Types of Japanese Food & Where to find Singapore

Written By Creative Eateries

For years, Japanese food has held a steady place in kitchens and dining tables far beyond its homeland. Tokyo has long been the heart of traditional Japanese flavors, but the appeal of a Japanese dish now stretches far beyond its borders. From the precision of Japanese cooking to the casual warmth of comfort food. Its influence continues to shape how people eat around the world.

Either way if you enjoyed at a Japanese restaurant or recreated at home, the variety is endless. From popular Japanese staples like Japanese curry, sushi and ramen to lesser-known regional specialties, there’s always something new to try. Here, the food guide that explores the types of Japanese food in Japan and where to find them in Singapore.

Discover the Best Types of Japanese Food and Where to Enjoy Them Across Singapore

This guide covered:

  1. the global appeal of Japanese cuisine, from Tokyo traditions to comfort food enjoyed worldwide

  2. the pillars of Japanese cuisine, including fresh ingredients, balanced meals like ichiju-sansai, and cultural respect for the seasons

  3. the history of Japanese food in Singapore

  4. popular Japanese dishes found in Singapore

  5. how Japanese cooking styles like hotpot, grilled meats, and noodles became everyday favorites for Singaporeans

  6. Tajimaya Yakiniku as a popular Japanese restaurant offering premium yakiniku, classic dishes, buffets, and donburi through its outlets at VivoCity and Great World

An Overview of Japanese Cuisine

Japanese cuisine, known as washoku, is celebrated worldwide for its focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and its elegant, minimalist presentation. It is a celebration of fresh ingredients, elegant presentation, and a deep connection to Japanese culture. It is a food system shaped by centuries of history and Japanese people, regional diversity, and a unique national identity.

The Pillars of Japanese Food Culture

The core principles of Japanese cuisine and culture are deeply intertwined. Traditional Japanese food is not just about sustenance; it’s an art form that engages all the senses. The emphasis on seasonal ingredients, for example, reflects the Japanese people's respect for nature and the changing seasons.

A traditional Japanese cuisine meal is carefully balanced. The staple is rice, accompanied by a main dish (like fish or meat), a few side dishes, and a bowl of soup. This structure, known as ichiju-sansai ("one soup, three sides"), is the foundation of many types of Japanese meals and is considered a very healthy way of eating. This balanced approach to food is a cornerstone of food culture in Japan.

The Story of Japanese Food in Singapore

The history of Japanese cuisine in Singapore is a fascinating journey that mirrors the country's own economic and social development. From being a specialty for expatriates to becoming a mainstream favorite, Japanese food has carved out a significant place in the Singaporean culinary landscape.

1. The Beginning (1960s-1970s)

After the war, there was hardly any Japanese food in Singapore. It only started appearing because Japanese business people came to live and work there. The first Japanese restaurants were very expensive and only served these expats, who missed the food from home. It was a very exclusive, high-end thing.

2. The Big Change (1980s)

In the 1980s, Singapore's economy grew strong, and more people had money to spend on nice food. At the same time, Japan became more popular. Suddenly, a new group of customers Singaporeans began to enjoy Japanese food.

To get more people to try it, restaurants became more affordable. Places with "sushi on a conveyor belt" and casual noodle shops started to pop up. This made Japanese food much easier and cheaper to try.

3. Today's Scene

Now, Japanese food is everywhere in Singapore. It's not just a fancy treat; it's a part of everyday life. You can find all kinds of Japanese food, from simple ramen bowls in food courts to very special, high-end sushi places. The love for Japanese cartoons, movies, and music also helped people get more interested in the food.

In short, Japanese food in Singapore went from being a rare treat for a few people to a common and much-loved part of the country's dining scene.

What are the Types of Japanese Food that Can Be Found in Singapore

Popular Japanese Dishes to Try in Singapore

Here is a list of popular Japanese food that can be found in Singapore. These are some of the most famous dishes eaten in Japan, each with its own unique history and style of cooking.

Japanese Yakiniku

Yakiniku, which translates to "grilled meat," is a classic style of cooking where many Japanese enjoy grilling bite-sized pieces of meat, seafood, and vegetables. This interactive dining experience, where diners cook their own food on a grill. It is a form of authentic Japanese dining that is now very popular in Singapore. The meats, often high-quality beef like wagyu, are either marinated beforehand or dipped in a savory-sweet sauce (tare) after cooking, enhancing their rich flavors and creating a very communal and fun meal.

