Top 10 Japanese Dishes Loved by International Diners by Region (2025–2026 Update)
- Unatoto
- 19 hours ago
- 6 min read
Japanese cuisine is far more than just sushi. In recent years, alongside the rapid growth of global tourism and the expansion of Japanese restaurant concepts worldwide, international preferences for Japanese Dishes have begun to show clear regional differences.
Based on food tourism surveys, F&B market reports, and international consumer trends from 2025–2026, this article highlights the Top 10 Japanese Dishes most loved by international diners, segmented by major regions across Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and Oceania.
1. Asia-Pacific Region
Asia-Pacific is the region with the highest exposure to Japanese Dishes. International diners living in or travelling across East Asia, China, and Southeast Asia are generally familiar with Japanese flavours, including raw dishes and traditional preparations.
Top 10 Japanese Dishes Loved in Asia (2025–2026)
Rank | Dish | Preference Rate |
1 | Sushi & Sashimi | 28–30% |
2 | Ramen | 25–28% |
3 | Udon / Soba | 10–12% |
4 | Tempura | 7–8% |
5 | Yakitori | 6–8% |
6 | Karaage | 4–6% |
7 | Japanese Curry | 4–6% |
8 | Takoyaki / Okonomiyaki | 3–5% |
9 | Donburi (Gyudon, Katsudon) | 2–4% |
10 | Miso Soup | 2–3% |
Insight:
Sushi and ramen consistently share the leading positions. Notably, udon, donburi, and miso soup rank higher in Asia than in other regions, indicating that international diners in Asia do not simply “try” Japanese food, but consume Japanese Dishes as part of their everyday meals.
Across Asia, Unatoto has established a presence in Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and Taiwan, reflecting the region’s strong and sustained demand for Japanese cuisine in daily dining contexts.
2. Europe
In Europe, sushi remains the most iconic representation of Japanese Dishes. Japanese food is largely introduced through sushi restaurants and casual Japanese dining concepts.
Top 10 Japanese Dishes Loved in Europe (2025–2026)
Rank | Dish | Preference Rate |
1 | Sushi | 28–30% |
2 | Ramen | 18–22% |
3 | Tempura | 8–10% |
4 | Gyoza | 6–7% |
5 | Japanese Curry | 5–6% |
6 | Yakitori | 4–5% |
7 | Udon / Soba | 3–4% |
8 | Takoyaki | 2–3% |
9 | Karaage | 1–2% |
10 | Miso Soup / Donburi | 1–2% |
Insight:
Sushi remains dominant due to strong recognition and symbolism, while ramen continues to gain traction in major cities.
3. North America (United States & Canada)
In North America, Japanese Dishes have become part of mainstream dining culture, with sushi bars and ramen shops available across all price segments.
Top 10 Japanese Dishes Loved in North America (2025–2026)
Rank | Dish | Preference Rate |
1 | Sushi | 30–32% |
2 | Ramen | 22–24% |
3 | Tempura | 8–9% |
4 | Gyoza | 6–7% |
5 | Yakitori | 5–6% |
6 | Japanese Curry | 4–5% |
7 | Udon | 3–4% |
8 | Takoyaki | 2–3% |
9 | Karaage | 1–2% |
10 | Miso Soup / Donburi | 1–2% |
Insight:
Sushi leads by a wide margin, while ramen serves as a popular main meal choice. Casual sharing Japanese Dishes such as yakitori and gyoza perform well in group dining settings.
4. Latin America & Oceania
This region shows strong urban concentration in the consumption of Japanese Dishes, particularly in cities with established Japanese communities.
Top 10 Japanese Dishes Loved in Latin America & Oceania (2025–2026)
Rank | Dish | Preference Rate |
1 | Sushi | 25–30% |
2 | Ramen | 18–22% |
3 | Tempura | 8–10% |
4 | Gyoza | 6–7% |
5 | Japanese Curry | 5–6% |
6 | Yakitori | 4–5% |
7 | Udon / Soba | 3–4% |
8 | Takoyaki | 2–3% |
9 | Karaage | 1–2% |
10 | Miso Soup / Donburi | 1–2% |
Insight:
Sushi remains the most popular Japanese Dish, particularly in Brazil and Australia. While ramen is also well loved, its popularity is still largely concentrated in major urban centres and has yet to achieve uniform penetration across the entire region.
Why Sushi and Ramen Continue to Lead Among Japanese Dishes
Despite differences in taste preferences and eating habits across regions, sushi and ramen consistently rank at the top of the list of Japanese Dishes favoured by international diners. This is not by chance, but the result of three core factors.
