What are the best Japanese Snacks for parties?
Have you ever wanted to host a party, and you’re considering serving some of the most delicious Japanese snacks? We all know that there are tons of fun choices when it comes to food for parties. But sometimes, it's hard to think outside the box and come up with something new and different.
But if you’re looking for a menu that will tantalize your guests’ taste buds, Japanese snacks and food will always be a great option. They are always creative, beautiful, and full of interesting flavors. So look no further as we discuss some of the best Japanese snacks that are sure to be a hit at parties.
Excellent Japanese Snacks for Drinking Parties
Otsumami are snacks that go well with alcoholic drinks.
The Japanese love a good party. They like drinking too. In fact, part of their social culture is holding events called nomikai (飲み会). This type of party is commonly held in pubs or izakaya (居酒屋). It is a typical social event among employees and their bosses as well as students at universities and people who participate in goukon (合コン) or group blind dates.
The snacks best served with alcoholic drinks are called otsumami (おつまみ). So in this section, we are looking at the best otsumami served at drinking parties.
Edamame
Edamame is Japan’s quintessential match with an ice-cold beer. Since it’s non-greasy, it’s considered a healthy food as well. Edamame has amino acids that aid in breaking down alcohol. It has a wealth of other health benefits as well.
Edamame is usually prepared by boiling it in salt water. Others boil it with plain water and add the salt afterward. When edamame is served, it still comes with its pod. You have to take out the beans with your hands to eat them. At the party, add an empty dish along with the edamame serving for placing the empty pods.
Yakitori
Yakitori is Japan’s barbecue chicken. While this popular skewered street food is often served in pubs, it is easy to make at home. It uses different parts of chicken meat.
The skewered meat, which often comes with scallions, is grilled on a rectangular grill with binchotan (hardwood charcoal in Japan). Since the source of heat burns cleanly, the yakitori doesn’t pick up its taste. The charred flavor is from the chicken coming in contact with the grill. Here's how you can easily make yakitori at home!
Gyoza
Among the most well-known dumplings/potstickers from Japan is none other than the gyoza. A piece is packed with ingredients, including pork, vegetables, tofu, and more. They are either fried or steamed.
Some restaurants in Japan serve gyoza exclusively. They are often open during the night. It's another favorite dish by the Japanese to pair with beer.
Different Varieties of Tempura
Tempura is a worldwide favorite. While we, foreigners, are often served battered, deep-fried shrimp (locally known as ikaten) at restaurants, other types of seafood and vegetables can be made into tempura as well. The light batter creates the crispy texture of the dish.
Japanese Salads
A lot of pubs serve wafu (Japanese-style) salads with otsumami. Since it includes raw vegetables, you can easily make it at home as long as you have a Japanese salad dressing. The leafy green salads come with shrimp or pork. The toppings include katsuobushi (shavings of bonito flakes), tofu, seaweed, and sesame seeds.
Another salad served at Japanese pubs is potato salad. Believe it or not, it has been around in the country for over a century! It features a creamy texture both loved by kids and adults. Unlike its vinegar-based western counterparts, the Japanese potato salad is a colorful side dish that comes with different vegetables.
Special Mentions
- Arare rice crackers. A light rice cracker snack made using glutinous rice and Japanese soy sauce.
- Yakisoba. A Japanese stir-fry noodle dish with meat, vegetables, and a flavoring that’s close to a Worcestershire sauce.
- Tsukemono. These are pickled vegetables that are also served with breakfast and bento. It is a stand-alone dish when served with beer or sake.
Japanese Snacks and Appetizers for Lunch and Dinner Parties
In the land of the rising sun, most parties are held at pubs and specialty restaurants. Japanese people also do parties through picnics and barbecues. But don’t hold yourself back from hosting a Japanese-inspired party at home.
Omotenashi, Japan’s Philosophy of Hospitality
According to the KonMari blog, omotenashi (おもてなし) is central to a Japanese gathering. The term is equivalent to hospitality. In the case of a dinner party, it involves looking after your guests wholeheartedly. And among the first steps of the spirit of omotenashi is none other than serving amazing food. Below are some of the popular Japanese snacks and appetizers for your upcoming party.
Korokke
Korokke is a crowd-pleaser and is loved by the young and old in Japan. You'll see it sold as a stand-alone snack from street vendors, but it can also be eaten as a side dish with rice.
A classic Japanese korokke includes mashed potatoes with onion and sauteed ground beef. This mix is shaped into an oval patty and is breaded with panko on the outside. The result is a crispy exterior and a soft, creamy interior.
Takoyaki
Another popular street food — which can also be made into a party dish — from Japan is takoyaki. The tasty snack was first served in Osaka in the western Kansai region. A traditional takoyaki has bits of octopus within a perfectly round ball of batter topped with mayonnaise, sauce, and bonito flakes.
Since takoyaki pans are affordable, they can be easily made at home. Have fun with your friends by allowing them to custom-make their takoyaki. Just serve the ingredients and place the takoyaki pan on the table.
Okonomiyaki
Easy Okonomiyaki Recipe
Another well-known street snack from Osaka is called okonomiyaki. It commonly consists of grilled pork belly and sliced cabbage. It is cooked by baking the batter with the savory ingredients atop a hot iron plate.
This is yet another customizable dish to enjoy with friends. The sky's the limit when it comes to modifying the toppings. Do you love cheese? Then feel free to add it to your savory Japanese pancake. Learn how to make okonomiyaki at home!
Karaage
Even the Japanese have their version of fried chicken, and it is none other than the karaage. Since it’s from the land of the rising sun, what really sets it apart from western fried chicken is its taste. It truly has a Japanese flavor with its ingredients, which include soy sauce, sake, mirin, and ginger.
The deep-fried Japanese fried chicken is often served as part of a bento box, a home meal, and even a game-day snack.
Tsukune
When you think of meatballs, what instantly comes to mind are pork and beef. But the Japanese meatball called Tsukune uses chicken. And it’s just as delicious.
The tender and juicy meatballs are even made tastier by the glaze, which is soy sauce based. You’ll get a sweet and salty umami taste. To create a crunchy texture and add extra flavor, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds.
Special Mentions
- Agedashi tofu. It is a deep-fried tofu dish with a savory-sweet sauce. One of the great Japanese appetizers for your vegetarian friends.
- Harumaki. This is the Japanese version of spring rolls. It has meat, shrimp, veggies, and vermicelli.
The Bottom Line
No matter what your party’s theme is, these Japanese snacks and appetizers will be a hit! From easily customizable dishes to snacks that go well with alcohol, your guests will love munching on these delicious eats.
So go ahead and prepare some of these treats and dishes next time you’re planning a party. Your guests (and their taste buds) will thank you for it!
