Eating in Japan with kids? Does this sound intimidating? Worry not, because we have brought you the list of 15 best Japanese foods that you can enjoy with your kids. Visiting sushi and izakayas restaurants sounds cliche but fun however, when you travel to Japan with your family, especially with kids the whole scenario changes. You might satisfy your pallets but kids could complain. It is important to find appropriate cuisines for you and your kids.
Whether you are visiting to restaurant or food market make sure that you select the venue that is best suited for your family and kids. Easy and comfortable dining is what most people look for and a family restaurant is best for that.
Not many people know about the varieties of Japanese food and the types that kids might like. In this article, we have listed 15 best food options for your kids. Read our blog to learn the variety of Japanese that your kids might like.
In Japan, you can find a variety of healthy and delicious food options for kids. Here are some popular choices:
Japanese cuisine offers a variety of delicious options that kids can enjoy. Here are 15 popular and kid-friendly Japanese foods:
Sushi Rolls (Maki): Sushi rolls are tasty and kid-friendly because they are frequently filled with ingredients like cucumber, avocado, cooked shrimp, or imitation crab.
Tempura: Because of their crispy texture and subtle flavor, lightly battered and fried vegetables (like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini) or seafood (like shrimp or fish) are kid-friendly favorites.
Yakitori: A lot of kids love this grilled chicken on skewers. Yakitori is particularly appealing because the teriyaki sauce combines savory and sweet flavors. It is one of the best baby foods in Japan.
Gyoza: Pan-fried to perfection, these Japanese dumplings are usually filled with minced meat (chicken or pork) and vegetables. Children find them entertaining to eat because they are bite-sized and frequently served with a dipping sauce.
Ramen: Though some children may find the strong flavors of authentic ramen too strong, there are softer varieties like miso or shoyu (soy sauce) ramen that are readily available. Youngsters will love slurping up the noodles and consuming the aromatic broth.
Onigiri: These seaweed-wrapped rice balls are frequently stuffed with tuna mayo, pickled plums (umeboshi), or grilled salmon. Easy to carry, onigiri is a great option for kid-friendly lunches or snacks.
Okonomiyaki: It is a versatile dish made with a batter of flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and various toppings like sliced pork belly, shrimp, or cheese. It is also known as Japanese pizza or savory pancakes.
Karaage: Karaage, a type of fried chicken popular in Japan, is coated in flour, deep-fried until crispy, and marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. It's juicy, flavorful, and ideal for children who enjoy fried chicken.
Takoyaki: In Japan, savory octopus balls known as "takoyaki" are a common street snack. Takoyaki, which is cooked in a specially molded pan and topped with savory sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes, is made from a batter filled with diced octopus, green onions, and pickled ginger.
Dango: These skewered sweet rice dumplings are frequently served with a glaze of sweet soy sauce or dusted with sugar and kinako, or toasted soybean flour. Kids will love the variety of flavors available in dado, such as matcha (green tea), strawberry, and sweet red bean.
Tonkatsu: It is a dish of deep-fried, beer-battered pork cutlets that is typically served with shredded cabbage and a tart tonkatsu sauce. Kids love it because of its tender meat and crispy outside.
Katsu Sando: A katsu sandwich consisting of a breaded and fried cutlet (usually chicken or pork), covered with mayonnaise and tangy tonkatsu sauce, and sandwiched between soft white bread slices. For kids, it's a filling and simple meal option.
Taiyaki: Red bean paste, custard, or chocolate are some of the sweet fillings that these fish-shaped cakes are filled with. Kids in Japan love to eat taiyaki because of its adorable shape and mouthwatering filling.
Udon Noodles: Thick and chewy udon noodles are often served in a mild broth and topped with ingredients like tempura, tofu, or sliced green onions. Udon is comforting and easy for kids to slurp up.
Melon Pan: A sweet bread bun covered in a thin layer of crisp cookie dough, melon pan gets its name from its melon-like appearance (though it doesn't necessarily contain melon flavor). It's a popular snack among kids in Japan due to its sweet taste and fun texture.
Final Thought
Japan provides a wide range of mouthwatering, kid-friendly menu options to suit different tastes and preferences. There's something to please even the pickiest palate, from traditional favorites like tempura and sushi rolls. This inventive delights like taiyaki and melon pan. Make sure that you read our Japanese food info and learn about Japanese food more.
Japanese food provides a fun culinary experience for children, whether they prefer savory dishes like yakitori and tonkatsu or sweet treats like dango and taiyaki. It's easy to find kid-friendly Japanese food options in Japan if you take good care of the flavors, textures, and presentation. So don't worry—learning about Japanese food with children can be a fun adventure full of delicious discoveries!