The World of Japanese Cooking: A Guide to Flavor and Ingredients

Speaking of Japan, delicious Japanese food

Japan’s food culture is unique and different from that of the West and from other Asian countries. Sushi, for example, is a good example. Some restaurants are particular not only about the seasoning, but also about the way it looks, how it is eaten, and even how it is served.
In addition, ramen tastes completely different depending on the region and the restaurant. The most famous type of ramen is soy sauce ramen, but in Hakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen is the norm. Japanese cuisine, such as tempura, yakitori, and udon, is also popular all over the world. Learn more about the unique flavors and ingredients behind Japanese cuisine.

Umami is the true flavor of Japanese cuisine.

Have you ever heard of umami? Umami is found in fish and seaweed broth, miso, shiitake mushrooms, green onions, and many other ingredients used in Japanese cooking.
It is not the same as sweet, spicy, or salty, but it adds depth to the flavor.

For example, dashi is often used in Japanese home cooking. Miso soup is more than just dissolving miso in hot water. Dashi is used to flavor the soup. Dashi soup stock adds depth to the flavor and makes miso soup even more delicious. There is also a type of omelet called dashimaki tamago (rolled egg). By adding dashi to omelet, you can enjoy the unique flavor of Japanese cuisine.
Another important ingredient in Japanese cuisine is soy sauce. Soy sauce is made from soybeans, wheat, and salt and is used in many Japanese dishes.
Other common seasonings include mirin (sweet cooking rice wine), sake, and vinegar. Thus, one of the characteristics of Japanese cuisine is its emphasis on umami.

Here are some typical Japanese dishes!

Sushi

Sushi is one of the most famous Japanese dishes, loved by people all over the world. Its popularity is so great that there are sushi restaurants in every major city in the world. However, if you want to taste the true taste of sushi, it is best to taste sushi in Japan, the birthplace of sushi! The best way is to go to Japan but…

Ramen

Yakitori