The Japanese Diet

Amy Nguyen
Management
Rikkya University, Academic Year 2018-2019

Japanese people are early birds. Most usually eat breakfast at around 7 or 8 in the morning. Breakfast portions tend to be small, since most Japanese people have to arrive to the train station on time to get to their desired destination. A typical Japanese breakfast consists of steamed rice, miso soup, which is made out of fermented soybeans, a protein, mainly grilled fish, which is a big part of their diet, and various side dishes. Common side dishes may include, tsukemono (Japanese pickles), nori (dried seasoned seaweed), natto (fermented soybeans), kobachi (small side dishes which usually consist of vegetables), and a green salad. However, university students who live on their own tend to eat bread and jam for a quick breakfast, since a traditional Japanese breakfast takes a lot of time and effort.

Lunch is tend to be eaten at around the afternoon. Unlike the healthy traditional breakfast, most Japanese people eat at restaurants, or they would buy food from the convenient stores. There are a variety of diverse cuisines from different cultures offered in Japan. There are also many noodle dishes offered in Japan. Ramen is my favorite. Fried food is also very popular. Tempura, which consists of vegetable and sometimes shrimp, is coated in battered, deep fried, then served with sauce. Some popular convenient stores are 7/11, Lawsons, and Family Mart. Food, drinks, and snacks are relatively cheap in all convenient stores. Most convenient stores have a microwave, and an area to dine in. However seats are very limited, and it can only hold up to 5 or 6 people.

Dinner is usually eaten at around 7 to 8 o’clock. Although dinner can be enjoyed at restaurants, many prefer to eat dinner at home. A Japanese dinner can be similar to a traditional Japanese breakfast, but the portion is a little bigger, and sometimes nabe, Japanese hot pot is served. Nabe, consist of protein and vegetables cooked in soup in a pot on a portable stove. The stove is placed on the dinner table, and family members will eat from the pot. Nabe is mainly eaten during the colder seasons. There is so many delicious foods to enjoy in Japan. I highly recommend everyone to come visit Japan. Also, try the specialty in different cities in Japan. They all have their own special way of cooking and preparing the meal. I can not wait to explore more of Japan and try foods that I have never seen before.

Categories: Asia, Japan, Department of Management, Cultural comparison, Cooking, Diet, Eating, Grocery shopping, Recipes, Restaurants, Academic year.