Can You Name All of These Japanese Dishes?

By: Elizabeth Lavis
Estimated Completion Time
3 min
Can You Name All of These Japanese Dishes?
Image: ShyMan / E+ / Getty Images

About This Quiz

Japan is home to some of the best foods in the world. 

From silky tofu to pungent natto, Japan is a land of delicious flavors and inventive combinations of foods that have been delighting people from all over the globe for decades. Sushi and sashimi are now commonplace in Japanese American restaurants, but new foods are cropping up all of the time. We are learning about the restorative and rich broth that makes up miso soup. Mochi has entered the world stage as a dessert to watch, and matcha is gaining prominence as a hot new flavor. 

Who remembers those salty bricks of inedible noodles from college that dared to call themselves ramen? Japan has the real thing: silky wheat noodles that soak up flavorful sauce and pair perfectly with vegetables and meat. 

Speaking of meat, Japan has some of the best beef in the entire world. Anyone who has ever drooled over a Kobe steak knows that the Japanese take the quality of their beef very seriously. They are truly a cut above the rest.

Japan is a land of layered flavors, unique foods and a culinary culture that is proud and varied. Who knows it backward and forward? It's time to find out!

1 Shinmai Rice
Izumi T / Moment / Getty Images
What is another word for this Japanese staple — also known as the first rice of the season?
Brown rice
Shinmai rice
Jasmine rice
Curry rice
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Shinmai rice refers to the first crop of the season and is a special kind of rice in Japan. It is generally plumper and more delicately flavored than other types of rice and is usually eaten plain.

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2 Tofu
KevinDyer / E+ / Getty Images
This vegetarian delicacy is a major part of Japanese cuisine. What is it?
Tofu
Takoyaki
Matcha
Natto
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tofu is prepared in a number of different ways in Japan. You can have fresh tofu, tofu that is deep-fried or firmly pressed tofu. This plant-based protein is used in so many different dishes, all over the world.

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3 Japanese Curry
kumacore / Moment / Getty Images
Can you name this comfort food staple of Japanese cuisine?
Tamagoyaki
Chirashi-don
Japanese curry
Onigiri
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Japanese curry is often served over rice, but it can also be a welcome accompaniment for udon or soba noodles. The curry is deeply flavored with vegetables and includes a rich sauce.

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4 Yakitori
Keiko Iwabuchi / Moment / Getty Images
This grilled street food is a Japanese favorite. What is it?
Yakitori
Natto
Onigiri
Sashimi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Yakitori is skewers of chicken that are grilled over coals and infused with special spices. These skewers make the perfect street dish and are a very popular late-night food in Japan.

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5 Udon noodles
inoc / Moment / Getty Images
What famous noodle is the basis for many Japanese dishes?
Oden
Udon
Umeboshi
Gyoza
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Udon noodles are thick, made out of wheat flour. Udon is generally served with a delicate broth and makes a hearty but simple meal. Some people think that a steaming bowl of udon is the best way to cure a cold.

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6 Edamame
by Thomas Gasienica / Moment / Getty Images
This snack is not only famous in Japan, but also loved worldwide! What is it?
Edamame
Mochi
Takoyaki
Chawanmushi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Edamame is essentially unripe soybeans, often served in their pods. The beans or pods are generally steamed and served piping hot with a lot of salt. Edamame is an addictive and delicious snack that is now enjoyed worldwide!

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7 Oden
quiLie / Moment / Getty Images
What Japanese one-pot meal is pictured here?
Monaka
Sukiyaki
Oden
Unagi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Oden is a one-pot Japanese meal that combines all of the good stuff together in a flavorful dashi broth. Each family has a different recipe, and you can find anything from fish cakes to hard-boiled eggs in a bowl of oden.

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8 Tamagoyaki
DigiPub / Moment / Getty Images
Do you know the name of this delectable Japanese egg omelet?
Tamagoyaki
Natto
Onigiri
Sukiyaki
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tamagoyaki is unlike any omelet that you have ever seen unless you've wandered through the streets of Tokyo. The cooked egg is rolled and formed into a rectangular shape for a unique taste and texture.

