food culture

Featured image for “Sea” For Yourself! Japan’s Best Fishy Dishes For Spring

“Sea” For Yourself! Japan’s Best Fishy Dishes For Spring

Mar 5, 2025
BY Madhuri Nagaraja

When it comes to culinary feasts, Japan is well versed in the subject, whether it be for their desserts, taiyaki for example, or their world-renowned sushi. But what do those two have in common, you may ask? Well, both culinary dishes are inspired by seafood, the […]

Featured image for From the Chef’s Table: A Beginner’s Guide to Omakase

From the Chef’s Table: A Beginner’s Guide to Omakase

Mar 2, 2025
BY Maddy Vandelden

Omakase is more than just a meal - it’s a culinary adventure where you place your trust in the hands of a skilled chef, allowing them to create a personalized dining experience just for you. The word “omakase” means “I leave it up to you,” and […]

Featured image for The Unique Story Behind Restaurant SOWER

The Unique Story Behind Restaurant SOWER

Jan 2, 2025
BY Tim Brons

Located on the shore of Lake Biwa, Restaurant SOWER is the place to go for an amazing dinner. Their seasonally changing menu is always delicious, as their ingredients are locally sourced from the region. Every staff member is dedicated to making sure that all guests have […]

Featured image for YATAI ETIQUETTE: HOW TO BLEND IN LIKE A JAPANESE LOCAL

YATAI ETIQUETTE: HOW TO BLEND IN LIKE A JAPANESE LOCAL

Dec 23, 2024
BY Chisato Takahashi

Do you know what “Yatai (屋台)” means? Generally, Yatai refers to outdoor stalls (台) with roofs (屋), typically used for selling goods, that are movable. There are two types of Yatai in Japan. When hearing the word “Yatai”, the most famous type that comes to mind […]

Featured image for SACRED JAPANESE RICE: EXPLORING FAVORITE BRANDS

SACRED JAPANESE RICE: EXPLORING FAVORITE BRANDS

Dec 20, 2024
BY Chisato Takahashi

This is a phrase I've heard from my mother since I was little. To be honest, I wasn't a fan of rice when I was young as I preferred bread, and was tired of having rice every day. Moreover, if even a single grain of rice […]

Featured image for Miso: the Soul of Japanese Cuisine

Miso: the Soul of Japanese Cuisine

Dec 16, 2024
BY Joanna Tsai

Miso is deeply ingrained in Japanese food culture, and people outside the country are probably more familiar with it in the form of soup. Whenever you order a teishoku (meal course) at a restaurant, it is usually served with miso soup as a side. It is […]

Featured image for Taco Rice: A Fusion Dish That Brings Okinawa to Your Plate

Taco Rice: A Fusion Dish That Brings Okinawa to Your Plate

Oct 24, 2024
BY Bengisu Onder

Hey foodies, today let's taco 'bout one of Japan's tastiest and most popular dishes — taco rice! Taco Rice, or タコライス (Takoraisu), is a beloved Okinawan dish that combines elements of Mexican and Japanese cuisines. While a staple in Okinawa, its popularity has spread to Tokyo […]

Featured image for Interview With Miyagiya Kamaboko – in Akita

Interview With Miyagiya Kamaboko – in Akita

Oct 22, 2024
BY Amit Manjaramkar

If you have been to Japan, one of the foods you must try is kamaboko. These delicate, yet flavourful, Japanese fish cakes have been a part of Japanese culinary tradition for centuries. Made from pureed white fish and steamed to perfection, these bite-sized morsels come in […]

Featured image for Warm up with Okayu: Japan’s healing comfort food

Warm up with Okayu: Japan’s healing comfort food

Oct 10, 2024
BY Livia Wiermans

Okayu, a Japanese dish, simple yet profound, holds the secret to both comfort and joy. It is well known that Japan has many different delicacies, and Okayu is one of them. Like most Japanese meals, it is rooted in culture and has multiple variations. This article […]

Featured image for Everyday Meals In The Japanese Countryside: Food I Love Eating!

Everyday Meals In The Japanese Countryside: Food I Love Eating!

Oct 7, 2024
BY Bethany Bitsii Nakamura

The Japanese countryside offers unique culinary experiences. Read on to learn about natural farming in Shikoku, see delicious daily meals from an Ehime prefecture homestead, and consider the outlook for local foods of rural Japan. Make sure you bring along some snacks because believe me when […]

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