Japanese Breakfast
A survival guide
to enjoying traditional Japanese breakfast
When traveling
to or spending any amount of time in Japan,
the most important meal of the day becomes even more
important. After all,
travellers need their energy. Fortunately Japanese
breakfast foods
deliver all
the energy you’ll need plus a little something more—a morning challenge
that
can take some getting used to.
Japanese
breakfast ingredients
Traditional Japanese breakfasts are just that: traditional.
They combine many local foods and regional specialities, which for the
visitor often
translates into very acquired tastes. But while the Japanese breakfast
is
traditional it’s also very modern and is still eaten every day.
The typical Japanese breakfast is a combination of items that are high in protein and nutrients and low in fat and cholesterol (like most Japanese meals). Most Japanese breakfast meals include a steaming bowl of rice, another steaming bowl of miso soup, various varieties of dried, salted, or freshly cooked fish, and some regional vegetable and meat dishes.
What makes Japanese breakfast challenging for the traveler is that most usually include raw egg either alone, on rice, or mixed with natto—fermented and naturally slimy soy beans mixed with soya sauce. And, let’s face it, not everyone can eat raw eggs and natto.
Where
to eat (or avoid) Japanese Breakfast
Traditional
Japanese breakfasts are usually served in
hotels, ryokans, and onsen hotels. These will either be served in-room,
or in a
large buffet style dining area. But don’t expect many restaurants
outside of
hotels or ryokans to be open in the morning, as few Japanese people eat
breakfast out unless they are away from home.
Fortunately, Western-style breakfast restaurants are becoming more available in Japan and serve staples such as fried eggs, toasted thick white bread, pancakes, strong coffee, and tiny Japanese sausages. While not as healthy as the traditional Japanese breakfast, a familiar breakfast can be a welcome start to any morning on the road.
To
eat, or not to eat?
If you wake up to a traditional Japanese breakfast prepared
with care and attention by a Japanese friend or host, but can’t stand
the site or
taste of a raw eggs and natto, fear not. While most Japanese truly
enjoy these
foods, they rarely expect foreigners to do the same. The golden rule of
eating
on the road: if you can’t eat it, don’t.
Japanese
breakfast and chopsticks
If you are served a traditional Japanese breakfast,
generally it will come with only chopsticks. Yet if you dine at a
Western restaurant,
a fork, knife, and spoon will naturally be provided. This makes sense,
but if
you have trouble with chopsticks, don’t hesitate to ask for a fork for
your
Japanese breakfast as delivering the food to its destination is the
only thing
that really matters—and the comfort of the customer or guest is always
more
important.
Dive
in to Japanese Breakfast
In general, the Japanese breakfast is one of the most
filling, tasty, and healthy breakfasts you can eat. The variety of
local dishes
is outstanding, and as usual, meals are prepared with exceptional care
and
attention. While certain types of salted fish take some getting used
to, and
raw eggs and natto can be a challenge, don’t avoid the Japanese
breakfast. It
really is one of the best things about being in Japan.
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