Tickle Your Taste Buds By Eating In A Japanese Restaurant

A quick guide on Japanese food:

The names on the menu and the lists of ingredients used in the dishes might confuse you initially. However, once you understand that rice is the staple food of Japan and that it forms the base of most of the dishes, then you will be able to better understand what will be included in your order. Some of the popular forms of rice include mochi, (rice cakes) and gohan (steamed rice). Accompaniments include okazu, which is served along with soup and rice, rolled omelet (tamagoyaki), dry seaweed (nori), etc. Asa-gohan is one of the items served for breakfast. This consists of a bowl of steamed rice. Japanese cooking also uses a wide variety of seafood as well.

Types of Japanese restaurants:

Be prepared to be shocked, since there are more than 30 varieties of such restaurants with each one offering different types of food. Here is a list containing names of some of them along with details of what they serve.

Ramen: If you are interested in Chinese style noodles served in a fish or meat broth, then this is your best option. FYI, it's nothing like the packets.

Soba: Such hotels serve cold or hot Japanese buckwheat noodles containing various types of toppings.

Izakaya: Such a place is a treat for those who love drinking. You can choose from various types of drinks and foods such as sashimi, yakitori, edamame, etc. The combinations of these foods along with drinks are awesome.

Sushi: The Sushi served on a Japanese restaurant menu is very popular in countries such as Canada and the U.S. However, the Western variety of sushi is very different from those served in food outlets in Japan.

Shabu-shabu: Be prepared for an exotic delight here. These outlets serve a hot pot containing varieties of fresh ingredients.

Takoyaki: These are Japanese pancakes containing octopus filling, topped with pickled ginger, mayonnaise and sweet sauce.

Kare Raisu: Ordering this is a must for individuals who love curry along with rice prepared in the Japanese style.

Okonomiyaki: Wouldn't it be great if you had the opportunity to select the ingredients for making your pancake? You can do this at an okonomiyaki. Here, you can find ingredients such as seafood, pork, noodles, vegetables, mochi, and cheese. Grills placed on the tables allow customers to prepare their personal okonomiyaki.

Monjayaki: This is also a type of Okonomiyaki. However, the batter used here is more liquid. Apart from this, the ingredients are finely chopped. Restaurant serving this also have grilles on the tables on which customers can cook their own foods as they like.

Gyudon: Such a restaurant serves one of the cheapest Japanese foods. Expect a bowl full of rice along with finely sliced beef.

Teishoku: If you love ready-made food at economical prices, then this is your best option.

Buffets that do not dent your wallet:

You will find numerous restaurants in the U.S. that offer buffets at economical prices. A sushi buffet for two at a really high class outlet costs $24 for a lunch for two people. The price includes soft drinks. Another outlet offers beef rolled asparagus along with shrimp. They also offer pistachios, green tea and ice creams (hint: try their red bean ice cream)- a nice way to finish your meal. The typical price range is around $12. Another popular Japanese buffet restaurant charges $11 on weekdays. You can eat as much hibachi and sushi as you like; however, you have to pay two dollars extra on weekends.

Equipment used in Japanese restaurants:

Generally, different ways of cooking require different types of equipment, and it is the same for Japanese food as well. Some common Japanese restaurant equipment include special knives since these restaurants use various techniques for cutting vegetables. The grater is another important item in such a kitchen. While ground sesame seeds are readily available in the market, the Japanese prefer to use freshly ground sesame seeds; therefore, a grinder is necessary. A special mat that is used for rolling sushi is one more important piece of equipment that is indispensable in a Japanese kitchen. Chopsticks are a must for eating Japanese food, and they are an important part of kitchen equipment.