5:50 AM – A Usual Morning with an Unexpected Twist
I woke up at 5:50 AM, as usual, and started preparing my eldest son’s bento for school. Just as I was finishing up, my younger son suddenly complained, “My stomach hurts…”
He has always had a sensitive stomach, and sometimes he experiences sudden pains. I decided to monitor his condition before deciding whether he should go to school.
7:00 AM – Staying Home for the Day
Despite hoping for improvement, my younger son’s stomach pain persisted. Initially, we considered sending him to school a bit late, but it was clear he needed rest. So, we decided he should stay home and focus on recovering.
12:00 PM – A Light and Gentle Lunch
By noon, he started feeling a little better, so I made him a simple udon (Japanese wheat noodles in broth). This dish is easy to digest and warm, making it a perfect choice for an upset stomach.
6:00 PM – Studying While Monitoring My Son
Since my son has an important exam in two days, he couldn’t afford to skip studying just because he stayed home. I watched over him while also doing some of my own work. It’s reassuring to be at home in times like this.
7:00 PM – Dinner: Another Easy-to-Digest Meal
For dinner, I prepared okayu (rice porridge) again. Since his stomach was still a little sensitive, I wanted to stick with foods that are easy to digest and gentle on the body.
9:00 PM – Wrapping Up the Day
By the end of the night, my son was feeling a bit better, and I felt relieved. This day made me appreciate once again the importance of eating the right foods when recovering from an upset stomach.
Best Foods for Upset Stomach: Top 3 Japanese Comfort Foods
When your stomach isn’t feeling its best, eating the right foods is essential. Japan has a variety of gentle, nourishing meals that are perfect for recovery. Here are three of the best:
1. Okayu (Japanese Rice Porridge)
Okayu is a go-to meal for anyone feeling under the weather. The rice is slowly simmered with extra water to create a soft, easily digestible dish. Adding a little umeboshi (pickled plum) or ginger can provide extra benefits for digestion.
2. Udon (Mild Japanese Noodles in Broth)
Udon is light yet satisfying. The soft texture and warm broth help soothe the stomach, making it a great meal when you’re feeling unwell. A simple kake udon (plain broth with noodles) is best for sensitive stomachs.
3. Chawanmushi (Japanese Savory Egg Custard)
Chawanmushi is a steamed egg dish with a silky, smooth texture. Made with eggs and a gentle dashi broth, it’s packed with protein and easy on the stomach—perfect for when you need nutrition without irritation.
Final Thoughts
When experiencing stomach issues, it’s essential to choose best foods for upset stomach that are easy to digest and provide comfort. Japan offers many excellent options, and okayu, udon, and chawanmushi are some of the best.
Have you ever tried these dishes when feeling unwell? Do you have a favorite go-to meal for stomach relief? Share in the comments!
