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Secrets of Umami: Time-Honored Miso Fermentation Process
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Food in Hokkaido: Local Cuisine and Where to Find It
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Japanese Winter Food: Warming Dishes to Embrace the Cold
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From Supreme to Sublime: Wagyu Ranking Echelons
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Savoring the Flavors of Summer: Exploring Japanese Cuisine
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A Dive into Japanese Curry: Flavors, Variations, and Comfort
Local Food in Japan is based on fresh, local ingredients, with minimal processing, highlighting instead the natural flavors of the food. Fish, rice, noodles, and vegetables are some staples that make up the basis of most Japanese diets. Some popular traditional dishes include sushi, ramen, tempura, soba, tonkatsu and okonomiyaki.
Japanese cuisine emphasizes variety and balance. This is achieved through the use of five colors (black, white, red, yellow, and green), five cooking techniques (raw food, grilling, steaming, boiling, and frying), and five flavors (sweet, spicy, salty, sour, and bitter). These principles can be found even in a single meal of one soup and three sides paired with rice.
Sushi is one of the most famous foods to come from Japan. It originated from the process of preserving fish in fermented rice. Today it’s made with vinegared rice and fresh fish. Tempura is a dish of battered and fried fish or vegetables. Special care is given to the way the ingredients are cut as well as to the temperature of the batter (ice cold) and oil (very hot) for deep-frying.
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Okayama
Mamakari (ママカリ)
Mamakari is a unique and delicious fish that holds a special place in Japanese cuisine, particularly in Okayama. Known for its rich flavor and seasonal variations, this small fish is often enjoyed pickled and served in sushi. In this art... -
Hyougo
Kuroge wagyu (黒毛和牛)
When savoring yakiniku, you've likely encountered terms like "domestic beef," "wagyu beef," "Kuroge wagyu beef," and "brand beef" on the menu. But what sets them apart, and why does it matter? Understanding the nuances between these type... -
Hiroshima
Kure kaiji curry (呉海自カレー)
Kure Kaiji Curry is a beloved dish in Japan, especially in the city of Kure, Hiroshima, where it has strong ties to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Originally served on naval ships, this hearty curry has become a local specialty, ... -
Japan
Katsu Sandwich (カツサンド)
Katsu sandwiches are widely enjoyed across Japan, from upscale Western-style restaurants and hotels to casual bars, where they’ve even become a bit of a status symbol. Their popularity comes from being both convenient to eat and satisfyi... -
Hiroshima
Lemon nabe (レモン鍋)
At this time of year, the lemon tree in our garden is full of fruit. Lemons are now widely known as a food that fights off lifestyle-related diseases. Their unique sourness can serve as a salt substitute, so more and more people are acti... -
Hiroshima
Onomichi ramen (尾道ラーメン)
Onomichi ramen is a beloved specialty from Japan's Hiroshima Prefecture, known for its light yet flavorful seafood-based broth, flat noodles, and a signature topping of minced back fat. This unique ramen style has a rich history and a st... -
Japan
Kouhaku Namasu (紅白なます)
Kouhaku Namasu are a popular dish that brightens up New Year's osechi cuisine, but some people may not know its meaning or origin. The vegetables are cut into thin strips and marinated in a sweet and tangy vinegar-based dressing. From he... -
Japan
Kobumaki (昆布巻き)
Kobumaki is a cherished Japanese dish made by delicately wrapping fish in kelp and slow-cooking it in a flavorful broth. . Whether you're new to Japanese cuisine or a seasoned fan, exploring the story and flavors of kobumaki offers a fas... -
Japan
Hamaguri (蛤)
Hamaguri clams hold a special place in Japanese culture, combining culinary appeal with deep symbolic meaning. Known for their sweet, delicate flavor, these clams are a cherished ingredient in traditional dishes, especially during celebr... -
Japan
Kazunoko (数の子)
Kazunoko, or herring roe, is a cherished New Year’s delicacy in Japan with a deep cultural significance. Traditionally included in osechi, the special New Year’s meal, kazunoko has been enjoyed for generations as a symbol of good fortune...