Category - Local Flavor

In Japan, rice is used to make a wide variety of foods, including rice crackers, also known as senbei. These rice crackers are available in a wide range of flavors and textures, and are as popular as potato chips in America.

Ekiben is a great lunch option while traveling, as there is a wide variety to choose from at train stations all over Japan. Whether you want fresh sushi, onigiri, or even a hot meal, you can't go wrong with picking up an ekiben during your layover!

When the wind gets a chill each autumn, that’s the cue: hoshigaki crops up left and right in Japan. But what exactly is this shriveled snack?

Unagi, the Japanese eel, is a large part of Japanese cuisine. In addition to being an ingredient in many sushi rolls, there are many other ways you can enjoy unagi, whether in Japanese restaurants or prepared and served in your own home.

Japanese restaurants in the United States often serve one or two udon noodle dishes. But there are actually a wide variety of dishes you can enjoy — here are 11 udon noodle dishes you must try!

Whether used in soup, stir fried, served cold or as part of a nabe hot pot menu, udon noodles are ubiquitous in Japanese food culture. But before we delve any deeper, you may be wondering: What exactly is udon?

It seems like every region in Japan has its own take on curry. Here, we break down five of the most popular local variations: Hokkaido shika deer curry, Okinawa bitter melon curry, Hiroshima oyster curry, Echizen squid curry and Tottori pear curry.

Donburi is a rice bowl with flavorful toppings. Consider trying these five popular donburi dishes the next time you visit a Japanese restaurant. You might also try making some of them yourself!

Ready to take the nabemono plunge? Jump right in by learning the five main styles.