Introduction
Japan’s summer is hot and humid, but luckily, the country offers a variety of delicious and refreshing foods perfect for beating the heat!
From chilled noodles to icy desserts, these traditional Japanese summer dishes not only cool you down but also give you a taste of the season.
Here’s a list of must-try Japanese summer foods!
1. Sōmen: The Quintessential Summer Noodles
Sōmen are thin, white wheat noodles typically served cold with a light dipping sauce called mentsuyu.
Often enjoyed with toppings like green onions, grated ginger, and sesame seeds, sōmen is incredibly refreshing and easy to eat on a hot day.
Fun Fact: In some places, you can experience nagashi sōmen, where noodles flow down a bamboo slide and you catch them with your chopsticks!
2. Hiyashi Chūka: Cold Ramen Salad
Hiyashi Chūka is a colorful, refreshing dish featuring chilled ramen noodles topped with sliced cucumber, ham, egg, tomato, and a tangy soy-based dressing.
It’s a popular dish found at many restaurants and convenience stores during the summer season.
3. Kakigōri: Japanese Shaved Ice
A beloved summer treat, kakigōri is finely shaved ice topped with syrups like strawberry, melon, matcha, or blue Hawaii.
Many shops offer luxurious versions with fresh fruits, condensed milk, and even mochi.
4. Unagi: Grilled Eel for Stamina
Unagi (grilled freshwater eel) is traditionally eaten during the hottest days of summer, known as Doyo no Ushi no Hi.
Packed with protein and believed to boost stamina, unagi is served over rice as unadon or unaju.
5. Goya Champuru: Bitter Melon Stir-Fry
Originating from Okinawa, Goya Champuru is a healthy and flavorful stir-fry made with bitter melon, tofu, pork, and eggs.
It’s known for its refreshing bitterness, perfect for refreshing your appetite during hot weather.
6. Suika: Summer Watermelon
Suika (watermelon) is a classic summer fruit in Japan.
It’s often eaten during outdoor gatherings and festivals.
Some people even play suikawari, a traditional game similar to a piñata, where a blindfolded player tries to smash a watermelon with a stick!
Conclusion
From cool noodles to juicy watermelon, Japanese summer foods are all about refreshing your body and soul.
If you visit Japan during the summer, don’t miss the chance to try these delicious seasonal treats!
