Japanese cuisine is highly regarded worldwide for its colorful presentations, use of fresh ingredients, and well-balanced nutritional value. Japan is also known for actively incorporating foreign food cultures, allowing people to enjoy Chinese, Western, and various other international cuisines. Many dishes in Japan are unique adaptations of foreign foods, creating new dishes that didn’t exist elsewhere. There are some dishes that might seem like they came from abroad, but in fact, they actually originated in Japan, which may surprise you.
In this article, we will introduce the history and appeal of classic Japanese dishes such as Napolitan and Sweet-and-Sour Pork, which are loved by all Japanese people.
*By purchasing or reserving products introduced in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
10 Foods That Actually Originated in Japan
Napolitan
Although the name "Napolitan" suggests it originated in Naples, Italy, it is actually an original dish that was created in Japan. In the early Showa period, Shigetada Irie, the second executive chef at Hotel New Grand in Yokohama, combined tomato sauce with spaghetti to create what became known as Napolitan.
Today's typical Napolitan uses ketchup as the sauce, but the original Napolitan was made with raw tomatoes and canned tomatoes. The reason it was called "Napolitan" is believed to be because at that time, tomato sauce was referred to as "Naples-style," but it could also have been named after the exotic image associated with "Naples."
The typical Napolitan today is made with a sweet ketchup-based tomato sauce, stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers and onions, and ingredients like sausage or bacon. This dish, which has been adjusted to suit the Japanese palate, offers a comforting, nostalgic taste. It’s a popular dish not only in homes but also in coffee shops.
🍴 Restaurants where you can enjoy Napolitan (Tabelog)
Doria
Like Napolitan, Doria is said to have originated at Hotel New Grand in Yokohama. The dish was created by the first executive chef, Sally Weil, for a guest who was feeling unwell.
Doria is a dish made by placing white sauce and a generous amount of cheese on top of buttered rice or chicken rice, then baking it in the oven. The richness of the white sauce and the crispy texture of the cheese are incredibly appetizing, and the dish perfectly suits the Japanese palate, becoming a popular comfort food in homes. Doria is similar to gratin, but the key difference is that it uses rice. It pairs well with ingredients like shrimp and chicken, and there are various versions, such as Doria with meat sauce or curry. It is a dish loved by both children and adults.
🍴Restaurants where you can enjoy Doria (Tabelog)
Omelette Rice
Omelette rice, a classic Western-style dish that every Japanese person has likely tried, actually originated in Japan. The name "omelette rice" is a blend of the French word "omelette" and "rice," so it might seem like it comes from France, but it is a Japanese original. This dish consists of fried ketchup rice with chicken and onions wrapped in a fluffy omelette.
Omelette rice can be enjoyed with different flavor variations, such as drawing pictures with ketchup or adding demi-glace sauce. For children, one of the joys of eating omelette rice is deciding how to apply the ketchup, making it a beloved dish for people of all ages.
In maid cafes, many places serve omelette rice as part of the menu, and the maids often draw pictures on the omelette rice as a special service.
🍴Restaurants where you can enjoy Omelette rice (Tabelog)
👉 Asoview! Search by [Tokyo, Akihabara, Maid Cafe, 1 hour] Moe Moe Kyun's magic charm, experience like an anime! Drawing omelet rice plan
Cream Stew
Cream stew is a Japanese dish that was adapted from Western-style stews during the Meiji era to suit Japanese ingredients and tastes. It is a classic dish in school lunches and is commonly eaten in many homes during the winter, as it is often featured in TV commercials showing families enjoying cream stew together. The dish is made by simmering vegetables such as carrots, onions, and potatoes, along with meat or seafood, in a creamy sauce made with flour. Milk or soy milk is sometimes added to finish the dish. Its gentle flavor is loved across generations. The development of cream stew mixes greatly contributed to making the dish a staple in many homes.
Regarding its development, House Foods' official website introduces the following:
In 1966, House Foods released their granulated (originally powdered) roux, "Stew Mix," which made it possible for anyone to easily and deliciously make "white stew" at home. (Source: House Foods)
Each family has its own unique recipe, and the dish can be served with bread or rice. In many households, cream stew is enjoyed by pouring it over rice.
👉 Buy cream stew roux (Yahoo! Shopping)
German Potatoes
From its name, most people would assume that German Potatoes originated in Germany. However, there is no dish called "German Potatoes" in Germany. Although it is often mistaken for a German dish, it actually originated in Japan.
This dish consists of potatoes stir-fried with bacon, seasoned with salt and consommé, and finished with butter and parsley. It is believed that the name "German Potatoes" was given due to the common use of potatoes in German cuisine and the admiration that Japanese people had for Germany at the time. It is sometimes enjoyed with mayonnaise or ketchup and pairs exceptionally well with beer.
