When you think of Japanese food, what comes to mind? In the United States, most people initially think of sushi. But in fact, there are many other Japanese dishes that are worth a try the next time you visit a Japanese restaurant. Take a look.

Shogayaki

Shogayaki is a dish made from thin cuts of lean pork. The meat is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and rice vinegar, and then it is braised until tender. The pork is then served over rice and shredded cabbage. Shogayaki is a very delicious, approachable dish and a good choice for those who are new to Japanese cuisine.

Hoto

This is a good dish to try on a cold winter day. It's basically a hot noodle soup made with flat noodles, vegetables, and meat. Most versions of the dish call for kabocha squash, but in the United States, some restaurants use zucchini or summer squash instead. The broth is seasoned with miso, which gives the soup a very rich, umami flavor. Usually, pork is used as the meat, but you may see beef hoto, too.

Chicken Katsu

This is another great dish for anyone new to Japanese cuisine. It basically consists of chicken strips that have been breaded with flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. The chicken is then fried until it is crispy and served alongside a sweet dipping sauce that will remind you of barbecue sauce.

Hiyashi Chuka

If you're craving something cool and fresh, this is the dish for you. It's a cross between a noodle dish and a salad. Cold ramen noodles are served alongside sliced cucumber, sliced eggs, thinly sliced chicken or pork, carrots, and bean sprouts. A delicious ginger dressing is served on the side. It is up to the diner to mix everything together and apply the dressing as they please.

Kiritanpo

Kiritanpo is a wonderful dish to order as an appetizer. It is made from rice that is partially ground and then shaped into a thin cylinder before being fried. It is served alongside dipping sauces and sometimes with slices of chicken and mushrooms. Different restaurants may season the cylinders in different ways, but it's customary to use green onions and sesame.

The next time you find yourself in a Japanese restaurant, definitely order one of these dishes. They all have their own unique flavors and character, and they're quite different from the sushi that you may be used to ordering.

To learn more, contact a Japanese restaurant.