Define the Japanese menu.

The Japanese menu typically consists of a variety of dishes such as sushi, sashimi, tempura, ramen, udon, donburi, and bento boxes. It also includes appetizers like edamame, miso soup, and gyoza, as well as side dishes like seaweed salad and pickled vegetables. Japanese menus often feature a mix of seafood, meat, and vegetable dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple, clean flavors. Additionally, Japanese menus may include a selection of desserts such as mochi, green tea ice cream, and dorayaki.

Japanese Menu

A Japanese menu typically consists of various dishes and beverages that reflect the culinary traditions and ingredients of Japan. It usually encompasses a wide range of options, including:

Appetizers:

- Edamame: Steamed soybeans
- Gyoza: Pan-fried or steamed dumplings
- Karaage: Fried chicken
- Miso Soup: Soup made with miso paste, seaweed, and tofu
- Shumai: Steamed pork dumplings

Salads:

- Hiyayakko: Cold tofu salad with toppings
- Sunomono: Cucumber salad
- Wakame Salad: Seaweed salad

Main Courses:

- Sushi: Vinegared rice topped with various ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, and omelet
- Sashimi: Raw fish or seafood served on its own
- Tempura: Deep-fried seafood and vegetables
- Teriyaki: Grilled or stir-fried meat or seafood coated in teriyaki sauce
- Yakitori: Skewered and grilled chicken

Rice and Noodles:

- Rice Bowls (Donburi): Bowls containing rice topped with various ingredients
- Ramen: Noodles in a savory broth with toppings
- Soba: Buckwheat noodles served hot or cold
- Udon: Thick wheat noodles served hot or cold

Sides:

- Pickles (Tsukemono): Various pickled vegetables
- Rice: Plain or seasoned white rice
- Seaweed: Dried or fresh sheets of seaweed

Desserts:

- Mochi: Sticky rice cakes
- Taiyaki: Fish-shaped waffles filled with sweet fillings
- Green Tea Ice Cream: Smooth and creamy ice cream flavored with green tea

Beverages:

- Sake: Japanese rice wine
- Beer: Domestic and international brands
- Tea: Green tea, oolong tea, and black tea
- Water: Still or sparkling

Additional Notes:

- Japanese menus often include a section for sets, which combine a main dish with sides and/or beverages for a set price.
- Omakase refers to a meal where the chef prepares a tasting menu based on the freshest ingredients available.
- Izakaya menus typically offer a wider variety of small plates and alcoholic beverages.
- Regional variations and seasonal ingredients can influence the specific items available on a Japanese menu.