Croquette
Croquette is a beloved Japanese comfort food. It is said to have originated from the French "croquette." When croquettes were introduced to Japan around 1872, the most common type was the cream croquette, made with béchamel sauce. At the time, dairy processing techniques were not widespread in Japan, and dairy products were considered a luxury. This led to the invention of potato croquettes, using inexpensive and readily available potatoes. Croquettes are a dish that has uniquely evolved in Japan.
Today, when people refer to "croquettes," they usually mean potato croquettes. However, there are many other varieties, such as pumpkin croquettes, cream croquettes, and menchi katsu, which are deep-fried patties made of ground meat and onions. Croquettes can be easily purchased from supermarket delis and specialty croquette shops, making them an essential part of Japanese food culture. They are also great as a snack while strolling through shopping streets.
🍴 100 Best Western Restaurants 2023 (Tabelog)
Fried Shrimp
Fried shrimp is a staple of Japanese-style Western cuisine and is commonly found in kids' meals at family restaurants. However, it actually originated in Japan. This dish consists of shrimp coated in batter and deep-fried, offering a crispy exterior and a plump, juicy texture inside. One widely accepted theory is that fried shrimp was first created around 1900 by "Rengatei," a Western-style restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo. At that time, it was considered a high-class dish.
The preparation of fried shrimp involves cleaning the shrimp, coating it in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and deep-frying it. Because of these steps, it was not considered an easy dish to make at home. However, with the introduction of frozen fried shrimp in the 1960s, it became more accessible for home cooking and bento lunches. Fried shrimp is commonly served with tartar sauce or lemon juice. It is available in various forms, from set meals to à la carte, and can be enjoyed at both Japanese and Western-style restaurants.
🍴 Restaurants where you can enjoy fried shrimp (Tabelog)
Tianjin Rice
One of the most beloved Chinese-style dishes in Japan, Tianjin Rice is actually an original Japanese creation. There are two main theories regarding its origin: one attributes it to "Rairaiken" in Tokyo, while the other credits "Taishoken" in Osaka. The dish is said to have been inspired by the Cantonese dish "Fu Yong Hai" (a stir-fried mixture of crab meat and eggs), which was adapted by placing it over rice and covering it with a sweet and sour sauce.
Tianjin Rice is characterized by its fluffy egg omelet, mixed with vegetables and crab, and its tangy sweet-and-sour sauce. The dish pairs perfectly with rice, making it an irresistible meal. There are regional variations, with the Kanto region favoring a ketchup-based sweet sauce, while Kansai prefers a lighter soy sauce-based version. These differences in sauce and ingredients across regions make it an interesting dish to explore. Tianjin Rice is a staple menu item not only at Chinese restaurants but also at casual diners and ramen shops. Chinese restaurants, but also at set meal restaurants and ramen restaurants.
🍴 Restaurants where you can enjoy Tianjin Rice (Tabelog)
Chili Shrimp
Chili Shrimp is a stir-fried dish featuring shrimp cooked in a sweet and spicy chili sauce. Though it appears to be an authentic Chinese dish, it was actually created in Japan. Its roots can be traced to the Sichuan dish "Gan Shao Xia Ren" (stir-fried shrimp in chili sauce).
A chef named Chen Kenmin is credited with adapting the original recipe to better suit Japanese tastes. He adjusted the flavors by adding ketchup and egg while reducing the amount of strong spices. This resulted in the current version of Chili Shrimp, which became widely popular. The dish's sweet and tangy sauce, combined with the plump texture of shrimp, makes it highly appealing. Today, it is a staple at Chinese restaurants across Japan and is also commonly prepared at home.
Restaurants 🍴 Restaurants where you can enjoy Chili Shrimp (Tabelog)
Hiyashi Chuka (Chilled Chinese Noodles)
Hiyashi Chuka is a cold noodle dish originating in Japan and is a staple summer meal. Seeing "Hiyashi Chuka" on a restaurant menu often signals the arrival of the hot summer season. The dish consists of chilled Chinese-style noodles topped with ham, chashu (braised pork), shredded egg, cucumber, and tomato, all served with a sweet and tangy soy sauce-based dressing. The vibrant colors of the ingredients make it an appetizing choice, even for those experiencing summer fatigue.
The dish is believed to have evolved from the Chinese "Liang Ban Mian" (cold tossed noodles), but it was first created around 1937 by the Chinese restaurant "Ryutei" in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Due to its compatibility with Japan’s climate and food culture, it quickly gained nationwide popularity. Hiyashi Chuka is a common summer lunch choice, available in supermarkets and convenience stores, and is also served at Chinese restaurants, though often as a seasonal specialty.
🍴 Restaurants where you can enjoy Hiyashi Chuka (Tabelog)
Foods That Did Not Originate in Japan
While many Japanese dishes are considered traditional, some actually have foreign origins.
