When it comes to exploring Japanese cuisine, having a vocabulary of food and cooking terms is invaluable. In this blog post, we will explore common Japanese food and cooking vocabulary that will enhance your understanding of Japanese culinary traditions. Let’s embark on a flavorful journey through the world of Japanese food!
- Basic Food and Ingredients:
- Tabemono (食べ物) – Food
- Gohan (ご飯) – Rice
- Miso (味噌) – Fermented soybean paste
- So-su (醤油) – Soy sauce
- Tofu (豆腐) – Tofu
- Nori (海苔) – Seaweed
- Nabe (鍋) – Hot pot
- Men (麺) – Noodles
- Niku (肉) – Meat
- Sakana (魚) – Fish
- Cooking Techniques:
- Yaku (焼く) – Grill
- Niru (煮る) – Boil
- Musu (蒸す) – Steam
- Age (揚げ) – Deep-fry
- Tsumamu (摘む) – Pick or pluck
- Tataku (叩く) – Pound
- Tazuna (絡まる) – Tangle or intertwine
- Magireru (巻き練る) – Roll or wrap
- Uzumeru (埋める) – Stuff or fill
- Kudaku (砕く) – Crush or break
- Traditional Dishes and Sushi:
- Sushi (寿司) – Sushi
- Sashimi (刺身) – Sliced raw fish or seafood
- Ramen (ラーメン) – Japanese noodle soup
- Tempura (天ぷら) – Deep-fried battered vegetables or seafood
- Sukiyaki (すき焼き) – Hot pot with thinly sliced beef and vegetables
- Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) – Savory pancake with various ingredients
- Yakitori (焼き鳥) – Grilled skewered chicken
- Udon (うどん) – Thick wheat noodles served in broth
- Soba (そば) – Thin buckwheat noodles
- Oden (おでん) – Simmered ingredients in soy-based broth
- Condiments and Seasonings:
- Wasabi (わさび) – Japanese horseradish
- Gari (ガリ) – Pickled ginger
- Karashi (からし) – Mustard
- Ponzu (ポン酢) – Citrus-based soy sauce
- Goma (ごま) – Sesame
- Yuzu (柚子) – Citrus fruit
- Katsuobushi (鰹節) – Dried and smoked bonito flakes
- Shichimi (七味) – Seven-spice blend
- Furikake (ふりかけ) – Rice seasoning
- Mirin (味醂) – Sweet rice wine
- Dining and Restaurant Etiquette:
- Itadakimasu (いただきます) – “I humbly receive” (said before starting a meal)
- Gochisōsama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) – “Thank you for the meal” (said after finishing a meal)
- O-mochikaeri (お持ち帰り) – Takeout
- O-kai (お会計) – Bill or check
- Teishoku (定食) – Set meal
- Osusume (おすすめ) – Recommendation
- Kappō (割烹) – Traditional Japanese cooking style
- Izakaya (居酒屋) – Japanese pub
- Noren (暖簾) – Traditional curtain at the entrance of a restaurant
- Chūka (中華) – Chinese cuisine
- Oishii (美味しい) – Delicious
- Kōcha (紅茶) – Black tea
Conclusion: By familiarizing yourself with these Japanese food and cooking vocabulary words, you’ll be better equipped to navigate Japanese culinary experiences and appreciate the nuances of Japanese cuisine. Whether you’re discussing traditional dishes, cooking techniques, condiments, or dining etiquette, this vocabulary will enrich your understanding and enjoyment of Japanese food. So, get ready to savor the flavors of Japan and explore the diverse and delicious world of Japanese cuisine!
