 Shio daifuku Dessert Japan ★ 3.6
  240. 5,206 Kagami mochi Dessert Japan ★ 3.6
  241. 5,264 Kagoshima ramen Noodle Dish Kagoshima ★ 3.6
  242. 5,266 Motsunabe Stew Fukuoka Prefecture ★ 3.6
  243. 5,267 Namagashi Dessert Japan ★ 3.6
  244. 5,319 Kaki Fry Oyster Dish Japan ★ 3.6
  245. 5,333 Anmitsu Dessert Japan ★ 3.6
  246. 5,342 Korokke Snack Japan ★ 3.6
  247. 5,343 Ebi nigiri sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.6
  248. 5,349 Daifuku Dessert Japan ★ 3.6
  249. 5,387 Rebasashi Appetizer Japan ★ 3.6
  250. 5,393 Soba boro Cookie Kyoto Prefecture ★ 3.6
  251. 5,394 Kininaru ringo Dessert Hirosaki ★ 3.6
  252. 5,419 Ganmodoki Snack Japan ★ 3.6
  253. 5,489 Mugi gohan Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.6
  254. 5,558 Sumashijiru Soup Japan ★ 3.6
  255. 5,562 Ajitsuke tamago Egg Dish Japan ★ 3.6
  256. 5,581 Chanpuru Meat Dish Okinawa Prefecture ★ 3.6
  257. 5,620 Hatsu yakitori Offal Dish Japan ★ 3.6
  258. 5,623 Sunagimo yakitori Offal Dish Japan ★ 3.6
  259. 5,648 Chikuzenni Side Dish Fukuoka Prefecture ★ 3.6
  260. 5,657 Uirō Dessert Aichi Prefecture ★ 3.6
  261. 5,714 Monjayaki Pancake Kanto Region ★ 3.6
  262. 5,739 Tenshindon Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.6
  263. 5,772 Kake udon Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.6
  264. 5,825 Shokupan Bread Japan ★ 3.6
  265. 5,838 Kumamoto ramen Noodle Dish Kumamoto ★ 3.6
  266. 5,873 Rafute Pork Dish Okinawa Prefecture ★ 3.6
  267. 5,921 Oyakodon Rice Dish Tokyo ★ 3.6
  268. 5,953 Chikuwa Snack Japan ★ 3.6
  269. 5,966 Wagyu katsu sando Sandwich Japan ★ 3.6
  270. 5,969 Uni chawanmushi Egg Dish Kyoto Prefecture ★ 3.6
  271. 5,981 Omurice Egg Dish Japan ★ 3.6
  272. 5,990 Onomichi ramen Noodle Dish Onomichi ★ 3.6
  273. 5,992 Fugu chiri Fish Soup Osaka Prefecture ★ 3.6
  274. 6,001 Bocchan dango Dessert Matsuyama ★ 3.6
  275. 6,003 Asuparabekon Appetizer Japan ★ 3.6
  276. 6,004 Toshikoshi soba Noodle Soup Japan ★ 3.6
  277. 6,020 Shioyaki Technique Japan ★ 3.6
  278. 6,039 Bukkake udon Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.6
  279. 6,060 Hishi mochi Dessert Japan ★ 3.6
  280. 6,070 Kitsune soba Noodle Dish Kanto Region ★ 3.6
  281. 6,113 Mitarashi dango Dessert Kyoto ★ 3.6
  282. 6,120 Goya chanpuru Stir-fry Okinawa Prefecture ★ 3.6
  283. 6,162 Tempura soba Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.6
  284. 6,164 Nabeyaki udon Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.6
  285. 6,280 Zōsui Soup Japan ★ 3.5
  286. 6,281 Chouchin yakitori Chicken Dish Japan ★ 3.5
  287. 6,289 Gizzard Shad Nigiri Sushi (Kohada nigiri sushi) Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.5
  288. 6,300 Soba maki Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.5
  289. 6,304 Natto Curry Stew Mito ★ 3.5
  290. 6,308 Niboshi dashi Soup Japan ★ 3.5
  291. 6,311 Tsukisamu anpan Dessert Sapporo ★ 3.5
  292. 6,432 Wagashi Dessert Japan ★ 3.5
  293. 6,434 Dashi Soup Japan ★ 3.5
  294. 6,456 Satsuma-age Snack Satsuma ★ 3.5
  295. 6,457 Sara udon Noodle Dish Nagasaki ★ 3.5
  296. 6,473 Habutae mochi Dessert Fukui Prefecture ★ 3.5
  297. 6,501 Wakame gunkan maki Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.5
  298. 6,503 Mushi pan Dessert Japan ★ 3.5
  299. 6,528 Inarizushi Rice Dish Toyokawa ★ 3.5
  300. 6,554 Tamago sando Sandwich Japan ★ 3.5
  301. 6,588 Kusa mochi Dessert Japan ★ 3.5
  302. 6,589 Negitoro gunkan maki Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.5
  303. 6,619 Kushiage Street Food Osaka ★ 3.5
  304. 6,627 Tobiko gunkan maki Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.5
  305. 6,643 Rakugan Dessert Japan ★ 3.5
  306. 6,660 Kakiage Vegetable Dish Japan ★ 3.5
  307. 6,680 Kibi dango Dessert Okayama Prefecture ★ 3.5
  308. 6,722 Sansai soba Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.5
  309. 6,727 Tanuki soba Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.5
  310. 6,765 Kashiwa-mochi Dessert Japan ★ 3.5
  311. 6,767 Ehomaki Rice Dish Kansai Region ★ 3.5
  312. 6,802 Tsukemono Side Dish Japan ★ 3.5
  313. 6,820 Miso Soup Soup Japan ★ 3.5
  314. 6,823 Senbei Snack Japan ★ 3.5
  315. 6,892 Konpeitō Dessert Japan ★ 3.5
  316. 6,895 Chawanmushi Appetizer Kyoto ★ 3.5
