Interesting Japanese Fast Food
Japanese cuisine has been strongly influenced by China and Korea over the past 2,000 years. It was only in the last 300 to 400 years that foreign interaction has brought about what we now know as Japanese fare.
Religion has also been a major influence in the development of Japanese gastronomy. Buddhism was the official religion in Japan in the 6th century, and eating meat and fish was not allowed. The Shinto religion also had a similar philosophy; however, the consumption of meat was not completely banned. The slaughter of animals was forbidden by emperors in the eighth and ninth centuries. Consumption of meats was eventually allowed and regulated. Around the 15th century, the Japanese adjusted to including meat and poultry into their everyday diet, as well as shortening the fermentation process of fish and rice.
In the 16th century, the Portuguese and Dutch introduced fried foods like tempura. Trade was renewed with the West in 1854. Soon the new ruling power during the Meiji restoration period embraced Western influence; this brought forth many changes to Japanese cuisine. Many restaurants began serving Western food known as yōshoku (洋食).
Today, Japan is rich in diverse savory feasts that will have you gawking and your mouth watering. The Japanese fast food industry is growing fast, and competition is stiff. Most of the major fast food chains have come up with unique and sophisticated items on the menu to get ahead. Here are a few that you can get only in Japan:
Wendy’s Foie Gras Burger—the popular Wendy’s all beef burger patty with all the regular toppings, plus a generous slice of succulent duck liver. You may not get any objections from the Robertson family about the latest reality hit, The Duck Dynasty, from this type of burger.
Burger King’s NY Pizza Burger—a gigantic monstrosity: a classic Burger King patty on a 9½-inch sesame bun. It has all the usual pizza toppings like pepperoni, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Now, this could be a meal for Godzilla!
McDonald’s Cheese Katsu Burger—a deep fried pork cutlet stuffed with cheese and topped with cabbage and zesty sweet and sour sauce. A match made in heaven!
Pizza Hut’s Mini Corn Dog Pizza—a pizza of mini corn dogs oozing with cheese and topped with sausage, bacon, ham, mushroom, onion, pepper, garlic, and tomato sauce. What more can you ask for in a pizza?
You can also create your own fast food at home such as taco rice (タコライス takoraisu) is an Okinawan dish made of taco-flavored ground beef, and oftentimes, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato and salsa, served on top of rice. Takoraisu is a favorite among many Okinawans and is often served for school lunches.
