“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 […]
Category: Japanese Food
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 […]
Specialty Ramen!! The History of Regional Ramen
“Multitude of Flavors and Ingredients” Ramen is a noodle soup dish with a combination of rich broth, noodles, and toppings to form a perfect trinity. Japanese ramen’s origin traces back to the Chinese noodle soup dish Lamien. While the two dishes share similarities, what separates the two noodle dishes is its soup base. The Chinese […]
Japan is the birthplace of karaoke! Karaoke has evolved in the world, but what is it?
There are probably quite a few people who enjoy singing karaoke in a bar with a mic in their hand. Did you know that, much like anime, karaoke is a subculture that started in Japan and spread to the rest of the world? In Japan, the home of karaoke, you can find karaoke parlors all […]
Why are seasonal ingredients important in Japanese food? The link between Japanese food and the four seasons
One of the characteristic aspects of Japanese food, which is registered as an intangible cultural heritage, is that it incorporates seasonal ingredients. Differences between the four seasons are distinct in Japan, and each season has its own respective seasonal ingredients. Bringing those seasonal ingredients into Japanese food shows care not just for the flavor, but […]
The essentials of Japanese food! Three popular Japanese foods that can be eaten even in America!
Japanese food is getting more popular, along with a growing shift towards healthy thinking. The number of Japanese restaurants is growing, even in America. While the taste is a reason for the popularity, the colorful plating of items that allows for dishes to also be enjoyed visually is another. This time, we hope to introduce […]
Japanese people didn’t eat meat in the past? The history of Japanese food and roots of why it’s called healthy
Japanese food was registered as a UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Intangible Cultural Heritage in December of 2013. Under UNESCO, it was registered as the traditional dietary culture of the Japanese. Japanese food, making the most of the flavor of its ingredients and allowing diners to enjoy fresh, seasonal flavors, is garnering […]
The amazing Japanese bento box gains attention overseas
The Japanese bento box has been gaining attention overseas of late. There are actually many different types of bento box, and some well known examples include the luxury bento boxes produced by luxury hotels and restaurants, healthy bento boxes that boast a nutritional balance, diet bento boxes that are low in calories, and homemade bento […]