When you sit down at a Japanese restaurant, you often start by ordering some appetizers for the table to share. Most restaurants have a great selection of appetizers, but you'll likely find yourself wondering which ones are classic and worth trying. The following appetizers all fit the bill:
Gyoza
Gyoza are basically the Japanese version of dumplings. They can be filled with most anything, but it's classic to fill them with either pork or chicken, plus a blend of vegetables, including scallions and chives. Gyoza are made so that you can eat them in one bite after dipping them in gyoza sauce, which is basically a sweetened and enhanced soy sauce. While delicious, gyoza are filling, so only eat a couple if you want to have room for your main dish.
Edamame
Edamame are a type of bean that's really common in Japanese cuisine. They can be used in several ways, but when served as an appetizer, they are usually steamed and seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes other spices. You eat them by popping them out of their hard, outer shells and into your mouth. Edamame are fun to eat and a good appetizer to order if you want to keep things light.
Harumaki
Harumaki are a Japanese version of spring rolls. They are filled with a blend of vegetables and sometimes also prawns or chicken. They're fried lightly to give them a nice, crisp texture on the outside. Before enjoying them, you dip them in the accompanying sauce, which is usually quite sweet. Some Japanese restaurants may serve them with pickled ginger and carrots on the side, which you can also add to the roll before biting into it.
Tsukune
Tsukune are a specific type of meatballs made with chicken. Some Japanese restaurants serve them on skewers and others serve them on a plate. They're seasoned with soy sauce and cooked until crispy and glazed on the outside. These can be quite a treat, but they are pretty filling. You may want to order some tsukune for the table, but also a lighter appetizer like edamame to complement them.
If you order any of the above appetizers at a Japanese restaurant, you can rest assured that you're getting something classic and tasty. Appetizers are meant to tease your palate a bit and get you ready for the main course, and the dishes above all do that in their own way.
To try these appetizers and others, visit a local Japanese restaurant.