It is always a good thing when someone decides to expand their culinary horizons. 

If you have never had Japanese food, it can be a bit overwhelming to decide which menu items to try. 

Whatever you decide, make sure that these 10 traditional foods and drinks make it to your to-try list.

1. Takoyaki

This is a small round cake made with octopus, water, Takoyaki flour and eggs. 

They are cooked in a special skillet and topped with teriyaki sauce, green onions and bonito flakes. 

People who have never tried this are often alarmed because the heat from the takoyaki make the bonito flakes appear as if they are moving.

2. Tempura

Anyone who enjoys crisp fried items will be delighted when they try tempura. 

It consists of fried seafood and.or vegetables dipped in batter then covered in panko. They are often served with rice, udon or miso soup.

3. Sushi

As most know, this is one of the most popular foods in Japan, and all over the world for that matter. From nigiri to maki, people everywhere love it. 

Many falsely believe that the word sushi refers to raw fish and this is frightening to those who are not seafood fans or averse to eating it uncooked. 

It actually refers to the rice and there are many varieties that do not contain any raw fish at all. 

This means that there is no reason for anyone to be wary of trying it.

4. Ramen

Ramen does not refer to those packages of instant noodles that can be found in many grocery stores. 

While the noodles are essentially the same, the preparation is entirely different when eating fresh ramen. 

The bowl often consists of pork or miso broth topped with things like green onions, soft boiled egg, meat slices, mushrooms and corn.

5. Yakitori                                                                                                                                            

This is a simple dish that is relatively easy to make, yet the flavours are pretty explosive. 

Meat is cut into bite-sized pieces, marinated and placed on a skewer before being barbecued. 

It can be something as commonplace as chicken breast or something a bit more adventurous, like chicken hearts or liver.

6. Miso Soup

You will usually find this served alongside your entree if you dine at a Japanese restaurant, but it is also offered on its own. 

It is made by combining miso paste with dashi. 

There are different miso types and a wide array of ingredients that can be added, so every person’s miso soup experience may be totally different.

7. Sake

If you head into almost any Japanese restaurant, there are multiple sake options available. This is a wine that is made from fermented rice. 

The alcohol content is higher than typical wine and beer, so make sure that you don’t overindulge.

8. Matcha

Anyone who is trying to eat healthily has probably heard of the benefits of matcha. This is a green tea powder that contains lots of antioxidants. 

It can be consumed hot or cold. Some make lattes, smoothies and other blended drinks with the powder instead of consuming it alone.

9. Yakisoba

These are wheat flour noodles that are stir-fried with pork, carrots, cabbage and other vegetables. 

They should not be confused with soba, which is made with buckwheat.

10. Gyoza

This is a dumpling that may contain a number of different fillings, but pork is most commonly used. 

They are normally fried on one side and steamed so the rest of the dumpling is soft. 

There are a number of dishes that are traditional in Japan, but the ones highlighted above should be tried by everyone at least once in your lifetime.  

From dumplings and rice wine to noodles and dumplings, there is something out there for everyone.

If you are in Melbourne and want to enjoy an authentic Japanese culinary experience, you simply can’t go past Kobe Teppanyaki in Doncaster East.

For reservations please call us today on 03 9841 9889 or visit here https://www.kobeteppanyaki.com.au/booking for bookings and enquiries.