Introduction
Winter in Japan brings the cosy warmth of hot pot dishes, or "nabe." More than just a meal, nabe is about sharing an experience around a simmering pot. Whether you’re exploring Japan’s culinary culture or seeking comfort food, hot pot is a must-try.
Types of Hot Pot: A Comprehensive Guide
Hot pot, or "nabe," comes in many variations. Here are some popular types to try during your trip:
Sukiyaki
A sweet and savoury hot pot with thinly sliced beef, tofu, and vegetables, often dipped in raw egg. Kanto uses a pre-made sweet soy sauce base, while Kansai seasons ingredients directly with sugar and soy sauce. Both styles are worth trying.
Recommended Location: Nationwide
Shabu-shabu
A light hot pot where thinly sliced meat and vegetables are swished in boiling water and served with ponzu or sesame sauce. Regions like Kagoshima, known for kurobuta pork, are particularly famous. Affordable all-you-can-eat options are also available.
Recommended Location: Nationwide (especially Kagoshima and pork-producing regions)
Chanko Nabe
A protein-rich hot pot loved by sumo wrestlers, featuring chicken, tofu, and vegetables. This hearty dish is closely tied to sumo culture and is especially popular in Tokyo’s sumo district, Ryogoku.
Recommended Location: Ryogoku, Tokyo
Oden
A winter staple with daikon radish, boiled eggs, and fish cakes simmered in a light broth. Found at convenience stores, izakayas, and winter festivals, oden offers regional variations in ingredients and flavours.
Recommended Location: Nationwide (especially winter festivals)
Motsunabe (Offal Hot Pot)
A rich Kyushu speciality made with beef or pork intestines, garlic, chives, and cabbage in a soy or miso-based broth. Known for its bold flavours and satisfying texture.
Recommended Location: Fukuoka
Yudofu (Simmered Tofu Hot Pot)
A simple Kyoto dish with tofu simmered in a light broth and served with a delicate dipping sauce. Best enjoyed in the serene atmosphere of Kyoto’s temples and traditional restaurants.
Recommended Location: Kyoto
Ishikari Nabe (Miso Salmon Hot Pot)
A hearty Hokkaido dish with fresh salmon, vegetables, and tofu in a miso-based broth. The rich, savoury flavour is perfect for cold winters.
Recommended Location: Hokkaido
Kiritanpo Nabe (Rice Skewer Hot Pot)
A traditional dish from Akita featuring grilled rice skewers, chicken, and vegetables cooked in a flavorful broth. The toasted rice absorbs the savoury soup beautifully.
Recommended Location: Akita
Soy Milk Hot Pot
A creamy hot pot with a soy milk base, often paired with vegetables, chicken, and tofu. Its mild and nourishing flavour makes it a popular choice in urban health-focused restaurants.
Recommended Location: Tokyo and Kyoto
Tomato Nabe (Tomato Hot Pot)
A fusion-style hot pot with a tangy tomato broth, enhanced with chicken and vegetables, often finished with cheese or pasta for a satisfying twist.
Recommended Location: Nationwide
Kimchi Nabe (Kimchi Hot Pot)
A spicy Korean-inspired hot pot with kimchi, tofu, pork, and mushrooms. This bold and warming dish is perfect for winter and is widely available at izakayas.
Recommended Location: Nationwide
Yosenabe (Everything-in-One Hot Pot)
A versatile hot pot featuring a mix of seafood, meat, and vegetables in a simple soy or miso broth. Its flexibility makes it a favourite across Japan.
Recommended Location: Nationwide
Anglerfish Hot Pot
A rich and luxurious hot pot from northern Japan, featuring anglerfish and its prized liver in a miso or soy-based broth. The liver adds a deep, creamy flavour.
Recommended Location: Ibaraki
Tsufu Nabe (Rich Seafood and Roe Hot Pot)
The name "Tsufu Nabe" comes from its high-purine ingredients like sea urchin, salmon roe, crab, and scallops, which are humorously associated with gout. Despite this, it’s loved for its rich umami and luxurious flavours. The miso or soy-based broth is often finished with rice or udon to soak up the seafood essence.
Recommended Location: Hokkaido and Tokyo
Mizutaki (Light Chicken Hot Pot)
A light and flavorful Fukuoka dish with chicken simmered in a clear broth, served with ponzu sauce. Its simplicity highlights the natural flavours of the ingredients.
Recommended Location: Fukuoka
Tecchiri (Fugu Hot Pot)
A high-end hot pot featuring tender pufferfish simmered in a kombu broth, often finished with rice cooked in the flavorful soup. Perfect for adventurous eaters.
Recommended Location: Osaka and Yamaguchi
Where to Enjoy Hot Pots in Japan
Hot pots can be enjoyed all over Japan. Here’s how to find them:
Urban Areas: Large cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are home to countless nabe restaurants.
Izakaya: Casual Japanese pubs often serve hot pot dishes, which are ideal for sharing with friends.
Ryokan: Traditional inns frequently include regional nabe in their meals, offering a cultural experience.
Winter Festivals: Outdoor stalls at winter festivals let you savour steaming bowls in a festive setting.
Hot Pot Bases: A Unique Souvenir
Japanese supermarkets stock a wide variety of "nabe no moto" (hot pot bases) during the winter season. These ready-made soup bases make for excellent souvenirs:
Flavours: Options range from classic miso and soy sauce to more modern varieties like kimchi, tomato, and soy milk.
Ease of Use: Just add your choice of vegetables, meat, or seafood to recreate authentic Japanese flavours at home.
Why It’s a Great Gift: Lightweight, affordable, and easy to use, hot pot bases are a thoughtful way to share Japan’s culinary culture with family and friends.
Conclusion
Hot pot is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of Japanese culture and a way to connect with others. Whether you savour it at a local restaurant or bring home a hot pot base as a souvenir, nabe is a must-try experience for anyone visiting Japan.
Planning your trip to Japan? Learn essential Japanese phrases for dining and navigating local food spots with our tailored travel Japanese lessons!
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