21 Delicious Side Dishes and Desserts to Complement Osechi Ryori

Osechi Ryori is a beautiful New Year’s tradition in Japan, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spice things up! To complement your festive spread, here are some tasty side dishes and delightful desserts that will add a special touch to your celebration. Let’s get into the delicious options that can elevate your Osechi experience!

Kabocha Korokke: Pumpkin Croquettes

Kabocha korokke are crispy pumpkin croquettes that are a fantastic addition to your osechi ryori spread. They have a warm, comforting flavor and pair perfectly with a dipping sauce. These golden bites not only look great on the table but also add a delightful twist to your festive meal.

Kuri Kinton: Sweet Chestnut and Sweet Potato Mash

Kuri Kinton is a delightful mash made from sweet potatoes and sweet chestnuts. This dish has a naturally sweet flavor that brightens up any meal. It’s perfect for celebrating New Year and pairs wonderfully with Osechi Ryori.

Zoni: Mochi Soup with Vegetables

Zoni is a comforting mochi soup that’s a staple during New Year’s celebrations. This warm bowl is filled with chewy mochi and fresh vegetables, making it both tasty and hearty. It’s a perfect dish to enjoy alongside your Osechi Ryori spread!

Gobo Salad: Burdock Root Salad

Gobo salad is a refreshing side dish that pairs well with Osechi Ryori. Made with crunchy burdock root, it’s often mixed with carrots and fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor. This salad brings a nice balance to the rich flavors of traditional Japanese New Year dishes.

Yaki Imo: Sweet Roasted Japanese Sweet Potatoes

Yaki Imo is a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with Osechi Ryori. These sweet roasted Japanese sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness that makes them irresistible. Enjoy them warm for a cozy addition to your festive meal!

Tazukuri: Candied Sardines

Tazukuri, or candied sardines, are a perfect addition to your Osechi Ryori spread. These little fish are sweetened with soy sauce and sugar, giving them a delightful balance of flavors. They not only taste great but also symbolize prosperity for the new year!

Namasu: Pickled Daikon and Carrot Salad

Namasu is a vibrant and refreshing salad that brightens up any meal. Made from thinly sliced daikon and carrots, this dish is not only colorful but packed with flavor. The tangy pickling really brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making it a perfect side for Osechi Ryori.

Daifuku: Sweet Rice Cake with Fillings

Daifuku is a popular Japanese treat that brings a delightful sweetness to your meal. These chewy rice cakes can be filled with various tasty options, like red bean paste or fruit. They’re not just a treat; they add a fun and colorful touch to your table!

Nishime: Simmered Vegetables

Nishime brings a comforting touch to your Osechi Ryori spread. This dish features a lovely mix of simmered vegetables that are both tasty and visually appealing. Pair it with rice or enjoy it on its own for a warm, satisfying bite.

Kenchin Jiru: Vegetable Miso Soup

Kenchin Jiru is a delicious and comforting vegetable miso soup that’s perfect for any meal. Packed with tofu, root vegetables, and a savory broth, it brings warmth and depth to your table. Serve it alongside your Osechi Ryori for a balanced and hearty experience!

Matcha Flan: Green Tea Custard Dessert

Matcha flan is a delightful twist on the classic custard dessert. Its creamy texture and subtle green tea flavor make it a refreshing end to your meal. This dessert pairs wonderfully with Osechi Ryori, adding a sweet touch to your New Year’s feast.

Yaki Onigiri: Grilled Rice Balls

Yaki Onigiri is a tasty addition to any meal. These grilled rice balls are crispy on the outside and soft inside, making them a perfect treat. Serve them with a side of soy sauce for an extra kick!

Mochi Ice Cream: Ice Cream in Rice Cake

Mochi ice cream is a fun and tasty treat that adds a twist to your dessert table. It’s a delightful combination of creamy ice cream wrapped in soft, chewy rice cake. Perfect for sharing, these little bites bring a splash of color and flavor to any Osechi Ryori spread!

Yatsuhashi: Cinnamon Rice Snacks

Yatsuhashi are delightful rice snacks with a sweet cinnamon twist. They’re a fun treat that pairs wonderfully with Osechi Ryori, adding a unique flavor to your meal. Enjoy them as a light dessert or snack that everyone will love!

Shiitake Mushrooms: Savory Stewed Mushrooms

Savor the rich, earthy flavors of shiitake mushrooms stewed to perfection. These mushrooms soak up all the tasty broth, making them a delightful addition to your Osechi Ryori spread. Serve them alongside rice for a comforting and satisfying bite.

Dorayaki: Pancake Sandwiches with Sweet Filling

Dorayaki is a charming treat you’ll love at any gathering. These pancake sandwiches are filled with sweet red bean paste, making them a delightful addition to your meal. Serve them alongside osechi ryori for a perfect blend of flavors!

Kakigori: Shaved Ice Dessert

Kakigori is a fun and refreshing dessert that everyone loves. This shaved ice treat is often topped with colorful syrups, fruits, and even condensed milk. It’s a perfect way to cool down and add a sweet finish to your Osechi Ryori meal!

Satoimo no Nimono: Simmered Taro

Satoimo no nimono is a delightful dish that features tender taro simmered in a savory broth. It’s the perfect side for Osechi Ryori, adding a comforting touch to your New Year feast. The silky texture and mild flavor of the taro balance beautifully with other dishes on the table.

Anmitsu: Jelly Dessert with Sweet Toppings

Anmitsu is a delightful dessert that combines jelly with a variety of toppings. It’s usually served in a bowl, featuring sweet red bean paste, mochi, and seasonal fruits. This treat adds a refreshing touch to your Osechi Ryori feast!

Kuzu Mochi: Kuzu Starch Cakes

Kuzu mochi is a delightful treat made from kuzu starch, giving it a unique chewy texture. Served with a sweet syrup, it’s the perfect finish to your osechi ryori meal. These little cakes are not just tasty; they also add a lovely touch to your New Year celebrations!

Warabi Mochi: Bracken-starch Jelly

Warabi mochi is a delightful Japanese treat made from bracken starch. It has a soft, jelly-like texture that melts in your mouth. Often dusted with kinako and drizzled with syrup, it’s a perfect complement to your Osechi Ryori meal.