"もったいない" What a Waste!
The idea of "mottainai" is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, and reflects the belief that resources should be valued and waste avoided. At Shotengai, we strive to uphold this ethos by promoting sustainable products and minimizing waste wherever possible.
Healthy & Safe
Finding allergy-friendly options can be challenging. Fortunately, our Shotengai box provides tasty alternatives that you can safely enjoy!
Everything You Need to Know about Katsuobushi! The Essence of Umami!
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Katsuobushi, with its umami-packed flavor and remarkable culinary versatility, remains an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine. From the delicate flakes enhancing the soul-soothing dashi to its ability to elevate a multitude of dishes, these dried bonito flakes bring a unique experience to every dish it graces.
The Nostalgic Power of Food: A Journey Back Home
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In the bustling culinary scene of Osaka, Japan, I realized the lack of home-cooked meals amidst the abundance of local delicacies. With each dish, I sought to honor tradition while forging new connections in Japan, bridging the gap between distant lands and creating a sense of belonging through the power of food.
Japan's Culinary Paradise: Four Culinary Treasures that Leave Me Craving for More
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Japan's culinary landscape is a treasure trove of unforgettable flavors and experiences. From the authentic Indian curry buns of Osaka to the meaty goodness of Kobe ramen, not forgetting the oceanic feast at Kuromon Market and the zesty surprise of lemon ramen, each dish has left an indelible mark on my culinary journey.
Exploring the Charms of Uwajima: A Journey into Tradition and Delicacy
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Upon receiving a fortuitous invitation, Naoki and Irene visit the island of Uwajima and then reallize they never want to leave. Amidst cranes and Japan's slowest bullet train, they find the secret of To-Manju.
The World of Japanese Snacks (III): An Indulgence of Joy and Nostalgia
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Japanese snacks have captured the hearts of people around the world through their captivating flavors, meticulous craftsmanship, preservation of tradition, and commitment to spreading joy. Whether you're exploring the intricate packaging designs or savoring the diverse range of tastes, each bite is an invitation to immerse yourself in a world of delight and happiness.
The World of Japanese Snacks (II): An Indulgence of Joy and Nostalgia
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Japanese food culture is a testament to the country's deep-rooted traditions and appreciation for simplicity and hospitality. It is a culinary journey that goes beyond taste, enchanting diners with its aesthetics and cultural significance.
What is Tsukemono? Everything You Need to Know about the Japanese Pickle
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Tsukemono is a beloved dish in Japanese cuisine, offering a flavorful and nutritious way to enjoy vegetables. It's a wonderful way to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Japanese cuisine.
Japanese Snacks (IV): Kasutera
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Kasutera is a beloved dessert in Japan and around the world due to its light and fluffy texture and subtle sweetness. Whether enjoyed in its classic form or with a unique twist, this traditional Japanese sponge cake is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Japanese Delicacy (XVI): Karaage
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Karaage has a rich and satisfying flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet. The double-frying technique used in karaage ensures that the chicken is cooked to perfection, resulting in a dish that is both delicious and satisfying.
Japanese Delicacy (XV): Tsukemen
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Tsukemen is a type of Japanese noodle dish where cold, thick noodles are served separately from a hot dipping broth. Diners dip the noodles into the hot broth as they eat, resulting in a more interactive and customizable dining experience.
Japanese Snacks (III): Senbei
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Senbei is a traditional Japanese rice cracker that has been enjoyed for centuries. It comes in many different shapes and sizes. Whether enjoyed on their own or and served with tea or other beverages, senbei are a popular snack in Japan.
Omakase: The Chef-Curated Dinner
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An "omakase" meal is a personalized and unforgettable dining experience that showcases the best of Japanese culinary culture. It offers a one-of-a-kind dining adventure that combines high-quality ingredients and expert skill.
"もったいない" What a Waste!
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The idea of "mottainai" is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, and reflects the belief that resources should be valued and waste avoided. At Shotengai, we strive to uphold this philosophy by promoting sustainable products and minimizing waste wherever possible.
Chuka Ryori: Chinese Japanese Cuisine
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Chuka Ryori is a type of Japanese cuisine that has Chinese influences. It's a unique fusion of Japanese and Chinese cooking styles, ingredients, and flavors.
Tofu: A Staple of Japanese Cuisine
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Tofu is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and is low in fat and calories. It’s a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. With its mild flavor and wonderful texture, Japanese tofu is now a staple of their cuisine.
Umeshu: The Japanese Plum Wine
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Umeshu is a Japanese liqueur made from ume, a type of sour Japanese plum. It is a sweet, slightly tart drink that is enjoyed by many all over the world. The liqueur has a clear, pale yellow color and a unique, fruity aroma that makes it instantly recognizable.
Shoyu: The Japanese Soy Sauce
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Shoyu is one of the most popular condiments in Japan and is used in many different ways. This liquid condiment can be used as a sauce, seasoning, and marinade. It pairs well with sushi, gyoza, or tempura, and is an essential seasoning for soups.
