People often use the term “Asian” to encompass a wide range of cultures and cuisines. However, the food in Japan and China—while both delicious—are quite different. Discover the main differences between Japanese food and Chinese food below.
Different Origins
When learning about the main differences between Japanese food and Chinese food, you first need to recognize the origins of the dishes. This is important because the location has an effect on the food. For example, China is historically known for its rice fields, so many of its dishes include rice. On the other hand, Japan is surrounded by the sea, so many of its dishes include seafood.
Unique Cooking Tools
Each culture uses different cooking tools to make its dishes. For instance, the Japanese are known for their different types of sharp knives. In fact, one of the reasons why Japanese knives are ideal for professional chefs is because they’re sharp and lightweight. An example of a Chinese cooking tool, on the other hand, is a wok. This is a special type of rounded pan that allows the chef to mix multiple ingredients and sauces at once.
Healthy Foods
You’ve probably heard that Japanese food is very healthy, but what about Chinese food? Japanese food does tend to be much healthier than Chinese dishes. The reason for this is that many Japanese foods are grilled, while a lot of Chinese dishes are fried in oil.
Japanese Dishes and Chinese Dishes
Plenty of Chinese and Japanese dishes are popular all over the world. Here are some examples of the popular dishes from both cultures.
Japanese dishes
- Udon
- Sushi
- Ramen
- Miso soup
- Tempura
- Onigiri
Chinese dishes
- Spring rolls
- Orange chicken
- Wonton
- Fried noodles
- Roasted duck
- Hotpot
As you can see, there are distinct differences between Japanese food and Chinese food. However, they also have a few things in common. They’re both delicious and very popular in the United States, and they both originate from unique, fascinating cultures. The next time you visit a Japanese or Chinese restaurant, be sure to order some of the dishes above to enjoy their unique flavors and textures.
