Fusion food. We often find them in mid-to-high end restaurants. Japanese cuisine, although very special, also welcomes a style of Western-influenced cooking from the Meiji era (1868-1912). Yoshoku is a Japanese term that refers to adaptation of Western cuisine. Yoshoku continues to evolve to this day, loved by elder and young Japanese.
In a sense, Yoshoku is a category of Japanese cuisine that is western-inspired that has developed independently in Japan. Sometimes there are controversial flavour combinations, such as strawberries on top of a pizza and wasabi kitkats. However, many yoshoku dishes are well-received in people’s taste buds.
These kinds of dishes that are influenced by dishes from France, Italy, Spain, and many more, are widely available in Japan. Japanese people can enjoy it at yoshoku-ya (Yoshoku restaurants), chain restaurants, and even in the ready-made meal section at the supermarket.
Here are some most popular Yoshoku dishes that we probably already tried before:
1. Curry Rice
Japan got its introduction of curry via the British Royal Navy at the end of the 19th century. Curry rice is a popular Japanese dish, yet it is technically Indian in origin. Japanese curry is more mild and sweet with a gravy-like consistency. It also added potatoes, carrots and onions, as well as root vegetables.
2. Omurice
Omurice is a combination of omelette and rice. It consists of cooked rice, most often pan-fried with chicken and ketchup, wrapped in an omelet. There are several restaurants that claim to be the birthplace of omurice. The most famous one is Rengatei in Ginza, and Hokkyokuse in Osaka. Both are popular Yoshoku restaurants that are still open today.
3. Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu is pork cutlets, simply a dish made by coating the pork loin with breadcrumbs then deep fried it. The dish was adopted from “cotelette” (the French word for a thinly cut slice of pork that’s breaded and deep fried). In a Japanese style meal, it is often served with rice, miso soup, and pickles.
4. Napotan
Napolitan Pasta is a unique Japanese dish in which cooked spaghetti is pan-fried in ketchup with green pepper, ham, and onion. There is a difference than regular pasta, because the noodles are boiled tender just like Japanese noodles which have a soft texture.
Those are only a few of the items on a Yoshoku restaurant menu. If you are craving for a new delicious menu, simply visit Sakae Sushi. We also sell Yoshoku on the Burger & Pasta menu. There are Teriyaki Chicken Burger, Chicken Katsu Burger, Salmon Burger, Mentai Mayo Fries, Wasabi Fries, and Mentaiko Pasta.
You can also enjoy these meals at the comfort of your home. Simply put your order here: https://bit.ly/sakaesushiorder