Surviving Japanese Summer: Three Refreshing Seasonal Dishes
Updated: Sep 16
Japanese summers are notoriously brutal due to the country's extreme heat and humidity.
Since staying cool and hydrated is crucial this time of year, why not try the following three refreshing Japanese summer dishes that make surviving the summer season easy!
Zaru Udon: A Refreshing, Japanese Summer Noodle Dish
In Japan, cold noodle dishes are very popular during the hot summer months. Zaru udon is a refreshing Japanese dish of chilled udon noodles served with a dipping sauce making it an essential Japanese summer dish.
The noodles are boiled, rinsed in cold water, and then presented on a bamboo mat or tray called a "zaru". A separate bowl contains a savory dipping sauce, usually mentsuyu, which is a combination of soy sauce, mirin, and dashi (a broth made from kelp and bonito flakes).
Toppings like green onions, grated ginger, and nori (seaweed) are often added to the noodles or dipping sauce. Wasabi or grated daikon radish may also be used as a garnish.
Zaru udon is particularly popular cold dish during Japan's hottest summer months due to its refreshing and light nature, making it a satisfying yet cooling meal, and you can find this dish being served at most, if not all, udon shops.
Unagi: A Summer Power-Up Cheat Code
Unagi, or grilled eel, is served year-round in Japan; however, it is especially popular during the summer months thanks to its stamina and heat tolerance boosting reputation. Among Japanese summer dishes, unagi is the go-to for energy. It’s often served with rice and when this dish is served in a deep round bowl, it’s called unadon (unagi donburi = “eel bowl”).
The grilled eel is glazed with a sweetened soy-based sauce called tare. Unagi could originally only be found in regions that are situated near large rivers, but nowadays the dish is much more common and can be eaten in many restaurants across Japan.
Hiyajiru: From Farmers Recipe to Popular Summer Dish
Originating in Miyazaki Prefecture located in Japan's southern Kyushu island, hiyajiru is known as a simple and quick way to restore energy and nourish the body.
Hiyajiru, which means "chilled soup" in Japanese, has seen an increase in popularity in recent years with the rising summer temperatures across Japan, and more and more people are growing to love this local specialty.
The authentic version of hiyajiru is made using a base of miso, fresh seafood from the Hyuga Sea off the eastern shore of Kyushu, and vegetables and crops that grow in Miyazaki's famously sunny climate. The soup is very healthy and light, and can even be adjusted to be vegan-friendly!
Nowadays, there are many different versions of this refreshing summer soup. Many of the recipes include cucumber, sesame, and fish (or mushrooms when choosing the vegan option). Hiyajiru can be enjoyed with a bowl of rice, and is also very delicious when paired with side dishes like edamame or miso glazed eggplant.
Conclusion
Whether you go for refreshing zaru udon, stamina-boosting unagi, or a bowl of chilled hiyajiru, one thing’s certain: you’ll beat Japan’s summer heat. With these dishes in your toolkit, you can explore Japan with confidence and breeze through the hottest months like a local.
Zaru udon, unagi, hiyajiru — beating Tokyo's summer heat is basically its own food category. Our Full Day Food Tour can build a day around exactly this kind of seasonal find.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between zaru udon and regular udon?
Zaru udon is served cold, plated on a bamboo tray with a separate cold dipping sauce (mentsuyu), rather than in hot broth. It's a summer dish specifically because of the chilled preparation.
Why do Japanese people eat unagi in summer?
Grilled eel is believed to boost stamina and heat tolerance, making it a traditional pick-me-up during Japan's most exhausting months, even though it's available and eaten year-round.
What is hiyajiru?
A chilled miso soup from Miyazaki Prefecture, traditionally made with local seafood and vegetables, served cold with rice. It can be made vegan by swapping the fish for mushrooms.
Can I find hiyajiru in Tokyo even though it's a Miyazaki dish?
Yes — chain restaurants like Yayoiken serve it in Tokyo, so you don't need to travel to Kyushu to try it.
