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, a rice porridge often served with fruit such as pickled plums.

Miso Soup

Similar to rice, miso soup is another common feature of all Japanese meals. This includes breakfast, where it is typically served with tofu, seaweed or various vegetables. Miso is one of Japan’s most well-known flavours, made with soybean paste. Miso Shiru is a popular breakfast soup, a soybean and dashi broth to which is added green onions, tofu, seaweed, and Japanese mushrooms.

Yakizakana (grilled fish)

Japan is known for its healthy cuisine. Which is perhaps not surprising considering that grilled fish is a staple feature of Japanese breakfasts. Some other cultures occasionally branch out for a smoked kipper breakfast treat. In Japan, it’s one of the primary considerations as a way of starting the day off with a protein source. Mackerel, sardines, and salmon are the most popular Japanese breakfast fish, grilled and lightly salted.

Eggs

The other main protein option for Japanese breakfasts aside from fish, eggs are probably the closest traditional Japanese breakfasts come to western breakfasts. One of the most popular egg-based dishes is tamagoyaki, which is a Japanese omelette typically served with either sugar, soy sauce, dashi or bonito fish flakes. Soft boiled eggs are a common accompaniment to rice or miso soup. Another breakfast delicacy is tamago kake gohan, which is a raw egg served on top of steamed rice.

Sides

Japanese breakfasts often come with side accompaniments, which typically include:

  • Tsukemono – pickled vegetables or fruits such as plum
  • Natto – fermented soybeans served with rice, mustard or green onions
  • Nori – dried seaweed
  • Yudofu – hot tofu slices often served in miso soup

Green Tea

The most popular breakfast beverage in Japan, although coffee, juice, and water are other common alternatives.

pelican from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons