Japanese Party Food

Japanese food has become increasingly well-known for more than just Sushi and Yakitori, as now Japan has become the number one destination for foodies to go to and try the vast variety of amazing, tasty dishes with a depth of flavour. This Umami taste comes from a mix of kombu kelp and bonito flakes, also miso, sugar, salt, soya sauce and rice vinegar. They are used widely and wisely to tantalise the taste buds. Miso and soy sauce are made everywhere in Japan: they change in colour and strength of the flavour in local areas. In the east, the taste is much stronger and the colour darker; in the west, it’s a light colour and gentle texture.

So, when it comes to planning parties, try hosting a Japanese food theme party. There are many types of Japanese food that guests can enjoy eating. Form simple starters like Edamame freshly cooked soya beans, Waka-kyu cucumber and seaweed salad with sweet vinaigrette dressing, simple miso soup garnished with lovely grilled king prawns.

Even if you’re having a reception for colleagues, dishes that can be shared like Gyoza, Tempura, yakitori are perfect as they can be meat and vegetarian and even vegan, without the need for plates or dishes, just great finger food for socialising. So, you don’t need to worry about not catering to anybody. 

Not to forget some temaki sushi rolls: you don’t need any chopsticks to eat them with simple cone hand rolls of many flavours. Beautiful salmon, tuna, with avocado, or just avocado or cucumber. For the perfect Japanese meal, it would be nice to finish with a hosomaki roll. A small sushi roll with a bit of rice inside to emphasize the taste of the fish, cucumber, or natto, chopped formatted soybeans season with some mustard and soya sauce and spring onions.

Incorporating all the flavours mentioned plus so many more into mini bowl foods could add so much more to your party, ramen noodles, tonkatsu, yakisoba and katsu curries.

Finally, desserts: the Japanese have perfected making desserts such as Japanese cheesecake (cotton cheesecake). It has a less sweet flavour and is lighter than your traditional cheesecake. Dorayaki is a Japanese pancake sandwich which is typically filled with Anko, a red sweet bean paste.

A very traditional Japanese dessert is Mochi, sticky rice called mochi Gome, can be toasted, dipped into a sauce, or sweetened with a topping called kinako. Daifuku is the same mochi that is filled with a variety of sweet fillings. A summer favourite is Daifuku ice cream – one interesting flavour is red bean paste, it has a subtle sweet taste, and is very refreshing in summer.

All scrumptious desserts are complimented with Japanese green tea, made fresh just before being served to keep the beautiful green colour of Matcha.