Feeling the summer heat in Japan? Don’t worry! There’s a whole world of delicious and refreshing foods designed to keep you cool and energized during the hottest months. From cold noodles to sweet desserts, these Japanese staples will tantalize your taste buds and combat the summer fatigue.
Noodle Delights:
Somen, zaru soba, and zaru udon are quintessential Japanese summer noodles. These thin, cold noodles are served with a variety of delicious dips and toppings, offering a light and flavorful way to cool down. You’ll find somen readily available at convenience stores for an affordable price, while zaru soba and zaru udon are popular choices at soba restaurants nationwide.
Chilled Chinese noodles, also known as Hiyamugi, are another refreshing summer favorite. These smooth noodles are topped with savory ingredients like ham, omelet, and cucumber, making for a satisfying and cooling meal. This popular dish is easy to find at convenience stores and supermarkets throughout the summer months.
Morioka Reimen, a cold noodle dish originating from Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, offers a unique and flavorful experience. These chewy noodles are topped with kimchi, cucumber, and boiled eggs, creating a tangy and refreshing combination. You can find reimen at yakiniku restaurants or purchase fresh noodles at supermarkets to make your own version.
Energy Boosters:
Unagi (eel) is a popular Japanese summer delicacy that’s renowned for its nutritional value. This charcoal-grilled eel is served on top of rice with a sweet and savory sauce, making for a delicious and energy-boosting meal. Unagi is packed with vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients, making it perfect for recharging your body during the summer heat.
Goya champuru, a Okinawan specialty, is another nutritious and flavorful summer dish. The unique bitterness of goya (bitter melon) might surprise you at first, but its addictive flavor and abundance of vitamin C and minerals will leave you craving more. Goya champuru is typically stir-fried with tofu, eggs, and vegetables, creating a delicious and nourishing meal.
Cooling Desserts:
Kakigori, the Japanese shaved ice dessert, is a must-try during the summer months. This light and refreshing treat features shaved ice topped with sweet syrups in a variety of flavors, from classic strawberry and melon to unique combinations like Blue Hawaii. Trendy kakigori options, like Taiwanese-style kakigori with generous fruit toppings, and fluffy kakigori made with naturally formed ice, are also becoming increasingly popular. You can find kakigori at festivals and convenience stores, making it an accessible and delicious treat.
Tapioca Milk Tea Frappe, another popular summer drink, combines the crunchy texture of tapioca pearls with creamy milk tea for a refreshing and satisfying experience. This frozen drink is easy to prepare and enjoy on the go, making it an ideal choice for sightseeing or a quick pick-me-up.
Watermelon, a symbol of Japanese summers, is a classic and refreshing fruit. This juicy and hydrating fruit is a popular snack and dessert, offering a natural and delicious way to stay hydrated during the heat. You’ll find whole watermelons and single-serving packages at supermarkets throughout the summer, making it a convenient and affordable choice.
Additional Summer Favourites:
Tokoroten, made from red seaweed, is a unique and refreshing Japanese delicacy. These smooth and chewy noodles are served with a variety of sauces, making for a light and refreshing meal. Tokoroten is readily available at supermarkets and can be enjoyed year-round, but its refreshing qualities make it ideal for summer.
Hiyayakko, a simple dish of cold tofu, is a light and flavorful way to cool down. Topped with green onion, ginger, and other condiments, hiyayakko is a refreshing and easy-to-digest option that’s perfect for when you’re not feeling very hungry. You can find hiyayakko at izakayas (Japanese pubs) and enjoy it with a cold beer.
Umeboshi, salted and sun-dried plums, are a unique Japanese food that’s popular in summer. Their tart and sour flavor is both refreshing and energizing, making them an ideal summer snack or condiment. Umeboshi can be found at supermarkets, making them an affordable and delicious souvenir option.
These delicious and refreshing Japanese summer foods offer a delightful way to beat the heat and experience the true flavors of Japan. Whether you’re craving cold noodles, sweet desserts, or energizing snacks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, the next time you find yourself in Japan during the summer, be sure to try these delectable treats and experience the best of Japanese summer cuisine!
