Among the countless typical dishes of Japan, Oden is probably the dish that most easily makes people feel moved on cold winter days. Not fussy in the way of preparation, not requiring expensive ingredients, but Oden has a strange attraction, as if hidden inside it is the breath of winter, the simple but warm rhythms of life of the Japanese people.
Each bowl of Oden is a small story cooked from golden fried tofu, fragrant fish cakes, soft stewed white radish, sweet boiled eggs... All are cooked together in a pot of clear broth, not too salty but deep in flavor, enough for each ingredient to absorb the aroma, soothing the cold outside. This dish is not only part of the menu but has become a symbol, an indispensable "ritual" every time winter knocks on the door in Japan.
2. Essence in every ingredient
Oden has no set recipe. In each region, people add local ingredients, creating a unique flavor. But no matter how it changes, the spirit of Oden remains the same – a gentle blend of aroma and flavor, tradition and modernity.
Daikon radish is always a favorite ingredient. After many hours of simmering, each piece of daikon becomes soft, sweet and soaked in broth, giving the feeling of melting in the mouth. Fried tofu is both rich and chewy, retaining its softness but still not falling apart. Fish cakes such as Satsuma-age or Chikuwa create an interesting texture, both chewy and full of the taste of the sea. And indispensable is the boiled egg, the seemingly simplest part but adding fullness and harmony to Oden.
Konnyaku – a vegetable jelly made from yam – is also often used as a "piece" to enrich the texture of the dish. When eaten, each piece of konnyaku feels cool, contrasting with the warm feeling of the broth, creating an interesting balance of sensations. Whether you eat one or many ingredients, the special thing is that you always feel the gentleness, simplicity but full of care in each bite.
3. Why has Oden become a symbol of winter?
Oden is not only popular in family meals, but is also an image associated with small street corners, convenience stores (konbini), or small roadside carts in Japan. On cold nights, people often stand next to a hot pot of Oden, eating and sighing, then clearly feeling the closeness - whether strangers or acquaintances, just sharing a bowl of Oden is enough to warm the heart.
This dish also appears frequently in Japanese dramas, comics, or cultural programs, as a symbol of family ties and friendship. It is no coincidence that the Japanese call Oden "national winter dish". It not only warms the stomach, but also brings people closer together, creating emotional moments of sharing.
The period from November to February – when winter approaches and the traditional New Year is near – is also the time when Oden appears most densely in family gatherings or friends' meetings. Oden does not need to be on special occasions, but it is the special thing that makes Japanese winter.
4. The connection between Japanese food, weather and culture
Japan is a country of sophistication – each season has its own representative food. If spring is the time of cherry blossoms and sweet wagashi, then winter is definitely the season of Oden. Not only does Oden help people cope with the cold, but because it brings a sense of “being at home” – a feeling that the Japanese always seek in their communal living culture.
During winter festivals, especially New Year's festivals, the image of steaming pots of Oden often appears as an indispensable part. People stand around, raise their sake cups, pick up each piece of hot Oden, then chat, share about the past year or their wishes for the coming year. It can be said that Oden is a dish that helps conversations become more sincere, relationships become closer, and memories become more memorable.
Oden is more than just a simple dish – it represents an entire season, a way of life that is deeply rooted in Japanese identity. In the cold of winter, sitting next to a steaming pot of Oden with family and friends is what makes life more complete than ever. If you want to touch the soul of Japanese culinary culture, start with a bowl of Oden – where every sip of the broth tells a story of sharing and connection.