Ryo Iwa– Author –
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Kuri Manju (栗饅頭)
Kurimanju (栗まんじゅう), also written as kuri manju or kuri-manju, is a traditional Japanese wagashi (sweet) made with a soft, baked dough filled with sweet bean paste and chestnut. It is one of Japan's most popular souvenir sweets, esp... -
Takoyaki (たこ焼き)
Takoyaki is Osaka's best-known street food: bite-sized balls of dashi-flavored batter filled with octopus and cooked in a distinctive round-mold pan. This guide explains how takoyaki developed in Osaka, what its soft-centered texture sho... -
Nabeyaki Ramen (鍋焼きラーメン)
What is Nabeyaki Ramen? Nabeyaki Ramen is a local ramen of Sasuki City in Kochi Prefecture. It is a ramen dish made with chicken soup that is stewed in a traditional earthenware pot. Everyone can taste this specialty ramen in ramen store... -
Kakinoha Zushi ( 柿の葉寿司 )
What is Kakinoha Zushi? Kakinoha Zushi means "Persimmon Leaf Sushi" is a local traditional cuisine of Nara prefecture but is mostly found in all Kansai territories. Unlike ordinary sushi, Kakinoha Zushi is pressed sushi wrapped in persim... -
Kinako Mochi (きな粉餅)
Kinako mochi is a soft rice cake dusted with roasted soybean powder, born in Shizuoka alongside its cousin, Abegawa Mochi. It tastes nutty and mildly sweet, and it often appears at New Year gatherings across Japan. This guide covers its ... -
Chanko Nabe (ちゃんこ鍋)
Chanko-nabe is a rich Japanese stew that is frequently consumed by sumo wrestlers as part of their weight-gain regimen. This dish is also well-liked in eateries run by retired sumo wrestlers who specialize in it. Let's delve into the det... -
Kawara senbei (瓦せんべい)
Have you ever heard of Kawara senbei? The subtle sweetness of this cracker has a nostalgic taste. It is a baked confectionery that has been popular for a long time as a "Japanese cookie" with a slightly high-quality taste. Today, we... -
Miso Nikomi Udon (味噌煮込みうどん)
"Miso nikomi udon" is a dish made by simmering raw noodles in a clay pot with bonito flakes in the soup made with hatcho miso, which is a standard in the Nagoya area.　It is famous as a Nagoya specialty you can find i... -
Monjayaki (もんじゃ焼き)
Monjayaki, can also be known as just monja, is like okonomiyaki, but uses different liquid ingredients. They are a savory Japanese styled pancake. It is a fun dish where you start with a bowl variety of chopped up ingredients, then fry them on an iron plate. It is a unique experience dish from the way it is cooked to the way it is eaten. -
Kamo nabe (鴨鍋)
鴨鍋 Kamo nabe is a traditional Japanese duck hot pot that has been part of winter food culture around Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture for centuries. Thinly sliced duck breast and sweet green onions simmer together in a rich soy-based brot...