  317. 6,906 Hosomaki Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.5
  318. 6,908 Chahan Stir-fry Japan ★ 3.5
  319. 6,948 Kamaage udon Noodle Dish Japan ★ 3.5
  320. 6,979 Odori ebi Appetizer Japan ★ 3.5
  321. 7,035 Ika nigiri sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.5
  322. 7,057 Chūkadon Stir-fry Tokyo ★ 3.5
  323. 7,158 Melonpan Sweet Bread Japan ★ 3.4
  324. 7,217 Takoraisu Ground Meat Dish Okinawa Prefecture ★ 3.4
  325. 7,224 Kawa yakitori Offal Dish Japan ★ 3.4
  326. 7,243 Kinako mochi Dessert Japan ★ 3.4
  327. 7,258 Yatsuhashi Dessert Kyoto ★ 3.4
  328. 7,280 Nankotsu yakitori Offal Dish Japan ★ 3.4
  329. 7,306 Kakigōri Frozen Dessert Japan ★ 3.4
  330. 7,310 Hiyayakko Side Dish Japan ★ 3.4
  331. 7,314 Iwashi nigiri sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.4
  332. 7,335 Aburaage Snack Japan ★ 3.4
  333. 7,345 Japanese Potato Salad Potato Dish Japan ★ 3.4
  334. 7,385 Menchi katsu Ground Meat Dish Tokyo ★ 3.4
  335. 7,448 Oden Soup Japan ★ 3.4
  336. 7,528 Chankonabe Stew Tokyo ★ 3.4
  337. 7,532 Tako nigiri sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.4
  338. 7,538 Sekihan Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.4
  339. 7,559 Tamago kake gohan Rice Dish Japan ★ 3.4
  340. 7,560 Chazuke Soup Japan ★ 3.4
  341. 7,586 Mochi Dessert Japan ★ 3.3
  342. 7,607 Mame daifuku Dessert Tokyo ★ 3.3
  343. 7,614 Champon Noodle Soup Nagasaki ★ 3.3
  344. 7,647 Basashi Horse Dish Kumamoto Prefecture ★ 3.3
  345. 7,677 Kayu Porridge Japan ★ 3.3
  346. 7,798 Anpan Sweet Pastry Tokyo ★ 3.3
  347. 8,036 Menma Pickling Japan ★ 3.2
  348. 8,056 Monaka Dessert Japan ★ 3.2
  349. 8,079 Dorayaki Dessert Japan ★ 3.2
  350. 8,093 Rice Burger Burger Japan ★ 3.2
  351. 8,103 Gari Pickling Japan ★ 3.2
  352. 8,119 Zenzai Sweet Soup Japan ★ 3.2
  353. 8,148 Manjū Dessert Japan ★ 3.2
  354. 8,260 Takuan Pickling Japan ★ 3.1
  355. 8,303 Dango Dessert Japan ★ 3.1
  356. 8,408 Burnt Miso Ramen Noodle Dish Hakata Ward
  357. 8,409 Kanmuri yakitori Offal Dish Japan
  358. 8,441 Funazushi Rice Dish Shiga Prefecture
  359. 8,462 Yakisoba pan Sandwich Japan ★ 3.0
  360. 8,465 Naporitan Pasta Yokohama ★ 3.0
  361. 8,593 Tamago nigiri sushi Rice Dish Japan ★ 2.8
  362. 8,596 Wakakusa Dessert Matsue
  363. 8,599 Uroko dango Dessert Fukagawa
  364. 8,639 Udon-suki Noodle Dish Sakai
  365. 8,664 Okoshi Dessert Tokyo ★ 2.7
  366. 8,674 Kappamaki Rice Dish Japan ★ 2.7
  367. 8,711 Cup Noodles Noodle Dish Japan ★ 2.6
  368. 8,816 Nattō Pickling Japan ★ 1.9
  369. 9,432 Mune yakitori Chicken Dish Japan
  370. 9,436 Sobagaki Appetizer Japan
  371. 9,452 Muroran Curry Ramen Noodle Dish Muroran
  372. 9,463 Narezushi Rice Dish Japan
  373. 9,542 Katsuo no tataki Saltwater Fish Dish Kōchi Prefecture
  374. 9,543 Konoha-don Rice Dish Kansai Region
  375. 9,547 N Nashi karē Stew Tottori Prefecture
  376. 9,561 M Matcha parfait (Matcha pafe) Frozen Dessert Japan
  377. 9,585 Sasa dango Dessert Niigata Prefecture
  378. 9,586 Hanabiramochi Dessert Japan
  379. 9,587 Kingyoku Dessert Japan
  380. 9,588 G Goshiki-ito Dessert Japan
  381. 9,589 D Denpun dango Dessert Hokkaido Region
  382. 9,615 Mizutaki Chicken Chicken Dish Fukuoka
  383. 9,616 K Kinoko nabe Mushroom Soup Japan
  384. 9,617 U Ume daifuku Dessert Japan
  385. 9,618 P Purin daifuku Dessert Japan
  386. 9,630 J Jibachi senbei Snack Omachi
  387. 9,656 Mimi udon Noodle Dish Tochigi Prefecture
  388. 9,657 Kijoyu udon Noodle Dish Kagawa Prefecture
  389. 9,658 Stamina Udon Noodle Dish Japan
  390. 9,778 Gindara teriyaki Saltwater Fish Dish Japan
  391. 9,779 T Tai zuke don Saltwater Fish Dish Japan
  392. 9,828 Ichigoni Seafood Soup Hachinohe
  393. 9,900 Akumaki Dessert Kyushu Region
  394. 10,239 N Nasu no miso itame Vegan Dish Japan
  395. 10,386 Inago no tsukudani Insect Dish Nagano Prefecture
  396. 10,573 T Teba shichimi Fried Chicken Dish Japan
  397. 10,611 Tofuyo Appetizer Okinawa Prefecture
  398. 10,624 O Omutako Egg Dish Okinawa Prefecture
  399. 10,730 Kenoshiru Vegetable Soup Tsugaru
  400. 10,807 Dango-jiru Noodle Dish Ōita
  401. 10,808 I Ikasumi jiru Soup Okinawa Prefecture
  402. 10,809 K Kaiyaki-misu Stew Aomori Prefecture
  403. 10,820 Hida Beef Croquette Snack Gifu Prefecture
Leaf 1 of 12

