Introduction
If you have found yourself in Japan then you may also have found yourself asking this question, “What do I eat”? Well…look no further as I have compiled a list of food items that kept my stomach happy during my two week vacation in Japan.
Indian Curry
This first one is a shocker as Japan usually isn’t associated with Indian Curry, but when I tell you that Japan’s Indian curry is top notch, I mean just that. Throughout Japan you can find Indian and Nepalese restaurant on different streets and their food is always fresh,However; portion size has a lot to be desired, but I digress. Indian Curry is sure to make your stomach happy in Japan.
Combination Sushi
This next selection is obvious, but if you didn’t know, now you know. Sushi, depending on where you buy it and time of day, varies in quality. That being said, you at least have to eat from a Japanese restaurant while in Japan. The Japanese chefs prepare the sushi in front of your face and everyone is welcoming as long as you are respectful. Combination sushi is sure to make your stomach happy!
Supermarket Foods
During your downtimes, going to a restaurant won’t be readily available, especially if you haven’t made reservations. However, in Japan, making your stomach happy at inopportune times has never been easier. You have to make do with the supermarkets for your late night snacking or in between. Supermarket food or convenience store food isn’t a downgrade by far! In fact, if you come from western countries then it is an upgrade. SEE THE FOODS BELOW.
Kuromai(Purple/Forbidden rice)
Kuromai rice has this thick texture with a tinge of salt to make it palatable. In addition, beans are added in for added flavor and taste. This rice will keep you full until your restaurant opens or makes for a great evening meal before bed.
Yamanashi Grapes
I absolutely fell in love with the black grapes from Japan. These grapes tasted so good that I completely stopped eating grapes just because of the of Euphoria of eating Yamanashi grapes. Describing how these grapes taste in your mouth doesn’t do them justice, but if I could describe them then I would say it feels like a sweet oasis in your mouth that you can just stop drinking from. Yamanashi grapes cost between 3000-5000 Japanese yen for a cluster of grapes.
Ocha/Oolong/Jasmine/green tea
The accessibility of tea in Japan makes it where it is more normal to buy tea versus buying water. Rightfully so, as a gallon of tea is only 300 Japanese yen. You can drink on one bottle all day depending on who you are.
Bento Sushi box
Remember when I was mentioning how convenience store food was better than restaurant food in America? Bento box sushi is the driving force here. If you could theoretically eat sushi at your beck and call then why not do it right? Convenience stores shine as the accessibility of fresh sushi and fresh sashimi is unlimited as wherever there is a convenience store, there will likely be some fresh sushi. Knowing you are eating premium sushi at cheap prices make it even more delicious. Lastly, if you go to a supermarket right before they close, they may even discount the already cheap sushi even further so you can snack all night in your hotel.
Waygu beef
If you ever find yourself in the Kobe area, I recommend eating some Wagyu beef as this beef is the freshest piece of beef you could eat in Japan. I, myself, was skeptical as the Waygu I tried consisted of raw cow stomach, cow tongue, pretty much the raw parts of a cow. I told myself in America that I would always make sure my cow was dead or well done, but Japanese cooking standards are strict as they keep this Waygu beef on ice which keeps the meat fresh and parasite free.
