10 popular Sauces that enhance your dining experience

If you're planning a trip to Japan, here are 10 popular sauces you shouldn't miss.

1. Tonkatsu Sauce
Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish consisting of a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, typically served with rice, salad, and a flavorful sauce. Tonkatsu sauce has a slightly tangy taste, similar to American steak sauce, and is made from ingredients like tomatoes, onions, apples, lemons, carrots, and more. This sauce not only complements the pork cutlet but can also be used with any fried food to tantalize your taste buds.

2. Kushikatsu Sauce
Similar to tonkatsu sauce, kushikatsu sauce is used for skewered and deep-fried foods. It has a sweet and tangy flavor and can be challenging to find as only a few specialized shops sell it nationwide. However, you can easily find it in any kushikatsu restaurant. A basic rule is to avoid double-dipping your food in the sauce; if caught doing so, you might be asked to leave the establishment. This sauce is also used for marinating and grilling meat dishes.

3. Yakiniku Sauce
Yakiniku, or grilled meat, is an incredibly popular Japanese dish, and yakiniku sauce is the key to elevating its flavor. After grilling the meat to a golden brown, simply drizzle this sauce over it and savor the delicious combination. The aroma of the grilled meat, combined with the rich taste of the sauce, will instantly awaken your senses. Yakiniku sauce comes in various flavors, allowing you to choose between spicy or sweet options.

4. Yakisoba Sauce
Yakisoba, a regional dish from Kansai, has gained popularity throughout the country. It consists of stir-fried noodles, meat, vegetables, and a savory sauce. This sauce has a brown color with a mild tangy taste, making it a delightful addition to your meal.

5. Goma Dare (Sesame Sauce)
Made from sesame seeds, this sauce is commonly served with meat or salads, and some even enjoy it with fruits. However, it is widely used in Japanese shabu-shabu or hot pot dishes. Dip your meat and vegetables into the hot broth, then coat them with the sauce, and you'll experience a truly delightful and satisfying meal, especially on cold winter days.

6. Karashi (Hot Mustard)
Although French-style mustard is not commonly found in Japan, you can easily find a tube of hot mustard called "karashi." With its spicy kick similar to mustard, karashi is used as a condiment for sausages, buns, or fermented soybeans. While Japan doesn't have a wide variety of spicy foods, aside from wasabi, karashi is sure to satisfy spice lovers with its pungent flavor.

7. Okonomi Sauce:
Explore the savory world of Okonomiyaki, a Japanese savory pancake made with cabbage, pork or octopus, eggs, and batter, grilled on a hotplate. Similar to Yakisoba sauce, Okonomi sauce has a brown color but boasts a tangy and robust flavor. It adds depth to Okonomiyaki and can also be used as a condiment for meats or fried dishes.

8. Miso Sauce:
For the Japanese, a bowl of Miso soup without Miso sauce is considered a major flaw. However, Miso sauce isn't limited to soup; it's a perfect choice for meat or steamed vegetables. It serves as a "savior" for those who dislike plain boiled vegetables. The preparation of Miso sauce is simple, involving fermenting soybeans with koji mold, resulting in a salty and uniquely fragrant taste that varies by region. Today, Miso sauce has gained popularity beyond Japan due to its distinct flavor that sets it apart from other sauces.

9. Soy Sauce:
This dark, liquid sauce is not only a common condiment worldwide but also one of the finest sauces produced. Made from fermented soybean liquid, it possesses a salty taste and pairs exceptionally well with various meat dishes. Just imagine how sushi would be without this "holy grail" sauce! Soy sauce is easily available in most grocery stores worldwide and is a staple in premium Japanese restaurants abroad.

10. Ponzu Sauce:
Resembling soy sauce in appearance, Ponzu sauce is also made from soy sauce but has a slightly different flavor profile. Ponzu offers a subtle citrusy tang, reminiscent of orange or grapefruit, making it an excellent choice for salads or meat dishes. Try Ponzu sauce with Japanese yuzu fruit juice for an exquisite flavor combination.

In essence, sauces are the "soul" of Japanese cuisine, and it would be challenging to experience the full spectrum of Japanese culinary delights without these "divine" condiments. When you have the opportunity to indulge in Japanese cuisine, don't forget to select the appropriate sauces to enhance your dining experience to the fullest.