Gazetteer

A Regional Tour of Japanese Food

Where Japan's ranked dishes were born, and what to order there.

Questions, Answered

Japanese food, frequently asked. Answered from the data.

What is the most popular Japanese food?
By ratings, the global icons: Sushi leads, then Ramen and Gyoza. Our best-ranked Japanese dish is Yakiniku, the tabletop barbecue, at #60 worldwide. The ramen category alone runs deep, from Shoyu ramen to Tonkotsu ramen to Miso ramen. All 128 Japanese noodle dishes →
What food is Japan known for?
Sushi and ramen, above all. Japan over-indexes hugely on noodles, with ramen splitting into Shoyu, Tonkotsu, and Miso schools, and on the raw-fish art of sushi, from Maguro nigiri sushi to rolled Maki. Add Gyoza, karaage, and the tabletop grill of Yakiniku. All 41 Japanese meat dishes →
What is Japan's national dish?
Curry rice, Karē raisu, adopted from Britain, is often called the de facto national dish, though sushi and ramen are the faces Japan shows the world. Washoku, traditional Japanese cuisine, is UNESCO-listed. In our data the top-ranked Japanese dish is Yakiniku, the tabletop barbecue.
What are the types of Japanese ramen?
Ramen is defined by its broth and seasoning. Shoyu ramen is soy-sauce based and clear; Tonkotsu ramen is a rich, milky pork-bone broth from Kyushu; Miso ramen is thick and savory from Hokkaido. Tsukemen serves the noodles cold to dip in a concentrated soup.
What is the difference between nigiri and maki sushi?
Nigiri is a hand-pressed finger of vinegared rice topped with fish, like Maguro nigiri sushi with lean tuna or the fatty Otoro nigiri sushi. Maki, or Makizushi, is rolled sushi, rice and fillings wrapped in nori seaweed and sliced into rounds.
What should I eat in Tokyo?
Tokyo is Japan's deepest food city on our map, and a ramen and sushi capital. Slurp a bowl of Shoyu ramen or dip into Tsukemen, then sit at a counter for Nigiri, hand-pressed one piece at a time. The city set the standard for both.