Reinventing Classics:
Top 3 Japanese Food Trends in 2024

May 28, 2024

The culinary landscape is not one without changes. And with the rise and fall of food trends, Japanese cuisine is not far behind in its innovations. Thus, to satiate the demands of a growing market, a refreshing take on classics is just what it needs.

In this article, discover the latest dishes that can be expected from Japan in 2024 that capture the fancy of many.

Established classics: An overview of Japanese cuisine

Established classics: An overview of Japanese cuisine

Japanese cuisine is strongly tied to its culture and geography. The use of fish and local produce will always be at its core, alongside the strong belief that nature enriches food and food enriches life. This notion can be seen in the country's practice of saying “Itadakimasu” or “I humbly receive” —a reverence to the elements that sustain their existence and a way to say grace when eating.

As such, Japan has dishes that are undeniably theirs—ones that have been around for a long time. The Japanese have crafted a roster of ‘Classics’ with finesse, intention, and consideration of what is available per season and prefecture. From sushi, to bentos, ramen, and even matcha, this famous East Asian cuisine has established itself as a persistent global favourite.

The future of Japanese food

However, the ever-changing palette of consumers has pushed Japanese cuisine to evolve. Classics are a great staple, but the world is full of trends that come and go. The food industry must adapt to sustain the penchant for these dishes and capture a whole new audience in 2024.

Industry experts are seeing the rise of trendy restaurants and their equally trendy dishes in Japan. With a focus on bringing what’s new, there is also an inclination towards influences from other cultures and countries. It is projected that traditional foods and beverages will employ contemporary practices to reinvent the wheel. And in addition to the fusion of flavours springing from other cuisines, the value of sustainability and storytelling through cooking is evident.

To know more about this culinary innovation, here are the top 3 Japanese food trends for 2024 that are a must-try:

1. NEW-dles: The new Japanese noodles

Japan is known for its savoury noodle dishes, whether it’s ramen, stir-fry, or udon. Fanatics for this type of cooking already know their traditional taste. But innovations have taken these to a whole new level.

Ramen bowls can now be vegan thanks to plant-based options made available for their ingredients. Due to a rising environmental consciousness among consumers and sustainable practices for food production, meat-free broth and toppings are taking the forefront.

Additionally, the classic Spicy Tsukemen is given a new flavour profile by Hiroshima Prefecture. Traditionally made with cold noodles and spicy sauce, the said district uses a blend of chilli oil, chilli pepper, vinegar, and sesame seeds on noodles plunged in ice water. It’s brimming with crispy vegetables and char siu pork that perfectly complements the sauce.

2. Sushi Fusions

If there is a food more representative of Japan in the minds of the public, it certainly has to be sushi. These dishes are finely crafted by the best chefs and have become a trademark of this East Asian cuisine. And with the rise of trends, sushi has been reinvented in various ways.

Influences from America and Mexico can be seen in the recent creation of Sushi Burgers and Sushi Burritos. Unconventional modes of preparation and distinct flavours are used to give the classic a more modern twist. This innovation also presents itself in the novel textures and palettes that chefs undertake as they enhance the culinary experience, whether fast food or luxury, with various imported ingredients, storytelling, and culture through food.

3. Matcha Mixes

Matcha, Japan’s beloved green powder, is no longer bound to teas. It has seen an overwhelming preference from a growing consumer market, not just in Japan but in other parts of the globe too.

Steering away from the classic brewed cup, matcha is now used in pastries, candies and sweets, coffee-infusions, ice creams, and even beverages like bottled water and shakes. Surprising developments can also be found in the form of matcha ramen, soba, gin and other alcoholic beverages, as well as a matcha protein powder for health-conscious individuals.

Reinvention is the future of food

The rise of culinary trends is a testament to the consumer’s evolving palette and demands. And staying on top of them encourages industries to stay relevant, sustain a loyal following, and innovate beyond where they’ve been before. Classic dishes, again, will always be a staple, but they are not the end-all-be-all of the food and beverage market.

Japanese cuisine is a perfect example of that balance between revering tradition and adapting contemporary fusions—saying grace for what has nourished the people all this time and saying hello to new ones that will give them a flavourful life.