Breakfast in Japan: between tradition and new trends

Une table de petit déjeuner

A typical Japanese breakfast table.

What is Japanese breakfast? A healthy breakfast to start the day off right!

Whether taken with the family or alone, on the go or in a restaurant, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Slow sugars, vitamins, proteins, it is indeed supposed to contain all the nutritional contributions allowing us to start the day well. Especially in Japan, since the Japanese breakfast is considered one of the most balanced in the world! What is hiding in the plates of our Japanese friends? Japan Experience is now putting its feet in the dish.

The central element around which the rest of the meal revolves , rice is often served white when it is not accompanied by an egg to give Tamago Kake Gohan. Its consumption then punctuates the hostilities, since it is the first element of the breakfast to be touched as well as the last to be finished. Note that it can also be enjoyed withnori (Japanese seaweed), or even nattô for the more adventurous.

A bowl of Japanese rice

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Next to the rice, you will then find the proteins . Whether it takes the form of an omelette , grilled salmon , or even tofu , protein is indeed inherent in the Japanese breakfast. They also come with a miso soup , recommended by nutritionists for its low salt content.

Inoue restaurant dish

Omurice from the Inoue restaurant.

DR

The first meal of the day finally consists of tsukemono , such as daikon (white radish), cucumber, or umeboshi (candied plum). The latter energize the flavors with their harsh taste , and their nutritional virtues are perfectly suited to the start of the day since they are rich in vitamins. A green tea will conclude the whole, served cold or hot according to suitability.

Quelques tsukemono

Some tsukemono (pickled vegetables) that can be eaten during a Japanese breakfast. Here Eggplants and pickles.

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The preparation of certain dishes such as miso soup or fish can be time-consuming, the Japanese who are pressed for time tend to swap rice and tsukemono for toast or cereals.

Starburcks cafe and Tully's patisseries are now taken over when the trains dump their first batch of daily passengers, and the traditional breakfast is no more than a perky treat enjoyed on a morning at the ryokan (traditional inn) or a Sunday with the family.

And for good reason, raised to the rank of standing, it is today an emblematic element of Japanese culture.

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