Japanese summers are famously hot and humid — the kind of weather that leaves you searching for something light, chilled, and refreshing. Thankfully, Japan’s culinary culture has perfected the art of staying cool with seasonal dishes that nourish, hydrate, and satisfy without weighing you down.
Whether you’re in Japan or simply craving a taste of summer from your own kitchen, here are six beloved Japanese dishes that help locals beat the heat — and can help you too!
1. Hiyashi Chūka – Japan’s Chilled Ramen Salad
What is it?
Hiyashi Chūka literally means “chilled Chinese-style noodles.” It’s a colorful, refreshing dish made with chilled ramen noodles topped with sliced vegetables, protein, and a tangy dressing.
Ingredients:
- Ramen or egg noodles (chilled)
- Cucumber (julienned)
- Tomato (sliced)
- Egg (made into a thin omelet and sliced)
- Ham or shredded chicken
- Sesame seeds
- Sauce: soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, mustard (optional)
How to Make It:
- Boil the noodles, then rinse thoroughly under cold water and chill.
- Prepare toppings: slice veggies and cook the egg into a thin sheet.
- Mix dressing ingredients and chill.
- Plate the noodles, top with all ingredients, and drizzle with dressing.
Tips:
- Add pickled ginger or a dab of mustard for extra zing.
- Vegetarian? Replace ham with tofu or extra egg!
2. Sōmen – The Coolest Noodles in Japan
What is it?
Sōmen are ultra-thin wheat noodles, often served in icy water and dipped into a chilled soy-based sauce called tsuyu.
Ingredients:
- Sōmen noodles
- Tsuyu (store-bought or homemade with soy sauce, dashi, and mirin)
- Ice water
- Toppings: green onion, grated ginger, shiso, sesame seeds
How to Make It:
- Cook sōmen for 2–3 minutes, then rinse and soak in ice water.
- Prepare a dipping bowl with chilled tsuyu.
- Serve noodles over ice or in cold water, add toppings as desired.
Fun Tip:
Try nagashi sōmen — a summer tradition where noodles flow down a bamboo slide with running water, and you catch them with chopsticks!
3. Goya Champuru – Okinawa’s Bitter Stir-Fry
What is it?
A classic Okinawan dish made with goya (bitter melon), tofu, egg, and pork or spam. It’s flavorful, healthy, and packed with summer stamina.
Ingredients:
- Goya (bitter melon), sliced and salted
- Firm tofu
- Thin pork slices or spam
- Egg
- Soy sauce and dashi for seasoning
How to Make It:
- Cut goya, sprinkle with salt, let sit for 10 min, rinse to reduce bitterness.
- Stir-fry tofu until golden, set aside.
- Cook pork or spam, add goya, then return tofu.
- Add soy sauce and dashi, stir in beaten egg last.
Tips:
- The bitterness of goya is part of the charm—but soaking it in salt water helps if you’re new to it.
- Popular for improving energy and digestion during the hottest months.
4. Unagi – Japan’s Summer Power Food
What is it?
Grilled freshwater eel glazed in a sweet soy-based sauce, traditionally eaten on the Doyo no Ushi no Hi (midsummer day of the ox) to combat summer fatigue.
Ingredients (if making at home):
- Unagi kabayaki (pre-grilled eel, available at Japanese supermarkets)
- Unagi sauce: soy sauce, mirin, sugar, sake
- Cooked rice
- Sanshō (Japanese pepper)
How to Make It:
- Reheat unagi under the broiler or in a frying pan.
- Simmer sauce ingredients until slightly thickened.
- Serve unagi over steamed rice, drizzle with sauce, and sprinkle with sanshō.
Tips:
- Unagi is rich in protein, vitamin A, and omega-3s.
- It’s a more indulgent dish—often enjoyed at specialty restaurants in summer.
5. Mizu Yōkan – Light, Chilled Red Bean Jelly
What is it?
A traditional summer dessert made with red bean paste and kanten (agar agar), served cold. It’s subtly sweet and refreshing.
Ingredients:
- Koshian (smooth red bean paste)
- Kanten powder
- Sugar
- Water
How to Make It:
- Dissolve kanten in water, bring to a boil.
- Add sugar and koshian, stir well until smooth.
- Pour into a mold, cool, and refrigerate until firm.
Tips:
- Serve in slices or cubes.
- You can also add chestnuts or matcha for variation.
Hungry Yet?
These six dishes are more than meals—they’re a way to connect with Japan’s seasonal traditions. Whether you’re planning a summer trip to Japan or recreating the flavors at home, each recipe offers a delicious escape from the heat and a taste of Japanese summer life.
From icy noodles and grilled eel to sweet, chilled jelly, there’s something for every taste and temperature. Grab your chopsticks and dive into summer, the Japanese way!