Miso Soup

Miso soup is a fundamental part of Japanese dining, often served as a comforting staple with nearly every meal. This humble dish starts with a dashi stock base, to which fermented miso paste is added, giving the soup its savory, umami-rich flavor. It typically includes small, soft pieces of tofu, delicate wakame seaweed, and fresh chopped green onions. For many, miso soup is a deeply comforting soul food and an indispensable part of their daily diet. Its simplicity and balanced flavor make it a beloved component of Japanese culinary tradition.

Sukiyaki

Sukiyaki is a warming and delicious hot pot dish, ideal for a cool evening or a communal meal. It's a unique Japanese preparation where thinly sliced beef and various vegetables. From napa cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, and onions are slowly simmered in a special sweet soy sauce broth. The cooked ingredients are then traditionally dipped into a bowl of raw beaten egg, which adds a rich, creamy coating and cools the food just enough to be enjoyed immediately. This interactive cooking style makes it a popular choice for social gatherings and family meals. The dish's delightful balance of rich, savory, and sweet flavors makes for a truly satisfying and memorable dining experience.

Shabu Shabu

Shabu-shabu is a distinct hot pot dish celebrated for its light and healthy cooking style. The name "shabu-shabu" is an onomatopoeia, imitating the "swish-swish" sound made when diners cook paper-thin slices of meat and fresh vegetables in a bubbling broth.

This interactive dining experience allows everyone at the table to participate. Once cooked, the ingredients are dipped into various flavorful sauces, such as a tangy ponzu or a creamy sesame sauce. This communal, refreshing, and light hot pot is a popular meal among the Japanese, perfect for social gatherings.

Udon

Udon noodles are a beloved comfort food in Japan, prized for their thick, chewy texture. These wheat noodles are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Most commonly, they are served in a mild, savory broth and topped with ingredients like tempura, sliced scallions, or a soft-boiled egg. The simple yet satisfying nature of udon makes it a staple of authentic Japanese cuisine.

From classic broth-based bowls to more intricate preparations with different toppings, udon is a go-to dish for those seeking a warm, hearty, and comforting meal. It's a favorite because it represents the core of Japanese culinary philosophy. Taking simple ingredients and elevating them into a delicious, soul-satisfying experience.

Donburi

Donburi is a quintessential Japanese comfort food, celebrated for its simplicity and satisfying nature. Literally translating to "rice bowl," it features various savory ingredients served hot over a bed of steamed rice. The appeal of donburi lies in its incredible versatility. With toppings ranging from the classic chicken and egg combination in oyakodon. To a crispy fried pork cutlet in katsudon, or grilled eel for unadon.

This one-bowl meal is not just convenient; it's a complete, flavorful dish that perfectly balances the rich toppings with the soft rice underneath. Its popularity stems from this very combination of ease, variety, and a rich flavor profile, making it a beloved staple in Japanese restaurants both in Japan and Singapore.

Ramen

Originally a Chinese noodle dish, ramen has been transformed into a uniquely Japanese culinary sensation. At its heart, ramen is a bowl of wheat noodles served in a rich, flavorful broth. The broth itself can vary widely, from the milky pork bone-based tonkotsu to the savory soy sauce-based shoyu or the robust miso broth. Ramen is typically topped with an array of delicious ingredients, such as tender slices of chashu pork, a perfectly soft-boiled egg, bamboo shoots, and nori seaweed. For many, it is the ultimate Japanese comfort food, a warm and satisfying bowl that has gained immense popularity globally. In Singapore, ramen's fame has led to numerous specialty shops, each showcasing different regional styles and attracting a dedicated following.

Tempura

Tempura is a traditional Japanese dish of seafood and vegetables deep-fried in a very light, airy batter. The secret to its signature crispy, non-greasy texture is the delicate frying technique and the use of a simple batter made from low-gluten flour, egg, and ice-cold water. This meticulous process ensures the coating remains light, preserving the natural flavors of the ingredients inside. Often served with a special soy-based dipping sauce, called tentsuyu, and grated daikon radish, it offers a harmonious blend of savory and fresh notes. Tempura is a favorite because it embodies the Japanese appreciation for subtlety and detail in cooking, elevating a simple frying method into a refined culinary art form that highlights the ingredients' quality rather than masking them.

Sushi

Sushi is arguably the most famous and iconic of all Japanese dishes. It is a work of culinary art, consisting of a small, precise serving of vinegar-flavored rice combined with other ingredients, most notably incredibly fresh seafood. The dish is celebrated for the meticulous precision of its preparation and the supreme freshness and quality of its components. Sushi offers a wide range of varieties, from classic rolls (maki) to elegant slices of fish draped over rice (nigiri). Its versatility and focus on showcasing the natural, clean flavors of its ingredients make it a beloved and popular choice among diners worldwide. In Singapore, sushi's popularity has soared, with a vast selection of restaurants dedicated to this quintessential Japanese food.