Easy to Access, Easy to Order for First-Time Diners
Sushi and ramen are among the easiest Japanese Dishes for international diners to choose when browsing a menu. Sushi is served in small, clearly presented portions, allowing diners to see the ingredients at a glance without worrying about unfamiliar flavours. Ramen, on the other hand, is simply a bowl of noodles in broth, a universally familiar meal format across cultures.
As a result, even diners with little to no prior experience with Japanese cuisine can comfortably order sushi or ramen without hesitation. This explains why these two Japanese Dishes are often the first choice when people begin exploring Japanese food.
Suitable for a Wide Range of Palates and Dining Habits
Both sushi and ramen are highly adaptable Japanese Dishes, capable of being adjusted to suit local tastes while maintaining their Japanese identity.
Sushi can vary in fish selection, toppings, portion sizes, and rolling styles to match regional preferences.
Ramen offers a wide range of broth styles, flavour intensity, noodle textures, and toppings, catering to both lighter tastes and those who prefer bold, rich flavours.
This flexibility allows sushi and ramen to be widely accepted across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.
Strong Global Presence in Japanese Restaurant Concepts
Another key factor is the widespread availability of sushi and ramen within international Japanese dining concepts. Sushi bars and ramen shops are among the most scalable restaurant formats, suitable for a wide range of price points.
In many major cities, these concepts serve as the primary gateway for diners to discover Japanese Dishes. When a dish appears frequently and consistently across restaurant landscapes, its recognition and selection naturally increase over time.
Connecting International Diners with Japanese Cuisine
Singapore is a crossroads of global food cultures, where diners are open to new experiences while still valuing familiarity and convenience. Within this context, Unatoto Singapore presents Japanese cuisine in a way that feels approachable and easy to enjoy, appealing to both Singaporeans and the international community living in the city.
Beyond sushi and ramen, Unatoto expands its menu with rice bowls, grilled items, and carefully selected side dishes, allowing diners to explore Japanese Dishes in a natural and relaxed manner.
Starting with Familiar, Easy-to-Enjoy Japanese Dishes
For diners in Singapore, balance between flavour, value, and overall experience is essential. Unatoto Singapore offers familiar Japanese Dishes that are easy to enjoy while remaining true to Japanese culinary principles:
Unagi Don (Grilled Eel Rice Bowl): A signature dish featuring grilled eel glazed with sweet-savoury tare sauce, well suited to Asian palates.
Unajyu / Unagi Double Don: A more generous portion for a satisfying and full-flavoured meal.
Yakitori Don: A hearty grilled chicken rice bowl, popular among Singapore diners.
Gyudon (Beef Rice Bowl): Tender beef with a lightly sweet sauce, ideal for quick and convenient lunches.
Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura: Light, crisp batter that is not overly greasy.
Edamame, Salad, Onsen Egg: Simple side dishes that help balance the meal.
These options create a sense of familiarity, making Japanese Dishes easy to integrate into everyday dining in Singapore.
Exploring Grilled and Side Japanese Dishes
Once diners are comfortable with the core flavours, they can broaden their experience through dishes that highlight Japanese cooking techniques and depth of flavour:
Yakitori (Grilled Chicken Skewers): Charcoal-grilled aroma, ideal for relaxed and social meals.
Grilled Eel Skewers: A traditional option for diners seeking authentic Japanese flavours.
Unagi Tempura / Ebi Tempura: A refined combination of familiar ingredients and delicate frying techniques.
Chawanmushi (Steamed Egg Custard): Soft, delicate, and lightly flavoured, bringing balance to the meal.
These dishes are often ordered for sharing, adding variety and a more relaxed dining experience.
Experiencing Japanese Dining Culture in Singapore
In addition to à la carte items, Unatoto Singapore offers Japanese set meals such as Unagi Sets, Hitsumabushi Sets, and combination meals featuring rice bowls, grilled dishes, and side items. This balanced meal structure suits Singapore’s fast-paced lifestyle while preserving the refinement of Japanese dining culture.
A warm atmosphere, friendly service, and a clear, accessible menu ensure a comfortable experience for both Singaporeans and international diners.
Bringing Japanese Dishes Closer to a Multicultural Community
By offering familiar favourites alongside more experience-driven options, Unatoto Singapore helps connect Japanese Dishes with Singapore’s multicultural community. It is not only a destination for Japanese food enthusiasts, but also a practical choice for everyday meals, casual gatherings, and quick lunches across the city.
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