What Is Tempura? Origins, Popular Variations & Where To Try

Did you know that tempura has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century when Portuguese missionaries first arrived in Nagasaki? These missionaries also introduced deep-frying techniques to Japan, which heavily influenced how Japanese cuisine would develop and change. The term "tempura" actually comes from the Latin word "tempora" which refers to times of fasting. Talk about cultural exchange!

During the Edo Period (1603–1868), tempura became a staple of Japanese cuisine, and chefs began experimenting with different ingredients and styles. But, it wasn't always accessible to everyone. In the past, tempura was considered a luxury food and was only served in high-end restaurants.

However, as cooking oil production increased, street vendors began selling tempura quickly and conveniently, making it more accessible to the masses. This helped solidify tempura's place as a staple of Japanese cuisine.

As tempura became more popular, several different regional variations began to develop. In the Kansai region, a style of tempura known as "tenkasu" or tempura flakes developed. They can be made by deep-frying small balls of tempura batter or by simply breaking up larger pieces of tempura. Over in Oita Prefecture, chicken tempura is considered to be the area's specialty dish.

In contemporary Japan, you can find both affordable tempura chains and high-end tempura restaurants, though this crispy dish is still considered to be more of an option for those looking to splurge. Did you know that tempura chef Kondo Fumio earned two Michelin stars for his restaurant Tempura Kondo? That's right, tempura is not just food; it's also an art form.

Now that you know what tempura is, let's talk about what it isn't. While tempura and typical fried foods both involve deep-frying, tempura typically uses a lighter and airier batter. On the other hand, traditional fried food can use a thicker and heavier batter or flour mixture and can be made with various ingredients.

The frying technique when making tempura is also slightly different, with tempura chefs usually keeping a very close eye on the oil and only frying each ingredient for a few seconds. The most common ingredients for tempura are seafood (shrimp and fish, mainly) and vegetables (eggplant and mushrooms, to name a few). This slight — but significant — change is to thank for tempura's light crispiness and more complex flavors. The light batter gives more room for the high-grade ingredients to shine with every bite.

Some of the most popular tempura ingredients include shrimp, fish, squid, and various types of vegetables such as eggplant, sweet potatoes and pumpkin. Chicken tempura is also a popular variation. Here are the popular kinds of tempura available in Japan:

1. Ebi tempura
2. Kakiage tempura
3. Egg tempura
4. Vegetable tempura
5. Shiso tempura
6. Sakana tempura (fish tempura)
7. Kakiage donburi
8. Toriten (chicken tempura)

This is one of the most popular types of tempura in Japan. It is made by coating whole shrimp in tempura batter and can be found atop udon or soba noodles. Ebi tempura is often confused with ebi furai, which is shrimp coated in a heavy panko batter and deep fried. Don’t make the same mistake! At high-end tempura restaurants, sometimes the head of the shrimp is also served, indicating the high quality of the shrimp.

This is a type of tempura made by mixing Julienne-cut vegetables and seafood. The most common vegetables used for kakiage tempura are carrots, burdock, and onions. They are mixed with small shrimp, shaped into a disc, and then deep-fried. We recommend having this with salt.

This "tsukimi" tempura is made with soft-boiled eggs. Just imagine the crispy exterior and then the soft-creamy interior of tsukimi tempura. Makes you want to find the nearest tempura restaurant, doesn’t it? 

This is another popular type of tempura made with whole pieces or slices of vegetables. It also happens to be my favorite type! Lotus root, okra, pumpkin, mushroom, sweet potato, and eggplant are the most frequently used vegetables. 

Shiso, or perilla leaf, is another popular type of tempura. The sharp taste of the leaf with the crunchy deep-fried exterior creates a very unique taste. Try it!

Any type of white fish can be used for tempura. The light texture makes it perfect for tempura as the quick cooking method preserves its natural flavors. Ayu, a type of river fish, is also used. 

Kakiage donburi, made with thinly sliced vegetables in a disc shape, is served on a bed of rice in a bowl. This way of serving kakiage is best enjoyed with tempura sauce, also called tentsuyu, instead of salt because the rice allows the sauce to be evenly distributed.

Originating from Oita Prefecture, toriten is served in many different ways. Different from the well-known fried chicken, chunks of chicken are seasoned before being deep-fried and then served with a citrusy ponzu sauce. Brb, I’m on my way to Oita. 

Here are a few different ways to eat tempura. Dip it in tentsuyu, Kanto-style. Tentsuyu is a perfect complement to the light and crispy texture of tempura. Have it with salt, like they do in Kansai. Usually, a salt flavored with matcha or nori is used to maximize the taste of the tempura. A quick option is tenmusubi, rice balls with shrimp tempura as a filling. You can find tenmusubi in convenience stores and grocery stores.

Try tendon, a bowl of rice topped with different types of tempura. This is a guaranteed way to get a complete meal. If you’re in Osaka, be sure to try tempura ochazuke, which is a tendon with green tea poured over it. Most tendon restaurants are very affordable, so you have no excuses. No to rice? Swap it with soba noodles or udon noodles instead.

Tenzaru, a dish made with cold soba noodles served alongside assorted tempura, is a great meal to have in the summertime when you desperately need a break from the humidity. Many tempura restaurants serve it with grated daikon radish and green onions, which adds a refreshing touch.

Tempura has a rich history and cultural significance that spans centuries. From its origins as a luxury food enjoyed by the elite to its current status as a staple of Japanese cuisine, tempura has evolved to become a beloved and versatile dish enjoyed by people of all ages.

With its unique and crispy texture, tempura is a true culinary masterpiece that is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of Japanese culture through food. So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to dive into the crispy, delicious world of tempura!

Here are a few different ways to eat tempura. Dip it in tentsuyu, Kanto-style. Tentsuyu is a perfect complement to the light and crispy texture of tempura. Have it with salt, like they do in Kansai. Usually, a salt flavored with matcha or nori is used to maximize the taste of the tempura. A quick option is tenmusubi, rice balls with shrimp tempura as a filling. You can find tenmusubi in convenience stores and grocery stores.

The basic ingredients for tempura batter include flour, egg, and cold water. The key to achieving its characteristic crispiness lies in keeping the batter mixture cold, which prevents the flour from absorbing too much liquid and becoming doughy. Vegetables and seafood are the primary components typically used in tempura.

Earlier, we mentioned that in contemporary Japan, you can find both affordable and high-end options when it comes to tempura. Here are a few names to get your research rolling.

For affordable and filling tempura, Tenya is a good option with hundreds of locations around Japan. Another chain for cheap eats is Marugame Seimen, which is technically an udon restaurant but also offers a few tempura options to go with your noodles. If you're feeling fancy, check out Tensuke, a tempura specialty restaurant and one of Tokyo's latest Bib Gourmand-selected spots!

If you're okay with dishing out some money, then look for mid-range to high-end establishments. Following the theme of Michelin-starred dining, star-adorning restaurants in Tokyo include Tamawarai, a soba shop with delicious tempura sides. Alternatively, eat like royalty with this tempura omakase (chef’s recommendation) course by one of Japan’s top tempura chefs, Koichiro Shimura. For more ideas, browse our list of tempura restaurants in Japan.

This blog post was originally written by Avah Averton. It was updated by byFood staff in July 2024.