The Best Halal Restaurants serving Japanese food. Toronto, Ontario

Japanese food is quite unique, especially compared to other cuisines in Asia. Instead of depending on spices and sauces, Japanese cuisine relies on fresh ingredients and light cooking techniques. Dishes are often quite colourful, and use a variety of seafood and vegetables. Japanese restaurants will dedicate entire menus to sushi and sashimi, dishes made with raw fish and rice with vinegar.

Rice is a staple ingredient in most Japanese meals, and is often accompanied by two or three side dishes. Miso, a spiced broth soup, is one of the most common starters. Dumplings, steamed or grilled vegetables, and tofu or beef are standard in most eateries. Some food is deep-fried. Vegetables and shrimp coated in egg, water and wheat flour will be deep-fried to make Tempura, a popular dish in sushi restaurants. Food is spiced sparingly, and most of the time seasoned simply with oils, salt products like soy sauce, and peppers.

Traditional Japanese desserts are called "wagashi," and are made of red bean paste and soft rice cakes. Sweets are accompanied by green tea, which is produced in Japan and prepared in various ways, including in powdered form as matcha. Sake is also very popular in Japan. It is made of fermented rice, and contains 12-15 per cent alcohol.

What is unique about Japanese food is that it is dependent on the seasons. It is tradition that dishes reflect the produce and vegetation available each month. This is also mirrored in the decora. Tree leaves, branches, and bamboo are used as centerpieces when guests come over for dinner. This whole concept is called seasonality.

Japan also has a distinctive way of serving their food. As mentioned previously, most meals are made of side dishes. These food items are all placed in individual bowls and plates. It is traditional those flavoured foods not touch and that every guest gets his or her own individual portions. Chopsticks are typically used to eat with. These eating utensils are made of wood, plastic, bamboo, or stainless steel, and consist of two thin sticks of equal size and length.

MenuPalace features some of the best Japanese restaurants, including sushi buffets and Asian fusion.