All TopicsNewsCultureJapanese Snacks & CandyFood & DrinkTravelEntertainmentMember Spotlight
TokyoTreat Japanese Snacks BlogA First Time Foreigner’s Guide to Oden

A First Time Foreigner’s Guide to Oden

Tanner SchroederTanner Schroeder
Published Time
Posted on 
January 27, 2020

source

Here in Tokyo, the winter weather is out in full force – and baby, it’s cold outside! At TokyoTreat, we’re always thinking of ways we can warm up – and fill our bellies! 

In Japan, one of the most common – and delicious – wintertime treats is oden (おでん), which is just one of many different types of nabemono – hotpot dishes that are widely enjoyed during the winter months. What sets oden aside from the rest is the vast variety of individual items you can try. 

Served up at most convenience stores as well as street stalls, izakayas and dedicated restaurants, ordering oden may be a bit intimidating for first timers – especially if you’re not super confident in your Japanese abilities. There’s so many options to choose from – with unique names you’ve probably never seen before. Plus, for sanitary reasons, you’ll usually have to ask a store clerk or restaurant staff to pluck out your preferred pieces, which can lead to first time foreigners too intimidated to try! 

If you’re interested in oden but don’t know where to begin – Never fear, TokyoTreat is here! Let’s check out some of our favorite oden ingredients to get you started!  

Yude Tamago (ゆで卵)

Source

No surprises here! Literally meaning “boiled egg” in Japanese, it really is exactly what you think. Probably the most basic of oden options, yude tamago is a sure shot every time. What makes these especially tasty though, is that the longer they soak in the soy flavored broth, their exterior takes on a deep, rich color. Satisfyingly salty, you can’t go wrong here.   

Daikon (大根) 

Source

Slightly stepping our game up, let’s talk daikon. An absolute staple vegetable across all of Japan, daikon is a massive radish that has a very crunchy texture and slightly sweet, peppery flavor. Similar to most oden options, it’s excellent at soaking up the salty soy broth. After simmering away for a while, daikon eventually softens up just a bit, achieving the perfect texture. Trust us – no oden meal is complete without a nice slice of daikon as the centerpiece!

Tsukune (つくね) 

Source

Tsukune are a sort of chicken meatball – just as often served as yakitori as it is in oden – even if you don’t get a chance to try it during the winter, it will always be around! Starches such as crushed yam or bread crumbs are added to minced chicken meat along with various spices before cooking, giving tsukune a fantastic texture that is truly at it’s best after soaking in the soup for hours on end! Very mild and approachable, we really recommend this option for anyone unsure of what to try first!  

Konnyaku (こんにゃく)

Source

This is where we begin to step into uncharted territory for most first timers. Konnyaku is a chewy jelly derived from the root vegetable konjac. With sorta-scary nicknames like voodoo lily, snake palm, and even devil’s tongue, we wouldn’t blame you if you felt like you should stay far away! Don’t worry though, konnyaku itself is extremely palatable, and even healthy! Virtually flavorless, konnyaku shines after simmering in oden broth – and because it’s 98% water -it’s basically calorie free! This is why it’s such a popular option. Most Japanese people choose to chow down on konnyaku every time. 

Mochiiri Kinchaku (餅入り巾着) 

Source

We’ve saved the best and most iconic oden option for last! The name tells you everything you need to know; a kinchaku is a type of small purse or pouch, and mochiiri kinchaku contains a chewy rice cake, or mochi, inside! Appearance goes a long way in Japanese cuisine, and so it’s no surprise that this is easily the most popular oden ingredient amongst locals. As much fun to look at as it is to eat, the slightly sweet, fried tofu pouch sucks up all that oden goodness, and after biting in, an addictively chewy mochi is waiting inside – gushing with flavor! Trust us, you can’t eat oden without trying mochiiri kinchaku!

See? Oden’s really not so scary after all! Besides, with so many different options to choose from, you can switch up your style every time and never get bored! We hope you give it a shot next time you need to warm up in Japan this winter! 

What’s your favorite oden ingredient? Did we miss something you think is essential? Let us know in the comments below!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more news straight from Japan!

Enjoy Delicious Japanese Candy And Snacks Every Month!

Starting from $32.50 USD

Get TokyoTreat

Author avatar
Tanner Schroeder

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Enjoy Delicious Japanese Candy And Snacks Every Month!

Starting from $32.50 USD

Get TokyoTreat

Related Articles

Japanese Potato Temptations: Dive into the World of Irresistible Snacks!

May 31, 2023

Japanese potato snacks, from traditional to modern, always satisfy snack lovers worldwide! They’re crunchy, savory, and have mass appeal! Here are five popular Japanese potato snacks you can enjoy!

Burgers in Japan, Tokyo Edition: Where Flavor and Quality Collide!

May 31, 2023

Burgers in Japan are delicious, fun, and very popular, especially in Tokyo! Plenty of restaurants in Tokyo have their own special twist! Here are five restaurants you should know about!

How to Use a Takoyaki Pan

May 31, 2023

Takoyaki (octopus balls) is Osaka’s comfort street food. The spherical orbs of octopus enrobed in savory pancake batter are a must-try! But what about cooking it yourself?

Ramen Cup Noodles Museums: Uncover the Magic in Osaka and Yokohama!

May 26, 2023

Dive into the immersive world of instant noodles at the Cup Noodles Museums in Osaka and Yokohama. Whether you’re a die-hard noodle enthusiast or simply curious about the culinary phenomenon, these museums have something to offer!

Best Things to Do in Osaka: Top 5 Water Parks!

May 16, 2023

The cherry blossom season is over, and the hot summer months are approaching. One of the most fun things in Osaka is spending a day in a pool-themed amusement park!

Sakura Picnic Party: Fun Ways to Enjoy this Spring!

May 11, 2023

A picnic party is perfect during spring in Japan! It’s a beautiful time with bright colors, an exciting culture, and interesting customs. Every year, people worldwide come to see the cherry blossoms, which are called sakura!

TokyoTreat
Subscription
PricingBeginner’s Guide to TokyoTreatUpcoming BoxPast boxes
Support & Information
FAQContactHelp CenterBlog

Be a TokyoTreat Insider!

Join our newsletter and receive tasty news and deals!



Anbrand.
Copyright © 2023 TokyoTreat™. All Rights Reserved.
Accepted Payments
Visa payment availableMastercard payment availableAmerican Express payment availableDiscover payment availablePayPal payment available