Seasonal Eating Guide in Japan: ‘Shun’ Secrets from Local Chefs

🌸 Did you know that Japanese people not only eat delicious food but also eat in season? In Japan, the concept of “shun” (旬) - eating according to the season - is very important. Each season has the freshest ingredients, helping the dish achieve perfection in both flavor and nutrition. Today, let's explore Japanese spring cuisine and the "top of the line" dishes that you should not miss!

1. What is 'Shun'? Why do Japanese people always eat according to the seasons?

Shun (旬) means the time when a food is at its freshest. The Japanese believe that eating food in season not only helps to enjoy its full flavor but is also good for your health.

Chọn thực phẩm tươi ngon theo mùa

🔹 Benefits of eating seasonally:

✅ Fresh ingredients, no need for many spices but still rich.
✅ Highest nutrition because food is properly ripened.
✅ Reasonable price due to abundant supply.

For example:
• Spring: Snow crab, shirauo fish, sansai vegetables.
• Summer: Unagi eel, yubari melon.
• Autumn: Sanma mackerel, matsutake mushrooms.
• Winter: Daikon radish, nabemono hotpot.

2. Japanese spring delicacies you must try

🦀 2. 1. Snow Crab (Zuwaigani) – The peak of spring seafood
• Snow crabs are caught in the spring, the meat is soft, sweet and fatty.
• How to eat: Steamed, grilled, eaten with refreshing ponzu dipping sauce.

Cua tuyết hấp

📌 Suggested experience: If you come to Hokkaido, try grilled snow crab with butter - a specialty not to be missed!

🍲 2.2. Shabu-shabu Hot Pot – A “fancy” hot pot dish for chilly spring days

• Wagyu beef, spring vegetables (mizuna, shiitake mushrooms), sweet and clear broth.
• How to eat: Dip the meat in the hot pot broth for 3 seconds, then dip in gomadare sauce (sesame sauce) or ponzu.

shabu-shabu-món lẩu cho ngày xuân

📌 Tip: Want authentic shabu-shabu? Choose a restaurant that serves A5 Wagyu beef!

🌿 2.3. Sansai Vegetables – A gift from Japanese nature

• Sansai (山菜) are wild vegetables that grow wild in spring.
• Includes: Fresh bamboo shoots, fuki vegetables, warabi tips (young fern).
• How to eat: Stir-fry with miso, cook soup or fry tempura.

Rau sansai

📌 Fun fact: The Japanese believe that eating sansai helps purify the body after winter!

3. Tips to experience seasonal Japanese cuisine like a local

🔹 Go to the fish market or farmers market to buy the freshest ingredients.
🔹 Ask the chef about the seasonal “shun” dish.
🔹 Try local specialties instead of just sushi & ramen!

🔥 What is your favorite dish in Japanese spring? Comment now!

📌 See more: List of Japanese restaurants serving authentic shun dishes!

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