Nothing goes to waste in the Japanese kitchen says Elizabeth Andoh. It’s a statement that she goes on to prove as she conducts a recent workshop on how to make tsukemono, Japanese pickles. A nub of ginger that is too small to grate without risking harm to your knuckles, a small piece of carrot or […]
Dining in a lantern lit alleyway that lies humbly within walking distance of Tokyo’s glitzy Ginza stores and neon lights is sure to have you saying “Oishikatta!” – that was delicious! As you enter Yakitori Alley you will be met with a chorus of irishaimase (welcome) from the staff of the many closet sized restaurants […]
Temaki at a sushi bar blocks from the Tsukiji Wholesale fish market in Tokyo. The temaki (hand rolls) pictured below are natto (fermented soy beans) with shiso leaves, cod roe and kappa (cucumber) from left to right. The fish roe melts in your mouth, the nori is crisp and flavorful and sushi tastes great even […]
In the past week there has been some great food news for travelers to Japan and other developments that could be confusing for those concerned about the impact of their food choices on the environment. The good news is that for those travelers wanting to taste all of the great regional specialties in Japan a […]
Setting a table for dinner where I come from usually involves matching china, silverware, and glasses – even for a casual dinner with friends. I’ve always liked a table with an organized and cohesive look about it and find it a bit frustrating when I can’t find a serving dish that matches my plates. If […]
We’ve all heard of bento box meals, in fact, they are one of my favorite cheap eats in Japan, but did you know that there is a special class of bento that are only sold a train stations? Ekiben, a shortened form of eki bento, literally station box meal, are sold at train stations across […]
It’s spring and Tokyo-ites from across the city turn their thoughts to eating…outside. Places everywhere make their restaurants into outdoor venues even if they were not meant to be. Windows come off of storefronts or fold back into the wall. Some places put tables right out on the street in front of the eatery. A […]
Matsushima, one of the Three Most Scenic Spots in Japan, is famous for more than just its small islands that dot the bay, its lovely views, ancient temples and shrines. Matsushima oysters are a regional delicacy that are served raw, deep fried, in burgers, battered tempura style or as part of a nabe (soup or […]
On a recent trip to Sendai, located in Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku Region of Japan, I was told that the regional specialty that I had to try was gyutan. Sometimes I think it’s better not to know too much about what you are eating beforehand and this is one of those cases. When I […]
There are over 900 local fish markets around Japan and most of these local markets are much more relaxed when compared to the center of the fish universe in Tokyo at the Tsukiji Wholesale Fish Market. For one thing, the scale of the markets don’t compare to Tsukiji and you don’t have to be worried […]
