Noodles
In Japan, if you’re having noodles it’s usually one big bowl of noodles for each person. Some popular types of noodles are ramen (ラーメン), which is the most popular around the world and is made from wheat flower and salt, udon (うどん), which is my personal favorite and they are thick noodles made out of flour and salt, soba (蕎麦), thin noodles made from buckwheat, and somen (そうめん), very, very thin noodles made from wheat flower.
Most noodles in Japan are surprisingly healthy, with most bowls of ramen being only 450 calories, which is less than a single Big Mac from McDonald’s (563 calories)
In America, we are all used to having one huge portion, and maybe a side or two for meals generally. Now, in Japan they usually have a small bowl of rice and/or miso soup, with multiple bowls in the middle of the table for everyone to share.
Desserts
Popular Japanese deserts are ice cream, kakegori, which is shaved ice, and manju, soft wheat dough
In Japan, eating meals together with family is important, and most families eat dinner at least together. I miss the food from Japan, and the fact that since the portions are smaller, the food is cheaper to buy.
Most of the food in Japan ends up being cheaper, healthier, and better (in my opinion) than American food. I really do miss a lot of Japanese food now that I’ve returned to America. I encourage everyone to at least try Japanese cuisine.
Isaac Moreno of the Big Creek Astros 4-H club has been busy in Japan, as part of the States’ 4-H International Exchange Program.