When you have chicken thighs in your fridge, what dish do you often make with them? Chicken thighs are renowned for its versatility, allowing you to create a myriad of mouthwatering dishes. However, if you're aiming for maximum flavor and satisfaction, "Karaage" should be your top choice. We've previously shared a gluten-free version of Karaage on our website, but this time we would like to introduce you to the classic version. Today, Karaage isn't just a home-cooked favorite; it's enjoyed in various settings. You can easily find ready-made or frozen versions at supermarkets and convenien ..read more

Umami is one of the 5 senses of taste that everyone is probably familiar with. It comes from the Japanese language and literally means ‘delicious taste’. It is often used to describe “savory” or “meaty” flavors, but it can also be used to describe a dish that has a “deep” flavor. But what exactly sets umami apart from other tastes? Is umami just a buzzword? Or is it worthy of being one of the 5 senses of taste? In this article, we’d like to answer the question “what is umami” by looking into its history, what it actually tastes like and what kind of dishes you can find its flavor in to underst ..read more

Coffee jelly is a cool, wiggly dessert that combines the deep flavors of coffee with the fun texture of gelatin. It's like enjoying your coffee in a brand-new way, but as a jiggly treat that you can eat with a spoon. Originating from Japan, this dessert has won over folks who love coffee and those who have a sweet tooth. Making coffee jelly is pretty simple. You start by brewing some strong coffee, mix it with sugar to taste, and then dissolve gelatin or agar (for a vegetarian option) in it. Once everything's mixed well, you pour it into a dish to set. After a few hours in the fridge, it firms ..read more

The word “Washoku” comes from two characters “和“(“wa”), which literally means harmony, but is often used for all things Japanese, and “食”(shoku), meaning food. Washoku means more than just food eaten in Japan, however, and as we shall see in this blog post, the concept of harmony plays a significant role. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of Washoku, and look at its key concepts, the main ingredients, key Washoku dishes, and different types of Washoku, and compare it with its Western counterpart (as in Western food made in Japan), Yoshoku. What Are The Key Concepts Of Wa ..read more

As this dish has now become a hall-of-fame dish in Japan, there are many ways to make Buta No Kakuni at home. As the name suggests, the basic cooking process is very simple: just simmering pork belly in sweetened soy sauce-based seasoning soup. However, making this dish requires several steps and quite a long time. To reduce these efforts, some recipes use a pressure cooker or rice cooker, but in this article, we are opting for the basic method of making Buta No Kakuni using a regular pot, which involves some additional steps and time. This is because we are confident that you can create an au ..read more

Japanese hair oils, such as the &honey ones have gone viral in recent years for their cute packaging and irresistible scents, but do they actually work? Are they really that effective, and should you include them in your routine?  In this article, we’ll go over how to properly use Japanese hair oil and how to choose the one that’s best for you.  What Is Japanese Hair Oil? Japanese hair oils are meant to keep your hair moist and shiny. They are most commonly used after heat styling, but many like to use them as hair treatments after showering as well. Japanese hair oils work to ..read more

Tiramisu originated in Italy, but have you tried Matcha Tiramisu? Japan's fondness for matcha green tea is reflected in this special dessert, offering an innovative twist. Matcha Tiramisu is adorned with layers of vibrant green matcha-infused cream and delicate ladyfingers, captivating with its elegant presentation and subtle, earthy hues. A harmonious blend of bold matcha flavors and creamy mascarpone is elevated by the subtle sweetness of ladyfingers soaked in matcha espresso. Each bite offers a luxurious balance of bitterness and sweetness. While eggs are typically used in Tiramisu, this re ..read more

Japanese cuisine is world-renowned for its array of flavors, variety of offerings and artful presentation.  But did you know that even the kitchen utensils and gadgets used to prepare these culinary masterpieces hold a special place in Japanese culture?  Bamboo has been a staple in Japanese kitchens for centuries, and for good reason! Bamboo tools in the Japanese cuisine arsenal of tools comprise bamboo sushi mats, bamboo ladles, bamboo spatulas and a wide variety of bamboo kitchen utensils and tools. Let's explore why this remarkable material is so perfectly suited for cooking and e ..read more

When you think of Hibachi, what is the first thing that comes to mind? You might think of chefs preparing food in front of you on a large grill, but is this style of cooking actually Japanese, and is it the same as Hibachi in Japan? We’ll cover everything you need to know about the real Hibachi and how it may differ from the Hibachi that you’re used to in your own country. What Is Hibachi? First and foremost, it's important to note that 'Hibachi' carries different meanings in Japan and overseas. In its Japanese context, 'Hibachi' literally translates to 'fire bowl.' Originally, it referred t ..read more

Taco Rice originated from Okinawa prefecture and has become a popular homemade dish across Japan. In the 1980s, influenced by the U.S. presence, particularly the introduction of tacos by U.S. forces, Taco Rice was born. Legend has it that "Parlor Senri" restaurant's owner created Taco Rice by combining tacos with steamed rice to make a more filling and affordable dish. Typically, Taco Rice includes rice topped with taco meat, salsa, vegetables, and shredded cheese, offering a delicious blend of textures and flavors. This nutritious fast food dish is easy to prepare with ingredients all in one ..read more