Breakfast in Japan

The Japanese diet is based on three daily meals, one of which is breakfast. However, traditional Japanese breakfasts are somewhat different to what westerners might be used to. Fish or rice for breakfast? Oh yes! Breakfasts in Japan tend to follow the pattern of other daily meals, namely there will be a carb element, a protein element, and a side dish. International breakfasts are becoming more popular in the country due to the increasing number of foreign residents, so you can find many places serving up the likes of toast, pancakes, cereal, and even a continental spread including cheese and meat. But don’t expect to find the British “fry up” in too many eateries. Here is a selection of what makes up a common breakfast among Japanese nationals. Gohan (steamed rice) Rice is one of the main staples of the Japanese diet and it features at the breakfast table too. It provides the carb element to Japanese breakfasts, although you can sometimes find noodles as a substitute. In a traditional breakfast, white or brown rice will be served in a small bowl to eat with sauce (e.g. soy) and vegetables or fish. You can also find it prepared as okayu,…