The Best Japanese Food, Ranked
Our definitive, completely subjective, absolutely argued-over rankings of Japanese food — updated regularly.
Sashimi (刺身)
The purest expression of Japanese cuisine. Just the fish, the knife, and absolute trust.
Ramen Jiro (ラーメン二郎)
Not a meal — a rite of passage. The mountain of noodles, garlic, and pork fat that changed how Tokyo eats.
Takoyaki (たこやき)
Osaka's molten-hot octopus balls — the one street food everyone slightly gets wrong, and the one everyone loves.
Tonkatsu (トンカツ)
The crunch heard round the world. Japan took a pork cutlet and made it a religion.
Karaage (からあげ)
Japanese fried chicken that will ruin all other fried chicken for you. The izakaya essential.
Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き)
The savory pancake every Osakan will fight you over. Cook it yourself, eat it hot.
Sukiyaki (すき焼き)
Thin wagyu simmered in sweet soy, dipped in raw egg. The most comforting meal in Japan.
Tempura (天ぷら)
Impossibly light batter around the freshest seafood and vegetables. A meal and a meditation.
Miso Katsu (味噌カツ)
Nagoya's dark, sweet miso glaze over a crisp cutlet. Once you try it, plain sauce feels naked.
Omurice (オムライス)
A fluffy omelette draped over ketchup rice. Childhood comfort, plated like a dream.
