Japan

Tekka maki is a popular type of Japanese sushi roll made of raw tuna. Also known as Tuna roll, tekka maki is a typical hosomaki, covered with nori seaweed on the outside. The dish is prepared using just a few ingredients, which includes the whole slices of lean tuna, sushi rice, rice vinegar, salt, and …

Takoyaki, also known as octopus balls, is a Japanese dish consisting of minced octopus meat (tako), tempura scraps (tenkasu), pickled ginger (benishoga), and green onion (negi) in a wheat flour-based batter. It is then cooked in a unique molded pan in the shape of balls. The cooked balls are then coated with takoyaki sauce and …

Okonomiyaki sauce is the sauce used on Okonomiyaki, which are like Japanese pancakes or frittatas made from eggs, flour, cabbage, slices of pork belly and scallions. However, it’s the sauce that brings it all together, a condiment that is typically brought in a bottle and added to the pancakes to give it a sweet, tangy, …

Fugu is a puffer fish delicacy eaten in Japan which, if prepared incorrectly, can be deadly to eat. This is because there are toxic parts of the poison tetrodotoxin in the fish’s organs which neat to be prepared properly in order to prevent it from contaminating the meat. There are always those who cannot resist …

Bukkake udon is a refreshing summer dish eaten in Japan that consists of cold boiled udon noodles and a variety of different sauces and garnishing combinations, depending on taste. Common seasonings include ginger, vegetables, scallions, meat, poached egg and wasabi. Whilst Bukkake Udon is a filling and hearty dish, it is a fairly light meal, …

Considered to be the most expensive fruit in the whole world, Yubari Kings are a type of melon grown and sold in Japan. Grown exclusively in Yubari on Hokkaido, Yubari King melons are famous for their sweetness. They are basically a hybrid of two other cantaloupe cultivars: Earl’s Favourite and Burpee’s “Spicy” Cantaloupe. Yubari King …

Aburaage is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of deep-fried, thinly sliced tofu. It is more popular than standard tofu because of the firm texture and ease to pick it up with chopsticks.  Different varieties of aburaage are used in Japanese cuisine including inari-age and astu-age. Inari-age is a kind of aburaage, smoldered with soy sauce, dashi …

Hanami Dango (or Sanshoku Dango) is a traditional Japanese rice flour dessert which is particularly enjoyed during the custom tradition of flower viewing (Hanami) each year. This sweet rice dumpling delicacy is formed into three small balls in different colors, skewered together in the centre with a bamboo stick. Origin & Cultural Significance Hanami Dango, sometimes …

Konpeitō is a small, cute sugar confectionery that is consumed during the Hinamatsuri festival in Japan. Additionally, it is a popular gift for weddings and childbirth celebrations. To understand the popularity and significance of these candies, let’s go all the way back to the origin of Konpeitō. History of Konpeitō Konpeitō, along with castella and …

Onigiri are Japanese rice balls that are stuffed with various fillings and are wrapped in dried seaweed leaves. They are very suitable as a fresh, healthy and wholesome snack on the go. Onigiri not only makes rice easy to eat but also contains a delicious filling that brings a unique taste to it. The shapes …

Japanese cuisine is famous around the world for its taste, variety of seasonal dishes and its wide range of health benefits. With its aesthetics of beautifully presented food and the use of fresh, high quality, seasonal ingredients, it’s no wonder that Japanese dishes are so delicious and loved by people around the world. Most Popular …

Daifuku is a type of wagashi (Japanese sweet), stuffed with sweet red bean paste which is a popular snack in Japan. Daifuku is a a “mochi” which is a type of small, sticky bun made from soft rice. Origin of Daifuku Daifuku or Daifuku Mochi is considered a Japanese snack, which is usually served with …

Hakata ramen is a famous Japanese dish named after Hakata, a district located in the city of Fukuoka prefecture, Japan. First created in the Fukuoka city, this delectable delicacy is basically a creamy-white and rich broth with hot and thin noodles and minimal toppings. The broth is generally made with the backbones of pork, which …

Shabu shabu is a popular Japanese hot pot dish made with a variety of vegetables along with thin slices of meat that are boiled in water. This soupy delight features beef but can be alternatively made with the meat of chicken, cow, lamb or duck depending upon your choice and taste. When the small slices …

Have you ever wondered what the white circle with a pink swirl is in Japanese dishes? Well, mystery solved. It’s a Japanese fish cake known as Narutomaki.  This article will dig deep into the history of Narutomaki, its origins, how it tastes, how to prepare it, and why it is so popular as a ramen …

Among the incredibly weird and wonderful dishes we have encountered on our travels is a strange Japanese dish called Shiokara (or ika no shiokara). Shiokara is essentially squid fermented in its own viscera (guts) and salt, popular in Japan served with rice. This dish was famous in 11th century for being a nutritious wholesome meal …

Whether you are in Hiroshima for a day trip or longer, Miyajima Island is an absolute must-see. Whilst Miyajima is more commonly known for the Torii Gate and Itsukushima Shrine, there are various reasons to visit. Such as the friendliest deer you will ever meet, the peaceful surrounds of Momijidani Park and the Mount Misen …

Kakigōri is the Japanese shaved ice phenomenon that is slowly taking the world by storm. So what’s so popular about Kakigōri? Well you might think that it’s just a glorified snow cone, after all it is made of ice and flavoring. But Kakigōri is so much more. Whilst a snow cone uses crushed, thicker ice; …