The right side dishes can transform a meal from something completely average to utterly delicious. In traditional Japanese cuisine, side dishes play an extremely important role, so it’s no surprise that there are countless Japanese side dish options, and that they are wide in variety and delicious in taste. You won’t find any limp side salads or overboiled vegetables here.

This list includes some dishes you can enjoy on their on, some that are great in combination with a main dish, and some that keep well, so you can add any leftovers to a packed lunch or Bento box (you can read about the difference between a lunch box and a bento box here).

20 Easy Japanese Side Dishes

1.   Simmered Kabocha Squash (Japanese Pumpkin)  by Just One Cookbook

This simmered Japanese Pumpkin dish has a delectable texture and is seriously addictive. I always surprise myself by just how much I can eat of it! It is surprisingly easy to assemble, and is the first dish I cooked when I moved to Japan, using this exact recipe.

Read more20 Easy Japanese Side Dishes

Matcha tea is a nutrient packed superfood, providing cancer protection, increased concentration, increased metabolism and glowing skin! (You can click to   read more about the amazing benefits of Matcha tea.)

It’s not surprising that you would want to try and add more Matcha into your life.

Not sure how? This list of recipes will provide you with all the inspiration you need to get started! Ranging from the classic Matcha latte to snacks, desserts and midweek meals, there is something for everyone in this list!

25 Incredible Matcha Tea Recipes

1. Matcha Milk Bread Turtles  by ful-filled

If you could bring yourself to eat one of these adorable turtles, the white chocolate filling and chocolate dutch crunch topping makes for a heavenly combination with the matcha flavour. Plus making them is super fun. TOO. CUTE!

Read more25 Awesome and Creative Ways to use Matcha