Japanese dishes that are neither sushi nor ramen and that you HAVE to try.

Are you a fan of Japanese food and want to go beyond sushi and ramen? Here's a guide to essential dishes you should know for your next visit to a Japanese restaurant.

Yakitori: Skewers to enjoy with a beer

These grilled chicken skewers are the perfect bite for a relaxed after-work meal. Upon entering a yakitori restaurant, you're greeted by the warmth of the charcoal and the aroma of grilled chicken. Chefs prepare skewers with practically every part of the chicken: from the breast and thigh to the heart, gizzard, and even the cartilage. They're an affordable and delicious option to enjoy with a drink.

Okonomiyaki: The Japanese savory "pancake"

Although often described as a savory pancake, okonomiyaki is much more. It's made with a batter of egg and flour mixed with cabbage, which is cooked on a griddle. The beauty of it is that you can customize it: the word "okonomi" means "preference." You can add pork belly, kimchi, various vegetables, and it's usually served with bonito flakes, mayonnaise, and a special sauce.

Udon: Thick and comforting noodles

These wheat flour noodles are a staple of Japanese cuisine. They're a hearty and affordable lunch option, typically served boiled in a simple broth. The most basic version, kake udon, is more than enough for a complete meal. If you want to add more flavor, restaurants often offer toppings like raw egg, tempura flakes, or scallions.

Miso Soup: The soup that accompanies any meal

This light soup is a staple at Japanese breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's made with dashi and miso, a salty fermented soybean paste. There are four main types of miso (white, red, mixed, and barley) and dozens of regional varieties, each imparting a unique flavor to the soup.

Unagi: Eel to recharge energy

Unagi, or eel, is traditionally grilled and served with a sweet and savory tare sauce. It is said to provide energy and vitality, so it is customary to eat it on Ox Day to combat summer fatigue, and it is also considered an aphrodisiac.

Wagashi: Traditional sweets like jewelry

Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets. This category is very broad and includes everything from simple mochi (rice cakes) filled with nuts to delicate works of art served at tea ceremonies. They reflect the season and the region.

Tonkatsu: The Japanese breaded cutlet

This breaded pork cutlet is a very popular dish. It was invented in 1899 and was initially considered a Western-style dish, as pork wasn't widely consumed in Japan. It's served with rice and shredded cabbage. When curry sauce is added, it becomes the popular katsu curry.

Oyakodon: A comforting homemade classic

Its name, meaning "father and son bowl," refers to the fact that it contains chicken and egg. It's a simple and comforting dish where onions, chicken, and beaten egg are cooked together in dashi and then served over a bowl of steaming rice.

Yokan: A dense and traditional sweet

Yokan is a classic dessert made from sweet red bean paste and agar-agar, giving it a dense, gelatinous texture. It's sold in blocks that are cut into small portions. It's very sweet, so a couple of bites are enough, and it's ideal to enjoy with tea.

Now you have a new list of dishes to explore. Which one will you try first?