Advice about Eat and Drink
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Otsukemono, Oshinko, Shiba-zuke and Fukujin-zuke ... etc.
When you talk about pickled veggies, there are many kinds like the ones on the title. Basicly they're called "o-tsuke-mono" and are pickled by salt, vinegar, Sake lees, or Miso. When on menu for snack w/ alcohol, they are often called "o-tsuke-mono" or "o-shin-ko". Most of them will contain "…(125 words)
junebug
Japanese Breads: Sweet Superheroes From Anpanman
Anpanman is a character that every Japanese child knows. And at every bakery and convenience store you will find anpan, a soft bread filled with sweet red bean paste. When you come to Japan, you will see Anpanman toys, clothes, notebooks, bento boxes, books, bicycles, and pretty much any kind of br…(398 words)
David
Japanese sweets : “Monaka”
One of the most popular sweets among Japanese people is “Monaka”, which is made of rice (glutinous rice). Glutinous rice is kneaded and spread into a thin layer. It becomes a skin of monaka and bean jam will be put inside. The name of “Monaka” is said to have come from that they look like a full mo…(99 words)
OKAKI-sun
Omochi kaeri is the word.
As you order, it is appropriate to ask if they do"omochi kaeri"(take out ). For examples, "Omochi Kaeri Deki math ka?"( Can you do take out meal ? ) . Then start order foods like "sushi set, kudasai." it is appropriate to memories your address or phone number in Japanese, too. FYR: theres no tippin…(71 words)
lenamum
Don't pass food using chopsticks!
Although chopsticks are probably one of the most useful utensils you will every use, there are some manners that you should learn about them prior to using them. The most important rule is to never pass food using chopsticks. This is done in funerals to pass the bones of the dead. Therefore, if you…(93 words)
RieS
Curry Rice in Japan : Extra Topping Matters.
"Curry rice" （カレーライス） originates in India but it has been loved for decades in Japan as well. Traditional curry rice among Japanese consists of steamed rice with viscous curry sauce covering boiled beef, pork or chicken and can be enjoyed at curry restaurants, ramen restaurants, beef bowl res…(278 words)
Hagi
Popular Yatai Foods: Yakisoba
Yatai food stalls at festivals always include a yakisoba vendor. Yakisoba noodles are Japanese fried noodles, but they have nothing to do with soba. The noodles used here are more like the ones for ramen. The noodles are quickly cooked on a hotplate with vegetables, meat, or seafood and seasone…(215 words)
David
Argentine Restaurants in Tokyo
Tokyo features culinary delights from all over the world, but one country that is vastly under-represented is Argentina. Originally colonized by Spain and then having a vast influx of immigrants from Italy, Argentina cuisine is a mix of the two old world styles with a new-world twist. Empanadas (or…(380 words)
Nico
Let’s get it Straight. Kelp “Kombucha” is a Must-Try During Your Time in Japan.
Walking around Denver and Colorado Springs on my recent trip, I was flabbergasted to see little cafes and shops listing “Kombucha” as one of their special offerings. Well, after a bit of research, I have come to understand that the “Kombucha” enjoying great popularity in the US is actually a bl…(690 words)
5@example.com
Menu Translation in Japan, What a Great Job!
I feel very lucky that part of my job is Japanese to English menu translation. Do you know how many little jewels lie silent on that Japanese menu in front of you every time you enter a soba, tempura or tonkatsu restaurant in Japan? Ahhh! Yes, that is right, most people visiting Japan have heard of…(969 words)
5@example.com
Hitachino Nest Beer
Kiuchi Brewery in Ibaraki prefecture has been making Hitachino Nest Beer since 1996. They offer over ten different kinds of beer including Amber Ale, Espresso Stout, Pale Ale, Weizen, and Japanese Classic Ale. What is also interesting is that one of their beers, the XH (a strong Belgian ale) blend …(117 words)
Nate
Taiyaki - Japanese Sweets in Asakusa
Taiyaki たい焼き are small Japanese cakes that you can watch being baked. The cakes are shaped like a fish and have a sweet filling. The most common taiyaki have sweet bean paste or cream inside. Try them fresh and still warm. They are very tasty and a simple pleasure like having fresh pancakes or …(281 words)
David
Japanese sweets : “Tansan Senbei”
Thin and round carbonic acid rice cracker is mainly made of flour. They really melt in your mouth and taste slightly sweet. They are famous confections of Arima hot springs located in Hyogo prefecture. Arima Onsen is the hot spring loved by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, a famous historical personage in Japa…(66 words)
OKAKI-sun
Setsubun - Ehomaki culture
"Setsubun" is the day before the beginning of Spring in Japan and it's on February 3rd every year. A long sushi roll is eaten on the night of Setsubun while facing toward the year's "lucky" direction. This custom originally started in the Kansai area. With your eyes closed, we wish for perfect …(184 words)
EmiOnishi
Yatai Foods: Savory Treats on a Stick
Japan has many different festivals - matsuri - throughout the year and no festival is complete without food from yatai food stalls （屋台）. Yatai sell sweet and savory foods and a lot of that is food on a stick.Ayu - あゆ: This small fish is very popular in Japan and is served both grilled on a …(232 words)
David
Vegetarian/Vegan in Tokyo: Bento Bonanza!
