Japanese Anime Food – From Screen to Reality
Every time you see the food scenes in Japanese anime, it’s impossible not to salivate. It looks so delicious, it’s almost irresistible.
Today, I’m recommending some real-life Japanese delicacies. Compared to the food in anime, which one will win over your taste buds?
Dorayaki
Dorayaki is a sweet treat with a baked outer shell filled with red bean paste or other fillings. It’s a traditional Japanese confection and the favorite food of the beloved Japanese cartoon characters, Doraemon and Dorami. 
Taiyaki
Taiyaki, originating from Tokyo, is made from flour, sugar, and baking soda, shaped like a sea bream, and is a derivative of Imagawayaki.
Doesn’t it have that full anime vibe? In “Shugo Chara,” even the usually stoic Light-kun couldn’t help but smile after taking a bite.
Wagashi
Wagashi, or Japanese sweets, are known for their longevity compared to fresh fruit sweets. Made mainly from sugar and bean paste, they are pressed into various shapes. They’ve been cherished through the ages.
Wagashi frequently appears in anime. Do you remember? A little sake, paired with some wagashi, is a common scene in anime!
Castella
Since 1642, Fukusaya has been producing this simple yet aromatic honey cake. Over time, many confectioneries have worked on perfecting the traditional flavor, giving birth to the unique taste of Castella.
Castella has made an appearance in “Crayon Shin-chan.” Did any Shin-chan fans notice? But it’s understandable if you missed it, considering how many snacks Shin-chan’s fridge is stocked with.
Takoyaki
A snack from Kansai, although now found all over China, the authentic taste is hard to replicate. The real Takoyaki is known for its crispy exterior and tender interior, making it a beloved national snack in Japan.
Have you noticed Takoyaki often shows up during festival scenes in anime? It truly lives up to its reputation as a national snack.
Tempura
Tempura is a type of Japanese fried food where fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables are coated in a batter made from flour, egg, and water, then fried until golden brown. Served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce and grated daikon, it’s fresh, delicious, and unforgettable.
No need for Mr. Hedgehog to introduce Tempura, right? It’s a common sight in anime bento boxes.
Japanese Pancake
Japanese pancakes are typically handheld, much like a French fruit crêpe, with many featuring intricate, original designs.
Salmon
Japanese people usually eat fully cooked grilled salmon for breakfast, while smoked salmon is served half-cooked.
Doesn’t the salmon in anime look familiar? If you’re a Ghibli fan, you’ve definitely seen this delicacy in “Porco Rosso.”
Oden
Nothing beats a steaming bowl of Oden on a cold day. The traditional composition includes daikon, konjac, bamboo shoots, and a skewer of meatballs.
Oden is another frequent guest in anime. Have you paid attention?
Kishimen
A Nagoya specialty, loved by noodle enthusiasts in Japan. The key step in making Kishimen is beating the dough, which results in smooth, slippery noodles.
Kishimen has appeared in “Shugo Chara,” though I can’t recall which episode exactly.
Udon
Udon is one of the most distinctive Japanese noodles, alongside soba and green tea noodles, and is a staple in Japanese cuisine.
Udon is a common sight in anime, even making an appearance in “Natsume’s Book of Friends.”
Which of these dishes has won over your heart?