Ramen
Origin: China
Ramen, a beloved national dish enjoyed by people of all ages, traces its roots to Chinese noodle cuisine, which was introduced to Japan in 1859 with the opening of the country’s ports. The Japanese were already fond of noodles, as they regularly consumed udon and soba, which contributed to ramen’s widespread acceptance.
One of ramen’s greatest appeals is the variety of soup bases available, making it an endlessly enjoyable dish. Discussions about favorite ramen flavors are common in daily conversations, and ramen shops frequently appear in the media. Many popular ramen shops have long queues, reflecting their high demand.
Regional varieties of ramen have also emerged throughout Japan. With the invention of instant ramen, the dish became an integral part of Japanese cuisine. Additionally, Japanese ramen has gained international recognition, with some ramen shops even earning Michelin stars.
🍜 Top 100 Ramen Restaurants in TOKYO 2024 (Tabelog)
Gyoza (Dumplings)
Origin: China
Gyoza, along with ramen, is a widely loved dish in Japan. Although it originated in China and was introduced to Japan during the Meiji era, it has since evolved into a uniquely Japanese version.
In China, boiled dumplings (shui jiao) are more common, while in Japan, "gyoza" typically refers to pan-fried dumplings. Japanese gyoza is known for its thin, crispy skin and is often eaten as a side dish with rice. The filling can vary, incorporating vegetables, garlic, meat, or seafood, providing a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
Many parents even use gyoza to sneak vegetables into their children's diets, as the dumplings make it easier for picky eaters to consume greens. Some regions in Japan are famous for their gyoza culture, particularly Utsunomiya in Tochigi Prefecture and Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture, both of which attract gyoza enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.
🥟 Top 100 Gyoza Restaurants in TOKYO 2024 (Tabelog)
👉 Gyoza Rankings (Yahoo! Shopping)
Curry Rice
Origin: India
Curry rice is a staple of Japanese home cooking and a popular dish even in school lunches. Japanese curry originated from India, was introduced to the UK, and then made its way to Japan in the early Meiji period in the form of curry powder. Later, domestically produced curry powder became available, leading to the creation of dishes such as "curry udon" and "curry nanban," which incorporate Japanese dashi broth.
In the 1950s, solid curry roux in block form was introduced, making curry an easy-to-prepare dish at home. The introduction of instant curry, which can be quickly heated in boiling water, further popularized it. Many households even keep curry as an emergency food supply for disasters. Each family has its own variation with different ingredients and secret flavors, making the variety of curries endless. Curry roux is also a popular souvenir among visitors to Japan.
👉 Find Curry Roux (Yahoo! Shopping)
🍛 Top 100 Curry Restaurants in TOKYO 2024 (Tabelog)
Tempura
Origin: Portugal
Tempura, spelled "Tempura" in English, is widely recognized globally, much like "Sukiyaki." Although it is a beloved Japanese dish today, it was introduced by the Portuguese during the Muromachi period. The name is believed to originate from the Portuguese word "temporas." At the time, cooking oil was a rare and valuable commodity in Japan, making tempura a luxury item that was not widely consumed. However, in the early Edo period, oil production increased, allowing tempura to spread among the common people.
Originally, tempura was served as a street food, skewered to avoid getting hands dirty, and eaten as a snack. Over time, it evolved from a casual food into a refined dish served in specialty restaurants and fine dining establishments. Today, tempura is not only a home-cooked dish but also an essential part of celebrations such as New Year’s and special occasions.
👉 Top 100 Tempura Restaurants in TOKYO 2023 (Tabelog)
Sushi
Origin: Southeast Asia
Sushi is one of the most iconic Japanese foods. Given Japan’s geography, surrounded by the sea, it has long been customary to eat fresh fish raw. Many people assume sushi is originally a Japanese creation, but it is said to have evolved from "narezushi," which was introduced to Japan from Southeast Asia during the Nara period. Unlike modern sushi, narezushi was made by fermenting salted fish with rice until the rice turned into a mushy consistency. This method was primarily used to preserve fish for long periods.
Nigiri sushi, the hand-pressed sushi commonly known today, emerged in the late Edo period. Much like tempura, it was originally sold as street food, featuring fresh seafood placed atop vinegared rice. Since it used fish from Tokyo Bay, it became known as "Edomae Sushi." At that time, sushi pieces were over twice the size they are today and were often cut before eating.
It was in the Meiji period that sushi took its modern form, and by the Taisho era, refrigerators allowed for a wider variety of seafood and smaller portion sizes. Over time, sushi evolved uniquely in Japan and became a globally beloved dish. Sushi can be enjoyed in many ways, from high-end restaurants where each piece is handcrafted before your eyes to conveyor belt sushi spots where diners can freely pick their favorite selections.
🍣 Top 100 Sushi Restaurants in TOKYO 2022 (Tabelog)
These dishes have undergone unique transformations after arriving in Japan, adapting to local tastes and becoming essential parts of Japanese culture. Why not compare them with their original versions and see the differences for yourself?
Comments