Unsurprising for an island nation, most of Japan's cuisine is laced with fish... including those incredibly appetizing bento you can see in convenience stores and department store delis.For strict vegetarians and vegans, this can be a bit trying. But no fear! The health food chain Natural House…(134 words)
Chiara
Cremia: the ice cream I can't stop raving about
You can't argue with most of the soft-serve ice cream in Japan, but you can certainly complain about the way cones taste like straw and air, in comparison to the custardy ice cream inside. Which is why I love Cremia. Foodies and dessert lovers will be no stranger to Cremia ice cream, which has bran…(261 words)
Flory
C.C. Lemon!!!
I love C.C. Lemon!I always keep at least one in my fridge, so I always feel I miss it when I go overseas from Japan.It's a lemon soda (like lemonade), sweet and sour with lots of vitamin C's in it, so I feel like drinking C.C. Lemon especially when I feel a bit tired, and after I drink it, …(180 words)
maxnino
“Oshiruko” can make you hot from the core of your body!
“Oshiruko” is one of the most popular winter foods in winter. Oshiruko is a sweet red-bean soup with mochi or shira-tama (rice‐flour dumplings). It tastes very sweet and keeps you warm especially during cold season where people consume energy a lot. Some people enjoy putting “Arare” (very small ri…(58 words)
OKAKI-sun
Great traditional Japanese Winter Snack!! Yaki Mochi. もーやいちゃう
Here's a way to eat mochi that's been passed down generations. In the winter time many Japanese homes use a Stove to heat their rooms.Some keep a kettle on top to keep the room humid.These stoves can also be used to make Yaki Mochi.Get some aluminum foil and place it on top of the Stove…(99 words)
Yuuki I
Absinthe in Japan: Bar Tram & Bar Trench in Ebisu, Tokyo
Ebisu in Tokyo is home to two of the best absinthe bars in Japan."Bar Tram has been open since 2003; Bar Trench, 2009. They are both run by Takuya Itoh and Rogerio Igarashi Vaz, two highly devoted absinthe aficionados whose mission it is to educate and illuminate others about “la fée verte” (th…(137 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Bentos from 7-11, Ito Yokado, OK stores
'Bento' is a take-out meal for lunch or dinner available in all parts across Japan. Although traditional bento contains rice, meat, fish and japanese pickles, it has evolved into various types, proportions and cuisines. You can find bentos serving other cuisines such as Italian, Chinese, Indian, et…(142 words)
Samir Bodhe
"Gomatamago" - Tokyo sweet souvenir
You may not know it yet but one of the Tokyo "omiyage" you want most is the gomatomago. Goma means sesame seed and tamago means egg. Literally it is a sesame seed egg. It's a Tokyo specialty and previously available only at Tokyo Station. However, as it is getting popular, you can find it some othe…(164 words)
EmiOnishi
Yatai Sweets: Baby Castella Mini Cakes
Castella is Japanese sponge cake. It is one of the foods popular as omiyage souvenirs and gifts. Baby Castella don't make fancy gifts, but they are fun. Fresh, hot, and baked in front of you, I think they are one of the best sweet foods from yatai food stalls.Castella is made with simple ingred…(215 words)
David
Izakaya: An Insider's Perspective
It can be a little difficult to explain the concept of an “izakaya” in English. They are likened to pubs or bars, essentially being establishments focused on serving alcoholic drinks. However, that’s not all there is to an izakaya. As a former izakaya waitress, I'd like to debunk a few common misco…(591 words)
Sakura
Japanese sweets : “Kaichu Shiruko”
Kaichu Shiruko is a dried red bean soup put inside a pieces of rice cake (“Monaka” skin). It becomes ready for eating with hot water having been poured in the cup just like the cup ramen (instant Chinese noodles in a cup). As there are a variety of shapes, you can enjoy both its look as well as tas…(88 words)
OKAKI-sun
Self-Pouring Beer Machines
You may have noticed in your local ramen shop or corner eatery the little automated machine in the back that is pouring beer into mugs like soda gets filled into different cup sizes in a McDonalds. One stark difference in these custom machines is that these machines actually tilt back and forth as …(266 words)
Alex
Japan's Special Soft Drink Flavors
