If you or someone you love is a picky eater but curious about trying Japanese food, you’re in for a cozy surprise. Japanese cuisine isn’t all raw fish and seaweed — there’s a comforting, gentle side to it that even the most cautious eaters can enjoy.
Here’s a list of Japanese dishes that are simple, tasty, and perfect for picky palates 🍱👇
🍙 1. Onigiri (Rice Balls)
Familiar and fun to eat
These soft rice triangles or balls are often filled with simple things like cooked salmon, pickled plum, or just salt.
They’re wrapped in nori (seaweed), but you can skip that if it feels too adventurous.
🧂 Try: salted rice with a dab of butter or soy sauce — even plain is delicious!
🍢 2. Yakitori (Grilled Chicken Skewers)
Simple flavors, easy textures
Yakitori is grilled chicken served on skewers, often just seasoned with salt or a mild sweet soy glaze (tare).
It’s basically the Japanese version of a chicken nugget stick.
🔥 Try: chicken thigh or meatballs (tsukune) for the juiciest bites.
🍜 3. Ramen (Noodle Soup)
Warm, comforting, and customizable
Ramen is a hearty noodle soup with endless variations.
If you’re picky, go for shoyu (soy sauce) or shio (salt) broth — they’re light and not fishy.
🍳 Additions like soft-boiled egg, plain noodles, or corn make it extra cozy.
🍤 4. Tempura (Lightly Fried Veggies & Shrimp)
Crispy, not greasy
Tempura is a gentle introduction to fried food. Think lightly battered sweet potato, shrimp, or pumpkin — not too spicy, not too strange.
🥕 Try: sweet potato or zucchini tempura with a simple dipping sauce or just a pinch of salt.
🍛 5. Japanese Curry (Kare Raisu)
Sweet, savory, and satisfying
Japanese curry is thicker and sweeter than Indian curry — more like a stew.
It’s served with rice and usually mild, with tender meat and soft potatoes.
🍽️ Try: pork or chicken katsu curry if you like breaded meat.
🍚 6. Tamago Sushi (Sweet Egg Omelet)
A sushi that tastes like breakfast
This sushi features a sweet, fluffy egg on top of rice. No raw fish here! It’s perfect for those easing into sushi culture.
🍯 It’s slightly sweet, soft in texture, and often a kid favorite in Japan.
🍥 7. Udon Noodles
Thick, chewy, and super comforting
Udon noodles are big, soft, and served in mild broths. They can come with toppings like tofu, mushrooms, or tempura — or kept totally plain.
🍵 Try: kake udon — just noodles in light broth with a few scallions.
🥢 8. Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings)
Crispy outside, savory inside
These pan-fried dumplings are filled with ground meat and vegetables. They’re small, snackable, and usually served with a soy dipping sauce.
🥟 Try: pork gyoza — it’s the most classic and crowd-pleasing option.
Trying Japanese food doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Start simple, go slow, and discover what brings you joy.
Even the pickiest eaters might fall in love with a soft onigiri or a bowl of gentle udon 🍜💛
