With sushi and ramen being its most famous exports, Japanese food is loved around the globe. But, of course, there’s so much more to Japanese cooking than these two popular dishes. In fact, there’s a boundless variety of traditional Japanese delicacies that celebrate the art of food preparation and presentation just as much as the art of eating. Fresh ingredients are carefully selected and prepared in a manner that brings out their truest flavor before they’re arranged in aesthetically pleasing ways. That’s why Japan is also associated with the most exquisite fish and beef dishes that are often enhanced by the tanginess of pickled vegetables. You’ll also find that many meals are accompanied by the light and savory miso soup, a Japanese food staple that is just as important as rice. Last but not least, the precise use of spices and condiments really ties everything together and gives Japanese dishes an extremely balanced flavor profile.