Japanese food is one of the most diverse and rewarding cuisines in the world, and London is one of the best cities outside Japan to explore it. If you have never tried Japanese food — or you have only had supermarket sushi — this guide will help you navigate the basics and find your first great meal.
The Main Types of Japanese Food
Japanese cuisine is much more than sushi. Here is a quick guide to the main categories you will find on Oishii London.
Ramen
Rich noodle soup in a flavoured broth. The four main styles are tonkotsu (pork bone, creamy and white), shoyu (soy sauce, clear brown), miso (fermented soybean, savoury), and shio (salt, light and delicate). Most people start with tonkotsu — it is the most approachable.
Sushi
Vinegared rice topped or wrapped with fish, seafood, or vegetables. Nigiri (hand-pressed rice with a slice of fish on top) is the classic form. Maki rolls are wrapped in seaweed. Start with salmon or tuna nigiri — they are universally liked.
Izakaya
Japanese-style pub food. Small plates meant for sharing over drinks. Think of it as Japanese tapas. Gyoza (dumplings), edamame, karaage (fried chicken), and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) are all izakaya staples.
Japanese Curry
Thick, sweet, mild curry served with rice. Nothing like Indian or Thai curry — it is its own thing entirely. Chicken katsu curry (breaded fried chicken with curry sauce) is the entry point for most people and is genuinely delicious.
Udon & Soba
Thick wheat noodles (udon) or thin buckwheat noodles (soba), served hot in broth or cold with a dipping sauce. Comforting, simple, and deeply satisfying. Kitsune udon (topped with sweet fried tofu) is an easy starting point.
Matcha & Japanese Cafes
Matcha is powdered green tea used in drinks, ice cream, cakes, and pastries. Japanese bakeries produce some of the softest bread you will ever eat (shokupan) and pastries like melon pan. Great for a first taste of Japanese food culture without committing to a full meal.
Basic Etiquette
You do not need to know any special rules to enjoy Japanese food. But these basics will help you feel more comfortable.
Chopsticks are optional
It is completely fine to ask for a fork. No one will judge you. But if you want to try chopsticks, hold them like a pencil near the top.
Slurp your noodles
Seriously. Slurping ramen and udon is normal and even encouraged in Japanese culture. It cools the noodles and is said to enhance the flavour.
Sushi: fingers are fine
You can eat nigiri sushi with your fingers. Dip the fish side (not the rice) lightly into soy sauce. Do not drown it.
Say thank you
"Oishii" (oi-SHEE) means "delicious" — and is the name of this site. Saying it to your server is always appreciated.
5 Beginner-Friendly Restaurants
These restaurants are welcoming, easy to navigate, and serve food that will make you a convert.
Start here if: you have never tried ramen. The Ganso Tonkotsu is a perfect introduction — creamy, rich, and impossible not to love. Multiple locations, family friendly, walk-ins welcome.
Start here if: you want comfort food. Japanese home-style cooking in Soho. Feels like eating in someone's kitchen in Tokyo. Warm, friendly, and nothing on the menu will challenge you.
Start here if: you like curry. Japan's #1 curry chain. You customise everything — spice level, rice amount, toppings. Start mild and work up. The chicken katsu is the classic order.
Start here if: you want something quick and cheap. Watch the noodles being made fresh, pick your bowl, add tempura. It is like a Subway for udon, but the quality is genuinely excellent.
Start here if: you are going with friends. Underground izakaya with pillowy bao buns and robata-grilled everything. The format (sharing small plates) takes the pressure off choosing, and the robata pork belly bao is an immediate crowd-pleaser.