Summer in Japan is a sensory experience like no other. The air buzzes with the sound of cicadas, fireworks light up the night skies, and traditional festivals like matsuri, fill the streets with colour, dance, and community spirit. As temperatures rise and humidity sets in, the Japanese culinary scene shifts to dishes that are cool, refreshing, and designed to help beat the heat.
Here are some of Japan’s most beloved summer menu items that offer a delicious escape from the sweltering sun:
🧊 Hiyashi Chūka (Cold Ramen) & Mazemen (Brothless Ramen)
When the sun is blazing, few things hit the spot like Hiyashi Chūka, a colourful, refreshing dish of chilled ramen noodles topped with sliced cucumber, egg, tomato, and a tangy soy or sesame-based dressing. It's light, vibrant, and endlessly customizable—perfect for a hot summer day!
Another delicious option is Mazemen, a brothless ramen that’s often served at room temperature or chilled during the summer months. With bold sauces, toppings like soft egg, corn, spicy ground meat, and a satisfying mix-it-yourself experience, Mazemen is a rich, flavourful twist on traditional cold noodles.
Looking to try your own, check out Chef Jared's recipe for Hiyashi Chuka Yuzu with Grilled Shrimp.
🍧 Kakigōri (かき氷) – Japanese Shaved Ice
No Japanese summer is complete without kakigōri, the ultimate warm-weather treat. Delicate flakes of shaved ice are drenched in sweet syrups like matcha, strawberry, or yuzu, often topped with condensed milk or red bean paste. Found everywhere from street festivals to high-end cafés, this dessert is all about icy indulgence.
🥢 Sōmen (そうめん) – Slippery Cold Noodles
Sōmen are ultra-thin wheat noodles typically served chilled with a light soy-based dipping sauce (mentsuyu), along with green onions, grated ginger, and sometimes wasabi. One of the most fun ways to eat them is nagashi sōmen—where the noodles are sent down a bamboo water slide and you catch them with your chopsticks! It’s summer joy in edible form and we do encourage you to try this at home!
🍆 Grilled Nasu Dengaku (なす田楽) – Miso-Glazed Eggplant
Summer is eggplant season in Japan and one popular preparation is nasu dengaku—eggplant grilled until tender and topped with a sweet-savoury miso glaze. Served warm or at room temperature, it’s a great side dish that highlights the deep umami of this seasonal veggie. 
Celebrate the Season
Japanese summer cuisine is all about balance—cooling the body, celebrating the season’s harvest, and bringing comfort and freshness to the table. Whether you're slurping cold noodles or enjoying a cup of kakigōri on a sunny porch, these dishes offer a taste of summer that’s both timeless and transportive.
If you're feeling inspired (and hungry) for the tastes of a Japanese summer, visit your local Crafty Ramen and try out their summer menu, featuring their take on Mazeman Ramen, Sweet n' Sticky Fried Eggplant, and more! Available now for a limited time!