Sashimi

Sashimi, often mistaken for sushi, is a distinct Japanese delicacy that focuses entirely on the pristine quality of its ingredients. Unlike sushi, it consists of very thinly sliced, high-quality raw fish or other seafood served without rice. The essence of sashimi lies in its supreme freshness and the pure, unadulterated flavor of the seafood itself. It is a dish that requires great skill and precision from the chef to ensure each slice is perfect. Typically served with a side of soy sauce and a dab of fiery wasabi, sashimi allows diners to appreciate the subtle, natural taste of the ocean's bounty. It is a traditional and highly respected part of Japanese food culture, symbolizing elegance and a deep reverence for the natural ingredients.

Soba

Soba noodles are thin Japanese noodles made from buckwheat flour, giving them a distinct, nutty flavor. They are a versatile staple and can be enjoyed in two primary ways. When served hot in a savory broth, soba makes for a comforting and warming meal. In warmer weather, however, they are a very popular choice served chilled on a tray with a separate dipping sauce (tsuyu). This cold preparation highlights the noodle's delicate texture and flavor, offering a light and healthy meal. The refreshing contrast of chilled soba against Singapore's humid climate makes it an especially great choice for a satisfying and cool dish.

Experience Traditional Japanese Food at Tajimaya Yakiniku Singapore

For a truly exceptional authentic Japanese dining experience, look no further than Tajimaya Yakiniku. This renowned Japanese Yakiniku restaurant is a favorite among diners in Singapore, celebrated for its unique smokeless grill and commitment to serving fresh, high-quality ingredients.

The Ultimate Yakiniku Experience

  1. Smokeless Grill: Enjoy a traditional grilling experience without the smoky aftermath. Allowing you to focus on the superb flavors of your meal.

  2. Premium Meats: The menu offers a diverse selection of fresh, premium meats, including succulent wagyu, tender pork, and flavorful chicken.

  3. Flexible Dining: Choose between an all-you-can-eat premium wagyu buffet or a varied à la carte menu. There are many different types of cuts and sets available to suit every preference.

  4. Classic Japanese Dishes: Beyond its signature yakiniku, Tajimaya also serves a variety of classic Japanese dishes and traditional foods, such as comforting miso soup, crispy tempura, delicious udon, and satisfying donburi.

A Restaurant for Every Occasion

  1. Elegant Ambiance: Tajimaya is loved by diners for its elegant restaurant vibe. A perfect for special occasions or a memorable night out.

  2. Convenient Locations: With two outlets at VivoCity and Great World, Tajimaya brings its exceptional dining experience to different parts of Singapore.

Discover a World of Japanese Cuisine Under One Roof

Suki-ya (VivoCity Outlet): At the VivoCity location, Tajimaya Yakiniku is co-located with its sister brand, Suki-ya. This popular Japanese hotpot buffet offers an affordable, all-you-can-eat option. Suki-ya Vivocity menu

  1. Hotpot Variety: Diners can enjoy a wide selection of thinly sliced meats (pork, beef, chicken) and a variety of hotpot ingredients from a dedicated health bar.

  2. Flavorful Broths: Suki-ya is famous for its delicious soup bases, including Mala, Sukiyaki, and Butaniku, which are beloved by many diners.

Juu-don (Great World Outlet): At the Great World outlet, you can also experience Juu-don, which offers some of the best Japanese donburi in Singapore.

  1. Contemporary Donburi: Juu-don specializes in ten different modern takes on classic donburi favorites, showcasing the versatility of Japanese rice dishes.

  2. Must-Try Dishes: Some of the most popular donburi bowls include the Avocado-Negitoro-Don, Bara-Chirashi, and Wagyu Donburi, all of which are renowned for their quality and flavor.

Your Japanese Food Adventure Awaits at tajimaya yakiniku Singapore

From its humble beginnings to being popular in Japan and worldwide, Japanese cuisine has become a favorite for many. The pillars of Japanese cuisine shine through an array of dishes, from street food culture with fried food to comforting portions of Japanese meals.

Japanese dishes like sushi, ramen, and donburi remain popular food choices, each famous Japanese specialty reflecting tradition and flavor. For those seeking the Japanese equivalent of a meal in Japan, Singapore offers plenty of options. Among them, Tajimaya Yakiniku stands out as a popular Japanese restaurant to enjoy authentic types of Japanese food for your next food adventure.

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