Japanese Cuisine is so unique that it often surprises visitors. Udon restaurants have their own customs, and sushi restaurants follow different etiquette. Every dining experience in Japan is distinct, making its food culture as fascinating as its flavors. Visiting Tokyo? Be sure to join a cooking class to truly understand and appreciate the art of Japanese cuisine.
Let’s explore some of the most interesting aspects of Japanese food culture with Unatoto Singapore!
Washoku – UNESCO-Recognized Japanese Food Culture
Washoku is the general term for traditional Japanese cuisine (according to National Geographic). However, it also includes the preparation of seasonal and fresh ingredients, as well as cultural practices and meanings associated with certain Japanese meals, especially during festive occasions like New Year’s (as noted by UNESCO).
The essence of washoku and its cultural significance have earned it a place on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This recognition makes Washoku one of the few cuisines to receive such an honor, alongside Singapore’s community dining practices and French gastronomy (as cited by The Michelin Guide).
Japanese food culture expert Takeo Koizumi explained what defines Washoku in an interview with Japan’s Public Relations Office. He stated, "Washoku consists of seven main ingredients and one supporting ingredient. The main components include root vegetables, leafy greens, fruits and vegetables, edible wild plants, legumes—particularly soybeans—sea plants, and grains like rice. The supporting ingredient is animal protein, which includes fish, meat, and eggs."
Chado – An Essential Part of Japanese Cuisine
When discussing food, people often focus on dishes, but beverages also play a key role in Japanese cuisine. According to the World History Encyclopedia, the practice of drinking tea originated with Buddhist monks in southern China and became widespread across the country around the 8th century (as noted in Of Tripod and Palate). Buddhism remained intertwined with tea drinking as it spread from China to Japan during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) (as cited by National Geographic).
Over time, this Chinese tea-drinking practice evolved into Chado, the Japanese tea ceremony. Chado was shaped by various Japanese social groups, including samurai, Buddhist monks, and tea masters.
Even today, Chado remains an important cultural tradition that strengthens Japanese identity, breaks down social hierarchies, and fosters harmony. Many people participate in Chado for personal reasons. Jennifer L. Anderson, an anthropology lecturer at San Jose State University, explains, "Nowadays, Japanese people engage in the tea ceremony for social and spiritual reasons. Most enjoy the company of fellow tea practitioners and the aesthetics of the ceremony—flower arrangements, calligraphy scrolls, and seasonal elements—all of which have remained unchanged for centuries" (according to National Geographic).
Simplicity is the Key to Sushi – A Defining Element of Japanese Cuisine
Among Japan’s many iconic dishes, none is more well-known than sushi. Interestingly, like tea, sushi originally came from China and was introduced to Japan around the 8th century.
Early sushi was a combination of rice and fish, both fermented for months before consumption. The fresh sushi we know today first appeared in the early 19th century when Hanaya Yohei created nigiri—a hand-pressed sushi with fresh fish on top of a small bed of rice (as reported by The Chicago Tribune).
Yohei’s delicate presentation and refined sushi style became a hallmark of Japanese cuisine. However, as sushi spread to other countries, it often lost its essential simplicity. From California rolls to spicy tuna, many non-traditional elements were added by chefs outside Japan. Sushi chef Kotaro Kumita lamented this trend in an interview with City Arts, saying, "In Japan, we spend many years mastering the basics before moving on. But here, it’s the opposite. People start with easy things—sauces, spices, crazy rolls—and they don’t learn the fundamentals. If you don’t know the basics, it’s hard to do things right."
At Unatoto Singapore, we preserve this spirit of authenticity by staying true to traditional Japanese flavors. Known for our signature unagi don (grilled eel rice bowl), we focus on simplicity and high-quality ingredients. With an authentic Japanese menu and quick yet meticulous service, Unatoto Singapore is a testament to preserving culinary traditions while adapting to new influences.
Chanko Nabe – The Hearty Hotpot That Fuels Sumo Wrestlers
For nearly two centuries, sumo wrestling has played a crucial role in Japanese culture, and chanko nabe, the nutritious hotpot that sumo wrestlers eat daily, has become a staple in restaurants across Japan. Many of these eateries are owned and run by retired sumo wrestlers.
Each sumo training stable has its own chanko nabe recipe. While the ingredients vary by region, the broth—made from chicken stock or dashi—is a constant. Chicken is a common protein in chanko nabe, along with a variety of vegetables, including shiitake mushrooms. The result is a high-energy, nutrient-rich dish.
In an interview with NPR, retired sumo wrestler Yamamotoyama Ryūta stated, "Many people think sumo wrestlers only eat fatty foods. But that’s not true. We eat very healthily—rice, soup, lots of vegetables, and meat—it’s a well-balanced diet."
Sumo wrestlers’ meals follow the same balanced nutrition principles as Ichiju Sansai—a traditional Japanese meal structure consisting of one soup, one main dish, and two side dishes. At Unatoto Singapore, we embrace this philosophy, ensuring our meals are both nutritious and authentically Japanese. Whether it’s our signature grilled eel or the carefully crafted balance of rice, soup, and side dishes, we offer a complete and wholesome dining experience.
Sake – The Drink of Choice for Many Japanese People
Like tea, sake plays a vital role in Japanese food culture. In fact, more than half of Japanese people aged 20–29 and 75% of those aged 50 and older drink sake several times a week (according to Statista). Often mistakenly labeled as "rice wine" (as noted by VinePair), sake is actually brewed through a process called multiple parallel fermentation, which differs significantly from traditional winemaking (as explained by Britannica).
Throughout Japan’s history, drinking sake has been linked to both formal occasions and celebrations. One of the most significant sake-related rituals is the Japanese wedding ceremony known as san-san-kudo. During san-san-kudo, the bride and groom each take three sips of sake from three different cups, symbolizing their union.
Final Thoughts
With its rich history and diverse cultural influences, Japan offers visitors a truly unique and unforgettable culinary experience. Discover more fascinating aspects of Japanese cuisine with Unatoto Singapore, and savor the authentic taste of grilled eel prepared the traditional way. Stay tuned for the next article, where we reveal five more surprising facts about Japanese food culture!
Come to Unatoto Singapore to enjoy unagi don and immerse yourself in the charm of Japanese cuisine. This is your chance to taste a remarkable traditional dish and indulge in an unforgettable meal. We look forward to welcoming you and providing you with an outstanding culinary experience!
Contact for Reservations:
Unatoto Guoco Tower
7 Wallich St, B1 - 03 Guoco Tower Singapore
Phone: +65 6015 0591
Facebook: Unatoto Singapore
Unatoto Novena Square
238 Thomson Rd, 01-84 Velocity@Novena Square, Singapore
Phone: +65 6909 7519
Facebook: Unatoto Novena Square
+ WEB: Unatoto Singapore
+ INSTAGRAM: Unatoto Singapore
+ TIKTOK: Unatoto Singapore
+ DELIVERY
Comments