Japan is full of delicious food, and dinner is a perfect time to explore hearty, flavorful meals that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re eating out at a local izakaya or finding a family-friendly restaurant, here are 10 must-try Japanese dinner dishes that are both satisfying and fun for kids and adults alike!
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Contents
Yakitori (Grilled Chicken)
Yakitori is grilled chicken on skewers, seasoned with salt or a sweet soy sauce glaze. It’s easy to eat, comes in bite-sized pieces, and is often cooked right in front of you at yakitori restaurants. Kids usually love the simple flavors—especially the chicken thigh or meatball (tsukune) skewers.
Shabu Shabu (Wagyu beef)
Shabu Shabu is a hands-on dining experience where you cook thin slices of meat and vegetables in a pot of boiling broth right at your table. It’s healthy, interactive, and perfect for families. Dip the cooked food into flavorful sauces and enjoy together.
Hambāgu (Japanese Hamburger Steak)
Not a burger in a bun! Hambāgu is a juicy hamburger steak served with rice and often a demi-glace or soy-based sauce. It’s one of the most kid-friendly Japanese meals and is found in many family restaurants across Japan.
Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings)
These pan-fried dumplings are crispy on the outside and juicy inside, usually filled with pork and vegetables. Gyoza is often served with rice and soup as a set meal, or you can enjoy it with ramen. Don’t forget the dipping sauce—soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil.
Tempura
Tempura features seafood and vegetables that are lightly battered and deep-fried to a crisp. It’s not greasy and is typically served with a special dipping sauce and rice. Shrimp (ebi) tempura is a favorite among kids.
Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
Crispy on the outside, juicy inside—karaage is Japan’s version of fried chicken, usually seasoned with soy sauce and garlic before being fried. It’s a hit with children and is easy to eat with fingers or chopsticks.
Katsudon (Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl)
Katsudon is a comfort food favorite: a bowl of rice topped with a deep-fried pork cutlet, onions, and egg simmered in a slightly sweet sauce. It’s warm, hearty, and full of flavor—perfect after a busy day of sightseeing.
Sukiyaki
This is a special-occasion dish in Japan. Thin beef slices, tofu, vegetables, and noodles are simmered in a sweet soy-based sauce and often dipped in raw egg before eating (optional for kids). Sukiyaki is rich in flavor and fun to share at the table.
Ebi Fry (Deep-Fried Shrimp)
Ebi Fry is another kid-friendly favorite—large shrimp are coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden. Often served with rice and tartar sauce, it’s crunchy and satisfying, like Japanese-style shrimp fingers.
Unajū (Grilled Eel Over Rice)
Unajū is a traditional and luxurious dish consisting of grilled eel glazed with sweet soy sauce, served over rice in a lacquered box. The rich, smoky flavor is unforgettable. Some kids might find it adventurous, but it’s worth trying even just once.
Are you ready to enjoy a delicious Japanese dinner with your family? Try a few of these dishes, and you might discover a new favorite.
Tips & My favorite places
Tips in Japan:
To look for place to eat, Search the name of the food you craving on Google MAP,
it’ll recommend great places near you!
My Favorites Place
These are some of my personal favorites.
- Yakitori : Isehiro (A Century-Old Yakitori Restaurant Loved Near Tokyo Station)
- Shabu Shabu ：Ginza Rangetsu ( Really good wagyu beef )
- Hamburg : Kimino-Hamburg ga tabetai Shibuya store ( casual, high-cost performance! )
As many visitors have expressed interest in making reservations ahead of time, I’ve selected restaurants where advance bookings are possible.
I hope you enjoy the food!
Coming soon: Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll cover “Top 10 Japanese Snacks” !
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