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9 Donburi
DigiPub / Moment / Getty Images
Which rice bowl dish is an amazing combination of Japanese flavors?
Shabu shabu
Tonkatsu
Sukiyaki
Donburi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Donburi is the Japanese name for a rice bowl topped with a combination of vegetables and meat. You can use just about anything to make an amazing donburi, as long as the ingredients are cooked low and slow together.

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10 Mochi
Cheryl Chan / Moment / Getty Images
Can you name these famous Japanese rice cakes?
Mochi
Wagyu
Umeboshi
Gyoza
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mochi are small cakes made from glutinous rice. They are sometimes served plain, but they can also contain all sorts of different delicious fillings. They make a perfect on-the-go food!

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11 Ramen
skaman306 / Moment / Getty Images
These noodles are not the ones you remember from college. What are they?
Soba
Udon
Ramen
Unagi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Real ramen is a thing of beauty. The thin noodles are wheat based and light enough to soak up some of the flavorful broth. Ramen is served with a variety of vegetables and meats.

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12 Okonomiyaki
SammyVision / Moment / Getty Images
Which delicious Japanese street food is pictured here?
Yakitori
Okonomiyaki
Tamagoyaki
Mentaiko
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Okonomiyaki is a giant savory pancake that can be loaded up with virtually any ingredient you can imagine. They vary depending on the region of Japan you're visiting, but all of them are tasty!

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13 Nikujaga
Photography by nipomen / Moment Open / Getty Images
What is the name of this hearty potato-based Japanese dish?
Nikujaga
Sukiyaki
Miso soup
Natto
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Nikujaga is a savory dish that will totally stick to your ribs. This regional favorite is generally a combination of onion, potatoes and meat. Potatoes make up the bulk of the dish, making it filling and tasty.

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14 Tarako
canacol / Moment / Getty Images
What salty fish egg specialty is a favorite dish in Japan?
Mochi
Tarako
Sashimi
Sukiyaki
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tarako is salted cod roe. It's a uniquely Japanese dish that has been embraced in other parts of the world. Many sushi restaurants will serve a variation of tarako on their menus.

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15 Dried Squid
TOHRU MINOWA/a.collectionRF / Getty Images
This snack favorite is beloved in Japan. Can you name it?
Wagashi
Dried squid
Natto
Shabu shabu
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dried squid is a popular snack in many coastal Southeast Asian countries, including Japan. Sometimes referred to as dried cuttlefish, this food makes a salty and tasty snack that will cut through cravings.

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16 Wagyu
Jordan Lye / Moment / Getty Images
Do you know the name of this prized beef from Japan?
Wagyu
Edamame
Gyoza
Oden
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Wagyu is simply any cattle that is raised in Japan. Kobe beef is a special strain of Wagyu, and it is one of the most prized proteins in the entire world. Wagyu is known for being exceptionally flavorful and having an amazing texture.

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17 Pickled Ginger
Ivan / Moment / Getty Images
This crunchy sushi accompaniment is used as a palate cleanser. What is it?
Onigiri
Sushi
Sashimi
Pickled ginger
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pickled ginger, called gari, is generally served alongside sushi or sashimi. It is crunchy and delicious and has a slightly spicy, tart flavor. Ginger is also very good for your overall health, so chow down on it!

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18 Soba
masahiro Makino / Moment / Getty Images
Can you identify these thin noodles that can be enjoyed hot or cold?
Soba
Gyoza
Unagi
Wasabi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Soba noodles are thinner than their counterpart, udon noodles. Soba are thin buckwheat strands that can be enjoyed hot or cold. They are generally served with sauce or as a bed for veggies or meat.

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19 Azuki_bean_ice_cream
Wiki Commons by Douglas Perkins
This Japanese sweet treat is actually made with red beans. What is it?
Matcha
Wagashi
Azuki ice cream
Natto
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Azuki ice cream is a cold treat made with red beans and flavored with plenty of sugar. Red beans are used to make many desserts and fillings in Japan, while they're usually reserved for savory dishes in the West.

