I spent about 2 years in Japan back in 2016 and ever since returning, getting married and having kids, I have been wanting to plan a trip to go back (largely in part due to the delicious food I had there). Now with 3 kids under the age of 5, we are finally able to make it happen and will be leaving within the next couple of months for a semi short vacation!
There are a lot of foods that I really have missed and I wanted to share for those who haven't been to Japan or for those who have been and just want to reminisce. Most of my favorite foods in Japan can be summed up here: https://www.fluentinforeign.co/blog/21japanesefoods although one I would add to this list is Gyudon! Thin sliced meat over Japanese rice with a host of different toppings was a staple for me in Japan! Two others that are not mentioned are manju with red bean paste (similar to mochi but made with wheat flour instead of rice flour), and monjayaki (similar to okonomiyaki but with a runnier texture).
Sushi was another big one for me, especially Saba! It is probably the most flavorful sushi I have ever had. My 4 year old son also loves it even though he hasn't had it fresh in Japan and he asks me for it every time we go out anywhere so I'm excited to take him to a sushi place and let him go nuts!
Another thing to note is that the rice in Japan is simply to die for. I have a hard time eating rice anywhere else as the quality feels so subpar in comparison.
If anyone has any recommendations for foods that I either missed or haven't heard of drop a comment!
by Notatrace280