[2026] Songs about cooking: A roundup of recommended Japanese classics
Delicious food adds color to our everyday lives, and surely many people reset their mood by making sure to eat a proper meal even when they’re going through something tough.
Whether we’re happy or sad, we humans can’t keep moving forward unless we eat.
Themes like cooking and food—which are closely tied to our daily lives—are, of course, important and unmissable subjects for artists as well, and they’re often chosen as motifs.
In this article, we’ve picked out classic Japanese songs—both old and new—that center on cooking and food.
Whether it’s breakfast or sweet desserts, take a look at how these artists express them!
- [Rice Songs] A selection of tracks where food appears in the lyrics!
- [Food Songs] Popular Japanese songs that use names of foods
- [Delicious] A collection of music you'll want to listen to while cooking
- A roundup of Japanese songs featuring curry—songs about curry and curry rice
- [2026] Japanese music that sings wishes: A collection of J-POP masterpieces
- [2026] Representative Famous Enka Songs: A Compilation of Classic Favorites [Beginner-Friendly]
- Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs about food
- [Family Song] A gratitude song that lets you feel the importance of family.
- [Vegetable Songs] Unexpected artists too!? A roundup of recommended tracks
- [2026] Autumn songs sung by idols: A collection of classic autumn tunes filled with nostalgia
- [Thank You] A song for grandpa and grandma: a classic that makes you want to express your gratitude
- Vegetable Song: A Recommended Food Education Song for Children
- Packed with masterpieces! Karaoke songs recommended for women of the Yutori generation
[2026] Songs about cooking: Recommended masterpieces (Japanese music) (21–30)
Genghis KhanSuiyōbi no Campanella
You might think it’s a song about Genghis Khan, the first emperor of the Mongol Empire, but it’s actually a track themed around jingisukan, the lamb dish said to be named after Genghis Khan.
Being included on the album “SUPERMAN,” where all the track titles use the names of great historical figures, makes it clear they’ve intentionally chosen a confusing title.
With distinctive timbres and rhythms that incorporate folk music and evoke Mongolia through various languages, the song stands out for portraying scenes from Japanese eateries that serve jingisukan.
Though packed with jokes, the lyrics vividly depict the lamb sizzling to perfection, thoroughly whetting the listener’s appetite.
I want to eat ramen.Yano Akiko
Akiko Yano is often impersonated on variety shows.
That mystical voice of hers really is one of a kind.
One of her most comical songs is the 1984 single “Ramen Tabetai” (“I Want to Eat Ramen”).
The title is so straightforward it makes you laugh.
They say she was composing in the middle of the night when she suddenly craved ramen, and that’s what sparked the song.
With lyrics that go, “Women, just like men, have so many hardships—ah, I want to eat ramen,” fans even hail it as a divine track.
Listen to it and you’ll definitely find yourself craving ramen.
[2026] Songs about cooking: Recommended classic Japanese tracks (31–40)
I can’t compete with curry rice.Majima Masatoshi
As a song themed around food, this is a heartwarming piece created by Masatoshi Mashima during his solo career.
Using the everyday dish of curry rice as its subject, it sings about the importance of finding life’s small happiness through the process of cooking and the joy of eating.
Released as a single in October 1994, it showcased Mashima’s new musical direction following the breakup of The Blue Hearts.
Strongly rooted in pop rock, and enhanced by producer Masahide Sakuma’s arrangement, the track blends approachability with the soul of rock.
It’s a perfect song for those seeking comfort through cooking or hoping to discover happiness in everyday life.
riceDISH//
This song by DISH//, the band fronted by Takumi Kitamura, spins everyday, unassuming happiness found in daily life into music.
As the title suggests, through the familiar theme of “meals,” it portrays the preciousness of time spent with loved ones and moments of caring for yourself.
Life has its ups and downs—there are times when we reflect on the meaning of happiness, and there are ordinary feelings like simply getting hungry.
That down-to-earth message is sure to resonate with many listeners.
Released digitally in October 2025, the track features lyrics by Takumi Kitamura and composition by To-i Tachibana, Daichi Izumi, and others.
Give it a listen when you’re tired or need a moment to unwind.
KOGYA`S KITCHENKOGYARU
This is a delightful work born from the unexpected pairing of hip-hop and cooking.
Released in August 2025, it showcases a playful charm that’s quite different from the cool attitude shown in the debut track “SHIRANKEDO.” Guiding you through how to make chicken rice and omurice with a rap is such a unique idea.
Plus, the catchy phrases over a drill beat and the para-para choreography—complete with an official practice video—make you want to move your body and groove along! It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser to play at a party with friends.
Strawberry ChipsHALCALI
This is a song by HALCALI, a female music duo that began their activities in 2002.
Just like the title suggests, the lyrics are filled with sweet and cute words! In the music video, the languid vibe of the song matches the dance performed by the two members of HALCALI, making it surprisingly addictive.
JAMFRUITS ZIPPER
FRUITS ZIPPER is an idol group that gained momentum after going viral on TikTok with “My Cutest Part.” Released for streaming in September 2025, this song is a heartwarming number that likens the precious moments of everyday life to making jam.
It sings about how, as time passes, memories pile up and become sweeter and more special.
A gentle pop song that makes you cherish the ordinary days spent with someone important.