~Japanese traditional homemade food we always eat in Summer~
As the hot summer days arrive in Japan, people seek out cooling and refreshing dishes that provide relief from the intense heat. Summer in Japan brings an abundance of seasonal ingredients, and meals often feature chilled noodles, refreshing desserts, and vibrant flavors. In this blog, I’ll introduce five traditional Japanese dishes that are perfect for summer, each with unique regional ties. These dishes are beloved across Japan but are especially enjoyed in specific areas, offering a taste of local summer traditions.
No.1 そうめん - Somen
Somen are thin, white wheat noodles served chilled with a dipping sauce (tsuyu) made from soy sauce, dashi, and mirin. They are often garnished with ingredients like green onions, ginger, and sesame seeds. It's a light, refreshing dish that helps cool you down on hot summer days.
Region:
Somen is enjoyed nationwide, especially in the Kinki region (around Osaka and Kyoto), where it is considered a traditional summer food.
Somen is enjoyed nationwide, especially in the Kinki region (around Osaka and Kyoto), where it is considered a traditional summer food.
No.2 冷やし中華 - Hiyashichuka
Hiyashi Chuka is a chilled ramen dish topped with an assortment of colorful ingredients like cucumber, tomato, egg, ham, and sometimes shrimp or chicken, all served over cold noodles with a tangy sesame or soy-based dressing. It’s a perfect dish for summer when you crave something cool and flavorful.
Region:
Kanto (Tokyo area) is famous for its hiyashi chuka, with many restaurants offering their own variations. This dish is particularly popular as a quick and
Kanto (Tokyo area) is famous for its hiyashi chuka, with many restaurants offering their own variations. This dish is particularly popular as a quick and
refreshing summer meal in Tokyo.
No.3 かき氷 - Kakigori
Kakigori is a refreshing shaved ice dessert, often topped with syrup, condensed milk, or various fruit toppings. It’s a popular treat during Japan’s hot summer festivals and a favorite way to cool off. Flavors range from traditional options like matcha and red bean to modern varieties like mango and strawberry.
Region:
Okinawa and Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto) are particularly known for their unique takes on this dessert, with Okinawa often using tropical fruits like
mango and passion fruit, while Kansai offers matcha
or sweet red bean flavors.
No.4 うなぎ - Unagi
Unagi is grilled eel served over a bed of rice, often glazed with a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. It's a dish traditionally eaten during the hot summer months, especially on "Doyo no Ushi no Hi," the "Midsummer Day of the Ox," believed to boost stamina.
Region:
Kanto (Tokyo) is famous for its unagi dishes, especially the famous "unagi no kabayaki" style, which is a must-try in the area. In Nagoya, unagi is served as "hitsumabushi," where eel is eaten in different ways with rice.
Kanto (Tokyo) is famous for its unagi dishes, especially the famous "unagi no kabayaki" style, which is a must-try in the area. In Nagoya, unagi is served as "hitsumabushi," where eel is eaten in different ways with rice.
No.5 天ぷら - Tenpura
Tempura consists of seafood, vegetables, or even fruits, lightly battered and deep-fried to crispy perfection. During the summer, it’s common to find tempura served with cold dipping sauces, making it a perfect combination of crispy and refreshing.
Region:
Kanto (Tokyo) is particularly well-known for its tempura, with restaurants in Tokyo specializing in this dish. Kyoto also has a distinctive style of tempura, often featuring seasonal vegetables in addition to seafood.
Kanto (Tokyo) is particularly well-known for its tempura, with restaurants in Tokyo specializing in this dish. Kyoto also has a distinctive style of tempura, often featuring seasonal vegetables in addition to seafood.
Whether you're looking to cool off with a refreshing dessert or enjoy a light, flavorful meal, these traditional Japanese summer dishes are perfect for embracing the season. Try them out and experience the true taste of a Japanese summer at home!
Comments
Post a Comment