Ever since coming to Japan I've visited convenience stores regularly, not only cause its convenient of course, but because of all the seasonal special drinks they offer. I've had Fanta plenty of times in America, but the flavors were always orange or grape. As soon as I got off the plane here I was…(314 words)
Alex Kobayashi /Subtokyo
HoneyBaked Ham - Now a new store in Tokyo
Just an FYI that you can now get HoneyBaked Ham in Japan. We used to always have this growing up so happy to share it with Japanese friends. They are always amazed to try what we call 'real' ham.www.honeybaked.co.jp. Website is in English or Japanese.This kind of ham is not available…(102 words)
JiyugaokaPaul
Ordering Tips At A Yakitori Shop 101
Yakitori is a popular food both in and outside of Japan. Grilled Chicken on skewers are just the perfect comfort food or snack epecially after a good hard day of work. Back in America there were plenty of Japanese restaurants that have “Yakitori” on the menu, and it’s a popular menu item.Come t…(375 words)
Japanista
The smell of YUZU
Yuzu is a fruit I have never found anywhere else. It is a kind of hybrid between a mandarine and a lemon, and has a very small dimensions. It smells great, just in the middle of a mandarine, a lemon and oregano.You can use yuzu in many ways, all of them for its aroma:- as a juice in a…(110 words)
Claire
Delicious pastries and bread at Donq
My favorite bakery in Tokyo is Donq, one that can be found commonly in department stores and stations. Although bread in Japan may get a bit pricy, it is worth the money because it is delicious and unique. As a person who doesn't like sweets, my favorite bread at Donq is their baguette and calzone.…(114 words)
RieS
Urth Caffe in Daikanyama
Recently, I went to Urth Caffe in Daikanyama with my friends. This cafe is known for its organic ingredients, especially its organic coffee. I drank their Earl Grey Boba Tea, which was mouthwatering especially during the hot summer month of July. Although it is a big cafe with many seats, it is ext…(112 words)
RieS
Enjoy the unique recipe for bikkuri donkey in Minami Gyotoku Tokyo, Japan. A certain hit for your travel cuisine!
This restaurant has a look of something out of the Old West from the outside - old rusty metal and weathered wood patched together awkwardly, however it is done purposely and artfully. The look, is something you might expect at Disneyland. Don't let the looks fool you, it is one of the better and…(234 words)
Kevin
St. Patrick's Day special menu
Special St. Patrick's Day dinner plate "Corned Beef & Cabbage" is available for 1,980 yen at all Hard Rock Cafe in Japan . (Served till March 17th). Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with friends and family at Hard Rock Cafe.Sepcial St. Patrick's Day pin is also available at Hard Rock Cafe Tokyo.h…(53 words)
shinR
Kissaten: Lovely Retro Coffee Shops
Kissaten 喫茶店 is one of the words that appear in the early chapters of Japanese text books. Kissaten are coffee shops, but not of the chain variety. Most of these coffee shops are delightfully retro, unique, and atmospheric. A kissaten is the perfect place for taking a break from everyday busy ti…(298 words)
David
Gyoza Culture in Japan
Gyoza (Chinese dumpling) originally came from China but it is become one of Japanese soul food.We brought up with Gyoza, mom buys, eating out with family/friends or mammy's home made Gyoza.When you go to the Gyoza restaurants, you will find soup gyoza(which is more traditional in China)or …(166 words)
yukorose
Popular Yatai Foods: Takoyaki
Takoyaki is among the most popular savoury foods from yatai food stalls. When there is a festival at a temple or shrine you will always find yatai there. Vendors sometimes also set up near train stations. Watch the food being prepared. The pieces are turned quickly to give them their round shap…(200 words)
David
"Matsutake" Mushrooms
Autumn is "Shokuyoku no aki" (time of hearty appetites). As the heat goes away, the Japanese enjoy seasonal foods such as chestnuts, mashrooms, sweet potatos and Pacific saury to name a few. Sometimes, we enjoy culinary treats such as maple leaves in tempura.One of the more notable smells of au…(235 words)
EmiOnishi
High Quality Fruits in Japan
The other day, I found giant "New Pione" grapes at a local supermarket and I could help buying one even though the price was rather high compared to other grapes (750 yen per pack while regular grapes are sold at 350 yen per pack). They are seedless and each grape has a diameter of 4cm or more. The…(599 words)
EmiOnishi