The History of Shochu

Almost everyone has heard of Japanese sake before, but what about shochu? Shochu is another of Japan’s traditional alcoholic beverages that, much like sake, comes in a huge variety of flavors and types. Shochu production started about 500 years ago in southern Japan. An authentic Japanese spirit resulted from a combination of the basic sake […]

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What is Youshoku?

Youshoku and Western Cuisine There is a distinct nuance between the term “Youshoku (Western cuisine)” in the Japanese Language. There are two types of the term “Youshoku” one, which refers to traditional outtakes of western cuisine with a Japanese twist to it, as opposed to Western cuisine that reproduces the original relatively faithfully. Although it […]

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The History of Japanese Curry

Curry is a popular dish in Japan, loved by people of all ages and both genders. So how did it get to Japan? And how did it become the curry rice we know today? Here is the story behind the birth of curry in Japan. The Arrival of Curry It is said that Japanese people […]

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What is “umami” in Japanese food that attracts attention from all over the world?

“Umami” is indispensable for Japanese food. When you hear the word “Umami”, you think of the gentle taste of dashi, but the “umami” that is currently attracting worldwide attention is not just the flavor that indicates deliciousness. Originally, there were four basic sensory tastes. Sweetness, saltiness, acidity, and bitterness, and it has been said that […]

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Reizake, Kanzake … The taste of sake that changes with temperature.

The taste of Japanese sake changes with temperature. Japanese sake is a beverage whose taste and aroma change depending on the temperature. Some sake are suitable for Kanzake (hot sake), and on the contrary, some sake is better served as Reizake (cold sake). Today, we will introduce the changes in flavor of sake depending on […]

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History of Fermentation in Japanese Food

  Fermentation is a staple in traditional Japanese cuisine. Historically used as a preservation technique, fermented food in Japanese cuisine ranges from condiments and household dishes such as soy sauce, miso, vinegar, tsukemono (pickled vegetables), and natto (fermented soy).   History of Fermentation Few records are kept of the precise origin of fermentation techniques in […]

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