Top 5 Anime Foods That You Must Try

Japan has given the world many things, cars, technology, lessons (Hiroshima and Nagasaki), food and many more. But what makes it truly famous is the cartoons that have been produced by the country. Although calling them cartoons isn’t truly doing them justice. Anime, as they have been referred to, has become insanely popular over the last decade. Japanese anime, in particular, has gained widespread success wherever it goes. Nowadays, there’s not a single person who has not been influenced by anime in one way or the other. Such has been its impact.

The elements shown or portrayed in a majority of anime are mainly fictional and extravagant, but there certain genres present that incorporate real life, commonplace issues. However, one of the most relatable phenomena that is shown is undoubtedly the foods that are shown. In addition to being visually pleasing, it is also totally possible to replicate them as is. Here, we will be taking a look at some of the most famous Anime foods that you have to try at least once.

• Ramen

Ramen (or noodles, as termed by the western culture) might just be the most easily recognizable food out there, thanks to it being featured in nearly every anime there is. But the main reason for its popularity undoubtedly has to be because of the popular anime series, Naruto; in which the protagonist (or MC, as they are commonly referred as) has an immense liking for Ichiraku Ramen, a shop that sells ramen. He is so crazy about ramen that his name is synonymous with ramen till this day. It is also extremely easy to prepare, as is visible from the above picture. Moreover, it also has a satisfying look to it, irrespective of the medium it is portrayed in. It is therefore no doubt that this should be right at the top of your list.

• Onigiri

Another famous dish from Japan that is shown in a large number of anime, the Onigiri, or rice ball is made from white rice formed into triangular or cylindrical shapes and often wrapped in edible seaweed. The rice ball can be stuffed with a variety of fillings, ranging from pickled fruits/vegetables to fried fish and meat. It can be found in almost every anime as well, and was particularly controversial when it featured in Pokémon. The dub edit gave the snack a name that viewers outside of Japan would be more familiar with, such as ‘sandwiches’. However, after some backlash from fans, The Pokémon Company changed it to the more accurate ‘rice balls’.

• Katsudon

The Katsudon, or pork cutlet bowl is an amazing mix of deep-fried pork cutlet, eggs, and rice. It was featured heavily in the anime Yuri!!! on Ice, where the MC Yuuri Katsuki has a particular liking for the Katsudon.

• Takoyaki

Takoyaki is the perfect snack for foodies who love seafood. The best way to make this ball-shaped Japanese snack is to fill them with minced or diced octopus (tako), deep fried flour-batter, pickled ginger, and green onions. Topping this delicious meal is a blend of sauce, shredded vegetables, and shavings of dried bonito fish. 

• Dango

The spherical snacks are made from mochiko (rice flour), and they can be eaten year-round. They are another of the extremely popular dishes featured heavily across anime.