Top 5 Popular Cooking Apps in Japan

Many people encounter challenges when it comes to cooking. Whether it's the hassle of planning daily meals, ensuring nutritional balance, lack of time for cooking, or falling into a routine of making the same dishes repeatedly, numerous individuals face cooking-related issues. Many cooking apps have emerged to address these concerns and support cooking efforts. These apps offer easy and delicious recipes, nutritionally balanced menus, and various make-ahead recipes. Additionally, users can access recipes for delightful desserts, traditional Japanese cuisine, and classic dishes from around the world. 

In this article, we will introduce the top 5 cooking apps based on the number of recipes available on each platform. Along with recipes, we will also look at features such as image and video content, availability for download, and functionalities included in paid plans.

Best Cooking Apps (Ranked by Number of Recipes)

1. Cookpad
2. Rakuten Recipe
3. Nadia
4. Kurashiru
5. Delish Kitchen

1. Cookpad (Aprox. 4 million recipes)

Image Source: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/cookpad

Cookpad is one of Japan's largest cooking apps, featuring a wide array of recipes. Users can search not only by dish name but also by ingredient names and tags, offering everything from beginner-friendly recipes to advanced ones. Recipes include both photos and videos, and users can not only post their own recipes but also keep track of them. Basic features are available for free, while paid plans provide access to expert-generated recipes as well. This app is highly recommended for those looking to explore a variety of menus.

2. Rakuten Recipe (Approx. 2 million recipes)

Image Source: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/rakutenrecipe 

Rakuten Recipe offers all features for free use. While it hosts a vast number of recipes, it does not include cooking videos; therefore, it may not be suitable for those seeking video content. However, it has an excellent search function that allows users to search by ingredient names as well. Additionally, this app allows users to earn Rakuten points, making it ideal for Rakuten users or those who want full access to features at no cost.

3. Nadia (Approx. 100k recipes)

Image Source: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/nadia 

Nadia stands out from other apps by featuring many professional chef-driven recipes. It offers robust search functionality that allows users to find recipes by dish name or ingredient name as well as by purpose or occasion. The app includes numerous recipe videos and provides basic features for free; paid plans offer access to popular recipe searches and additional functionalities. With its extensive category-based search options, it's perfect for those looking to find various recipes tailored to specific occasions.

4. Kurashiru (Approx. 50k recipes)

Image Source: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kurashiru 

Kurashiru is the second most popular cooking app after Cookpad. One of its strengths is providing menus and meal plans curated by registered dietitians. The recipe search function is comprehensive and offers ideas for complete meal planning from main dishes to side dishes and soups. Basic features are available for free; the premium version unlocks more capabilities like searching for popular recipes. With recipe videos included, this app is recommended for those who want to develop meal plans from scratch.

5. Delish Kitchen (Approx. 50,000 recipes)

Image Source: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/delishkitchen 

All of Delish Kitchen’s recipes are supervised by registered dietitians. Additionally, it boasts the highest number of recipe videos in Japan with a convenient search function categorized by purpose—such as diet menus or quick meals—allowing users to find menus tailored to specific needs easily. The app is fundamentally free but offers premium plans with unlimited access to exclusive recipes.

Conclusion

Various cooking apps are currently available in Japan—each with unique characteristics tailored to different needs. Depending on whether one prioritizes the number of recipes available, nutritional balance in those recipes, or additional functionalities offered, recommendations may vary accordingly. However, all these apps provide sufficient features at no cost that can lead to satisfying experiences in daily cooking.

By utilizing these apps effectively, individuals can make their cooking more enjoyable, simpler, and quicker—hoping that even a little burden in daily meal preparation can be alleviated.