Warming Up for Winter: Must-Try Japanese Winter Foods

Get ready to warm up this winter with some of Japan’s most comforting and delicious seasonal foods!

Winter in Japan isn’t just about bundling up in layers and hoping for spring—it’s also the perfect excuse to indulge in some of the most heartwarming, belly-filling dishes the season has to offer. When the temperatures drop, Japan cranks up the heat in the kitchen with foods that are cozy, comforting, and absolutely mouthwatering. Whether you’re enjoying a steaming bowl of hotpot with friends or grabbing a sweet roasted potato from a street vendor, these must-try winter foods are guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out!

Nabe (Hotpot)

Imagine sitting around a bubbling pot of goodness with your friends, each of you eagerly scooping up tender veggies, juicy meats, and slurping savory broth that warms you to your toes. That’s nabe—Japan’s ultimate cold-weather comfort food! Whether you’re feasting on a hearty yosenabe with a little bit of everything or indulging in the protein-packed chanko nabe (the sumo wrestlers’ favorite!), this is the kind of meal that fills your stomach and your soul. Plus, it’s basically a giant warm hug in food form—what’s not to love?

Recipe Tip: The best part? Nabe is super easy to whip up at home! Throw in your favorite ingredients, simmer them in a light dashi broth, and you’ve got yourself a DIY comfort feast. Add a splash of miso for extra oomph!

Oden

Oden is the kind of street food that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem—except it’s everywhere in Japan during winter! Picture this: a steaming pot filled with savory bites like daikon, fish cakes, and tofu, all slow-cooked to perfection. The broth is light, but don’t be fooled—it’s packed with umami that’ll have you coming back for more. Add a dab of mustard, and you’ve got yourself a flavor explosion!

Recipe Tip: Grab an oden kit from the store, simmer it up at home, and relive those cozy street food vibes from your own kitchen.

Yakiimo (Roasted Sweet Potatoes)

Ah, yakiimo—the snack that’s as sweet as it is simple! Just imagine strolling through a frosty street, hands wrapped around a warm, perfectly roasted sweet potato, its natural sweetness and caramelized edges making every bite a little piece of winter heaven. This is comfort food at its finest, and it’s so satisfying that it’s practically a national treasure.

Recipe Tip: For those craving that authentic yakiimo taste at home, slow-roast sweet potatoes at a low temp until they’re melt-in-your-mouth perfection!

Shabu-Shabu

Who says you can’t play with your food? Shabu-shabu lets you do just that—swirl thin slices of meat through bubbling broth right at your table, watch them cook in seconds, and then dip them into tangy ponzu or rich sesame sauce. It’s part meal, part experience, and 100% fun! Gather your friends and get ready for a night of tasty hotpot action that’s interactive and delicious.

Fun Fact: The name “shabu-shabu” comes from the sound of the meat swishing in the broth! How cool is that?

Zenzai

Got a sweet tooth that needs soothing? Enter zenzai, the ultimate winter dessert. Picture this: a warm, thick red bean soup paired with soft, chewy mochi, delivering that perfect balance of sweet and satisfying. It’s like a dessert blanket, wrapping you in coziness with every bite. Plus, it’s one of those rare treats that feels indulgent but has all the heartwarming vibes of home cooking.

Recipe Tip: Whip up a batch of zenzai for the ultimate winter night treat—bonus points if you serve it with green tea for extra coziness.


Where to Enjoy Winter Foods

  • Want to experience these dishes like a local? Head to a cozy izakaya for a night of nabe with friends, or grab oden straight from a convenience store for a quick winter warm-up. Feeling adventurous in the kitchen? Try cooking some of these dishes at home and impress your friends with your newfound hotpot skills!

Winter in Japan is cold, sure, but that just means it’s the perfect excuse to dive into some of the warmest, tastiest dishes you can find. Whether you’re slurping hotpot with friends or savoring sweet roasted potatoes on a snowy street, these winter foods will leave you feeling warm, satisfied, and ready to take on the chill. So go ahead—indulge in the flavors of winter and let the warmth of Japanese cuisine melt away the cold!

Delicious pictures and FAQ below!

Frequently asked questions

What is the most popular winter dish in Japan?

While many winter foods are beloved, nabe (hotpot) is widely considered the most popular dish during the colder months due to its variety and communal aspect.

Are Japanese winter foods vegetarian-friendly?

Many winter dishes, like nabe and oden, can be made vegetarian by substituting meat and fish-based ingredients with tofu, mushrooms, and vegetable broths. However, it’s important to check for dashi (fish-based broth) in traditional recipes.

What’s the best place to experience Japanese winter street food?

You can find winter street food like yakiimo at festivals, markets, and from street vendors throughout Japan, especially in areas like Asakusa in Tokyo and along shopping streets in Kyoto.

Is it easy to make Japanese winter dishes at home?

Yes! Many winter dishes, like nabe and shabu-shabu, are surprisingly easy to make at home with basic ingredients found in supermarkets. There are also ready-made kits available at stores for a quick and simple meal.

What is the healthiest Japanese winter food?

Oden and nabe are both great options for a healthy winter meal. These dishes often include nutrient-rich ingredients like daikon, tofu, and green leafy vegetables, all simmered in light, low-fat broths.