Rice is one of the most essential and iconic ingredients in Japanese cuisine. With its versatility and distinct texture, it has become an indispensable part of the traditional Japanese diet. But did you know that not all rice is the same?

There are various types of rice that are used in different dishes in Japan, each with its own unique properties and flavor. Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular types of rice in Japan.

Hakumai

Hakumai is the most widely consumed type of rice in Japan, and it is known for its refined texture and stickiness. Every year, the Japan Grain Association evaluates rice from all over the country, and the best rice is selected as "Japan's Special A-Grade Rice".

For two consecutive years, Fukuoka's rice has been rated as the best in the country.

Genmai

While not as widely consumed as hakumai, genmai is becoming increasingly popular in Japan due to its health benefits. The outer layer of genmai contains more vitamins, minerals, and fiber than hakumai, making it a more nutritious option.

Mochigome

Mochigome is a type of short-grained hakumai and is even stickier than hakumai when cooked. This type of rice is often used in dishes like mochi, a type of rice cake that is made using a traditional wooden hammer.

Musenmai

Musenmai is another type of rice that is becoming increasingly popular in Japan. Unlike other types of rice, musenmai doesn't need to be washed before cooking, making it a convenient option. The skin of musenmai has been treated with a special machine, making it much cleaner than other types of rice.

Japanese Pancakes

Japanese pancakes, also known as dorayaki, are a popular sweet treat in Japan. Here's how you can make them at home:

Ingredients:

Red bean paste (as needed)

Instructions:

Mix white sugar and green tea with water.

Slowly add the water mixture to the glutinous rice flour, kneading until a smooth dough is formed. Divide the dough into 25-gram portions.

Flatten each portion of dough, wrap it in red bean paste, and shape it into a ball. Then, press it into a round cake.

Place the cakes in a steamer and steam over medium heat for 6 minutes. Finally, pan-fry the cakes until both sides are golden.

Rice-based Japanese Dishes

Aside from rice cakes, there are many other dishes in Japan that are based on rice. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Ochazuke: This dish is made by pouring hot tea over cold rice.

Curry: Japanese curry is a sweeter and lighter version of Indian curry, and is a popular dish in Japan.

Chauhan: Chauhan is a type of fried rice in Japan, made by stir-frying rice with various ingredients.

Okayu: Okayu is a type of porridge made by boiling rice in water for a long time. It is easy to digest, making it a common dish for people who are sick in Japan.

In addition to traditional dishes such as ochazuke and okayu, rice is also a key ingredient in Japanese pancakes, known as dorayaki, and Japanese-style curry, which has its own unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other curries around the world.