- Origin of yoshoku cuisine
- The ingredients of yoshosku dishes
- The most popular Japanese dishes “yoshoku”
Have you ever wondered why western recipes, like fried chicken fritters taste different in Japan? It’s because they are prepared using a traditional Japanese style of cooking and Western ingredients called yoshoku 洋食 cuisine.
It is a combination of Western-style dishes and ingredients, such as bread or spaghetti, and Japanese-influenced foods, such as seaweed or the shoyu soy sauce.
Origin of yoshoku cuisine
Yoshoku 洋食 cuisine, or Western-style Japanese cuisine, gained popularity during the Meiji period (1868-1912). This movement aimed to introduce the Western culinary style to Japan and incorporate it into its traditional cuisine. Even today, Yoshoku dishes have become commonplace in Japan and can be found in every major city and in many Japanese homes.
The ingredients of yoshosku dishes
The ingredients for Yoshoku meals were first imported from Europe and America, but cheaper versions were later created with local ingredients such as japanese rice shoyu soy sauce, ginger…
When Japan broke all ties with Western countries just after World War I, importing ingredients became very difficult and expensive.
Therefore, even if people wanted to eat Western food, they had little choice but to make local substitutes using limited ingredients, which gave rise to new styles of Yoshoku fusion cuisine.
The ingredients are basically the same as those of traditional Japanese cuisine, with a few exceptions, such as the use of red meat, red wine, mayonnaise, butter, ketchup or margarine for example.
Please note: Yoshoku cuisine originated in Western-style preparations, but it has been adapted to Japanese tastes and table arts to become typically Japanese creations.
A typical example is the hot dog, introduced at the beginning of the 20th century, which comes in several varieties, all with a bun on the outside but sometimes topped with either sausage or yakisoba teriyaki chicken, or nori leaves, shredded cabbage..
Yoshoku is nowadays a popular family cuisine, which is mainly accompanied by white rice, a miso soup, vegetables..
The most popular Japanese dishes “yoshoku”
Hambagu ハンバーグ, Japanese minced steak
One of the most popular dishes among Japanese youth. Hambagu is a large, hand-formed meatball of ground meat and pork; it is thicker, juicier, and richer than the steak in American hamburgers. This recipe is often seen in Japanese dramas and reality shows.
Kare raisu カ レーライス, Japanese curry
The Kare Raisu, also known as Japanese curry, is a dish made with vegetables, meat and rice in a thick, fragrant sauce. Kare Raisu has many variations in different regions of Japan. For example in Okinawa, the main ingredients are seafood and tofu. The most popular variant is the one based on pork chop called Karaage Curry (fried pork chop). Personally, we like all the kare raisu, the spicy ones, the green curry…
Korokke コロッケ, Japanese crispy dumpling
The korokke comes in many flavors and is appreciated by children and adults alike.
Dumplings are coated with flour, egg yolks and breadcrumbs before being fried. A dish made of simple ingredients, but really delicious. You can easily vary the fillings too and adapt it to your desires.
Napolitan ナポリタン, spaghetti revisited in Japanese style
Naporitan is a Japanese-style spaghetti dish that is an instant hit! Enjoy the rich flavor and aroma of sausage and peppers with its tasty ketchup-based sauce! At home this dish never stays on the plate for long!
Omurice オムライス, omelet stuffed with rice
Omurice is an ingenious Japanese dish from the early 20th century, which combines the two most popular Japanese dishes: omelet and rice. You can enjoy the taste of fluffy omelet and savory fried rice in one plate.
Katsudon カツ丼, breaded pork fried on rice
A tasty combination of succulent pork cutlets, egg and onion called “tonkatsu“served in a bowl of hot rice perfect for dipping in the bulldog sweet sauce. Like most Japanese dishes, in addition to being a very affordable dish, it is really delicious.
Ebi furai, エビフライ Japanese breaded shrimp
Ebi furai is so crispy and simple that it is delicious with just a touch of salt, soy sauce or water chili mayo sauce. The panko makes the fried food so much lighter than our usual breadcrumbs!
Doria ドリア, Japanese style rice gratin
Doria is a Japanese rice gratin that is drizzled with béchamel sauce and tomato sauce, then baked in the oven with a little cheese until it is totally irresistible. Depending on the recipe, you will find vegetables, mushrooms, seafood or meat inside. A traditional Japanese comfort food!
Guratan マカロニグラタン, Japanese macaroni gratin
Guratan is a Japanese macaroni gratin, a simple, quick to prepare, creamy and delicious dish. In this dish, there is often a meat like chicken and vegetables like broccoli or mushroom.
Hayashi raisu ハヤシライス , the rice with ground beef
Hayashi raisu is a concept that mixes the two favorite foods of Japanese people: rice and beef. In Japan, it is common to mix cooked rice, ground beef, eggs and seasonings to create a tasty dish like this. It’s such a hearty dish that it easily fills you up… especially when accompanied by a big salad and some roasted vegetables!
Nikujaga 肉じゃが, Japanese style stew
Fall and winter are perhaps the best time to try the nikujaga a Japanese style stew made at home with potatoes, beef and a sweet soy sauce. This homemade Japanese dish is simple but delicious.
Nowadays in Japan, many Japanese dishes are merging with western cuisine such as pizza, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches… These dishes may seem a bit strange at first, but once you try them, you will be won over. These dishes create a memorable dining experience. In the desserts you will also find fusions such as the matcha green tea tiramisu, the japanese strawberry shortcake, the japanese style rolled pancakes, fruit sandwiches. Don’t hesitate to give us your preferences among this list or if you have any suggestions for additions! Now that everyone is hungry, we wish you a good appetite!