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20 Yaki-Imo
masahiro Makino / Moment Open / Getty Images
What roasted sweet potato dish is a Japanese street food favorite?
Yaki-Imo
Tarako
Nikujaga
Wasabi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Yaki-imo is a roasted Japanese sweet potato that is famously eaten in Japan during the winter. it is a comforting and flavorful dish that makes the perfect snack for people on the go.

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21 Gyoza
DigiPub / Moment / Getty Images
These dumplings are either boiled or fried, then eaten with soy sauce. What are they?
Mochi
Wagyu
Gyoza
Onigiri
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gyoza are popular all over Southeast Asia, where they go by many different names. The general concept is the same, however. Basically, gyoza are dumplings that are boiled or fried and served with a tasty sauce.

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22 Nukazuke
MASAHIRO MORIGAKI / Getty Images
Which Japanese pickled favorite makes the perfect side dish?
Nukazuke
Wagashi
Takoyaki
Soba
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Nukazuke is actually a technique for pickling vegetables, which involves curing them in rice bran. It is the perfect preparation for just about any vegetable you can imagine, including eggplant, cucumber and radishes.

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23 Sukiyaki
Photography by Stephen Cairns / Moment / Getty Images
This dish is made at the table, making for a fun and interactive meal. What is it?
Udon
Sukiyaki
Wagyu
Mochi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sukiyaki is a favorite Japanese dish that is cooked right at the table. Thin strips of beef simmer away in a flavorful broth studded with vegetables until it's ready to be eaten by the guests.

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24 Japanese Sweet Roll
JapaneseCooking101 / YouTube
Which Japanese staple can you find in bakeries all across the country?
Nikujaga
Okonomiyaki
Mochi
Japanese sweet roll
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Japanese sweet roll, or kashi pan, is a bakery delicacy. There are several different variations, and they can be filled with just about anything, from raisins to red bean paste.

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25 Chawanmushi
Eriko Tsukamoto / Moment / Getty Images
Can you name this savory custard dish?
Chawanmushi
Unagi
Sushi
Tarako
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Chawanmushi is a savory custard that is popular in Japan. It is thick, decadent and filled with a vast variety of scrumptious ingredients. Each region has its own version of this dish.

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26 Sushi
Pamela Lao / Moment / Getty Images
This popular Japanese dish has crossed the pond. What is it?
Sashimi
Sushi
Natto
Mochi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sushi is one of the most popular dishes in the world, and it comes in seemingly infinite varieties. Although sushi usually includes raw fish, that's not always the case. Eel, for example, is always cooked, even when served as sushi.

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27 Natto
TUGIO MURATA/amanaimagesRF / Getty Images
What fermented soybean dish is a bit of an acquired taste?
Natto
Tarako
Yakitori
Gyoza
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Natto is certainly an acquired taste. It is made of fermented soybeans and served with onion, soy sauce and mustard. The flavor is strong, and the beans can be on the slimy side, but people totally swear by it!

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28 Shabu Shabu
DAJ / Getty Images
This DIY Japanese favorite involves thin slices of meat and veggies cooked in water. Do you know what it's called?
Okonomiyaki
Edamame
Sukiyaki
Shabu shabu
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Shabu shabu is the ultimate dish for a crowd because it is interactive and delicious. You cook thin slices of meat and vegetables in a communal hot pot of water, then eat them with a variety of different condiments.

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29 Miso Soup
Keiko Iwabuchi / Moment / Getty Images
Which famous soup is the traditional starter for Japanese meals?
Mochi soup
Red bean soup
Miso soup
Matcha soup
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Miso soup is made by stirring miso paste into dashi flavored broth. It is generally eaten with scallion greens and tiny cubed pieces of tofu, although it can contain mushrooms or other extras as well.

