When the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, Japan’s beloved oden makes its much-anticipated return. This hearty, simmered dish is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural touchstone that evokes the warmth of home and the camaraderie of shared meals. With a rich history, a soothing broth, and a variety of ingredients, oden remains a staple of Japanese cuisine, especially during the colder months.
Oden traces its roots back to the Muromachi period (1336–1573) when skewered tofu, called dengaku, was grilled and served with miso paste. Over time, this evolved into oden, where ingredients were simmered in a light, flavourful broth. Originally a street food sold by yatai stalls, oden has since found its way into restaurants, homes, and even convenience stores.
The heart of any good oden is its broth, typically made from a dashi base of kombu (kelp) and katsuobushi (bonito flakes), seasoned with soy sauce, sake, and mirin. The broth is light yet deeply savoury, designed to enhance the natural flavours of the ingredients as they soak up the essence of the simmering pot.
A hallmark of oden is its variety. Common ingredients include daikon (radish), chikuwa (fish cake), konnyaku (yam jelly), boiled eggs, and ganmodoki (fried tofu fritters). Meatier additions like beef tendons or sausages, and regional specialties like hanpen (fluffy fish cake) in Tokyo or kiritanpo (pounded rice skewers) in Akita, highlight the dish’s diversity across Japan. The combination of textures and flavours creates a medley that feels both comforting and satisfying.
One of the most delightful aspects of oden is its accessibility. While you can enjoy it in specialised oden-ya restaurants or traditional izakayas, it’s also a common sight in convenience stores like Family Mart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven. These stores feature self-serve oden pots, allowing customers to pick their favourite items and enjoy a warm, affordable snack or meal on the go. The convenience store version of oden has become a quintessential winter offering, beloved by locals and visitors alike for its simplicity and flavour.
For tourists, oden offers an approachable way to experience Japanese cuisine. The broth’s familiar savoury taste and the variety of mild ingredients make it a great introduction to traditional flavours. Many convenience stores provide labels in English or illustrations to help you choose, ensuring a welcoming experience for first-timers.
Whether enjoyed at a street stall, a cosy restaurant, or a late-night Family Mart run, oden is a celebration of warmth and simplicity. It’s a dish that embodies the spirit of Japanese comfort food, bringing people together one simmering bowl at a time.