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30 Green Tea
Jeff Laitila www.Sushicam.com / Moment / Getty Images
Can you name Japan's most famous beverage?
Green tea
Earl grey tea
Iced coffee
Red bean milkshake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Green tea has been a staple of Japanese cuisine for centuries. This good-for-you beverage is delicious served hot or cold, and green tea is even used to flavor many Japanese dishes and desserts.

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31 Takoyaki
Alexander Spatari / Moment / Getty Images
Which octopus-filled street food staple is pictured here?
Mochi
Takoyaki
Chawanmushi
Gyoza
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Takoyaki is one of the most beloved foods in all of Japan. Every stall has its own variety, but all contain the same basic ingredients. Lighter than air dough is filled with minced octopus, scallions and ginger.

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32 Wasabi
DigiPub / Moment / Getty Images
Do you know the name of this spicy condiment?
Pickled ginger
Sashimi
Mochi
Wasabi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Wasabi is the bright green spicy condiment that is the perfect companion for sushi or sashimi. It is often served alongside soy sauce and pickled ginger for a completely satisfying flavor experience.

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33 Onigiri
MakiEni's photo / Moment / Getty Images
This Japanese street food is essentially rice wrapped in nori. What is it?
Onigiri
Soba
Waygu
Gyoza
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Onigiri is rice balls, often with a filling, that are wrapped in nori. The result is an easy to eat, quick snack that is perfect for people on the go. Onigiri totally hits the spot.

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34 Vegetable Tempura
Monkey Business Images / Monkey Business / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Which Japanese favorite is pictured here?
Chawanmushi
Nukazuke
Vegetable tempura
Yaki-Imo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Vegetable tempura is comprised of vegetables that are thinly sliced, coated in tempura batter and deep fried. It is generally served piping hot, with a side of soy sauce for dipping.

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35 Kaiseki
DigiPub / Moment Open / Getty Images
What is the name for this traditional Japanese multi-course dinner?
Kaiseki
Wagyu
Sashimi
Gyoza
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kaiseki is the name for a multi-course Japanese dinner that really allows the chef in question to show off their skills. It is usually reserved for formal occasions and events.

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36 Umeboshi
tomophotography / Moment / Getty Images
Which salted Japanese plum, pictured here, has a unique taste?
Natto
Umeboshi
Sukiyaki
Kashi pan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Umeboshi are salted pickled Japanese plums. They have a distinct flavor that might be a little off-putting for some. Many Japanese people love the contrast of umeboshi, and it's considered to have health benefits.

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37 Wagashi
masahiro Makino / Moment Open / Getty Images
Do you know the name of these delicate Japanese candies?
Wagashi
Oden
Wasabi
Edamame
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Wagashi are delicate treats, often served with Japanese tea. They are usually handcrafted and very beautiful. Wagashi are generally made with bean paste and echo the traditional flavors of Japan.

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38 Tonkatsu
4kodiak / E+ / Getty Images
This Japanese breaded pork classic is the ultimate comfort food. What is it called?
Yaki-Imo
Nikujaga
Tonkatsu
Tamagoyaki
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tonkatsu is a breaded and fried pork cutlet — the ultimate comfort food from Japan. It is generally served with a savory sauce and a slaw, as well as a heaping serving of rice.

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39 Unagi
Randy R.A. Gibbs / Moment Open / Getty Images
What freshwater eel is known as a Japanese delicacy?
Unagi
Soba
Dried squid
Donburi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Unagi is a type of Japanese freshwater eel that is often included as a major protein in many Japanese dishes. It can be fried, steamed, used in stir-fries or eaten by itself. Unagi is a staple of Japanese cuisine!

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40 Sashimi
Prasit photo / Moment / Getty Images
Can you name the raw fish dish pictured here?
Gyoza
Mochi
Sushi
Sashimi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Unlike sushi, sashimi does not include rice. The dish features slices of raw fish or perhaps other raw meat, and it is served with the same accompaniments as sushi, such as pickled ginger and wasabi.

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