The Japanese Delicacy (XIV): Kaiseki Ryori
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Kaiseki ryori is a Japanese traditional multi-course cuisine. It consists of four courses - starters, main courses, shokuji, and dessert, each of which is made from premium seasonal ingredients and served on well-decorated plates and bowls. It is a feast both for taste buds and eyes.
The Japanese Delicacy (XIII): Unadon
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Unadon, short for unagi-don, is a classic Japanese dish consisting of grilled eel and rice. The eel is thick and fatty. After grilling, the flesh is moist and tender while the skin is crispy and flavorful.
The Japanese Delicacy (XII): Tempura
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Tempura was introduced to Japan by the Portuguese. Over the centuries, it became a typical Japanese dish. Nowadays, tempura is considered to be a representative Japanese dish worldwide. It is prepared by dipping food into batter and then frying them in vegetable oil to create a light and crispy coating.
Wagyu: The Prime Japanese Beef
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Wagyu, the juicy, fatty, and tender Japanese beef, is one of the most expensive ingredients. They have crazy Intramuscular Fat (IMF), also known as marbling. It is adored by Michelin-starred restaurants for its creamy taste and tender texture. It is also a beef that is healthier for humans.
Miso: The Magical Japanese Seasoning
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Miso is a versatile Japanese seasoning that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and so forth. It is a thick paste made by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji, sometimes with the addition of rice, barley, seaweed, or other ingredients.
Japanese Snacks (II): Taiyaki
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There is no fish in taiyaki, though it literally means “baked sea bream.” It is one of the most popular Japanese street foods and can be found almost everywhere in Japan, especially in Tokyo. It is an ideal snack in winter when everyone craves a sweet and warm treat to help with the cold a little.
The Japanese Delicacy (X): Oden
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Oden is a traditional Japanese nabemono (Japanese one-pot dish) enjoyed during the cold of winter. All the ingredients are cut into bite-sized pieces, skewered on a stick, and simmered in dashi for 2-4 hours. Its savory flavor makes it a perfect couple with rice, noodles, and sake.
Kaiten-zushi: Japanese Conveyor Belt Sushi
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Kaiten-zushi is also known as conveyor belt sushi. The well-made sushi is placed on the plate and conveyed to diners by a conveyor belt. The genius idea was inspired by the Asahi factory, where beer bottles were delivered by conveyor belt. Nowadays, Kaiten-zushi provides more dishes to attract customers.
Konjac: The Healthy and Delicious Japanese Staple
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(Konnyaku) is an ideal food for people on a diet. It is a root vegetable with super low calories and lots of minerals. In Japan, it is a versatile food material, serving as staples, snacks, and vegetables. Its high fiber content also makes it a superfood.
Wasabi: The Famous Japanese Condiment
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Wasabi is one of the most famous condiments in Japanese cuisine. Wasabi is often served with sushi. However, most wasabi in supermarkets and restaurants is fake! Fake wasabi is a mixture of seiyo-wasabi, corn starch, and food coloring. They are a poor replacement for real wasabi.
The Japanese Delicacy (IX): Onigiri
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Onigiri is a traditional Japanese food. It is a rice ball wrapped in nori (dried seaweed). It is the ideal snack for travel and movie time because it is easy to make, nutritious, and delicious. The simplest version requires only rice, salt, and nori. And you can DIY an onigiri with everything you like!
Nama Tamago: The Healthy Japanese Raw Egg
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Raw food is an important part of Japanese daily diet. Eggs are no exceptions. Eating raw eggs may seem as a bad idea for many people because raw egg may contain salmonella. However, Japanese has developed strict process and laws to ensure the safety and quality of the raw egg. There's nothing to worry about!
The Japanese Delicacy (VIII): Kombu
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Kombu is an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine because it endows Japanese cuisine with a unique flavor. Its main use is making dashi (Japanese soup stock). Since it contains high levels of glutamic acid, it is an ideal food for vegetarians.
The Japanese Delicacy (VII): Mochi
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Mochi is a very popular traditional Japanese confection that covers a wide range of flavors and styles of Japanese rice cakes. They are soft, chewy, mildly sweet, and slightly sticky. Mochi comes in a variety of colors and flavors depending on the ingredients and cooking methods.
The Japanese Delicacy (VI): Fugu
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Fugu, the pufferfish, is a fish that can kill you. However, its amazing flavor makes people willing to take a risk. In Japan, a cook needs at least three years to get a license of handling fugu. Therefore, there is little chance of fatality if you eat fugu in a qualified Japanese restaurant.
The Japanese Delicacy (V): Natto
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Natto is a Japanese traditional fermented food made of boiled soybeans. It is called a superfood because of its high nutrient density. Its tangy smell, strong flavor, and sticky texture discourage many people. However, its positive effect on health makes it undeniable.
Japanese Delicacy (IV): Ekiben
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Ekiben is a pre-packaged lunch box with everything you will eat. It's a Japanese bento to be enjoyed on trains. Once seated, you can unwrap your Ekiben box and enjoy your meal with the beautiful view passes by your train window. Many Ekiben consists of local specialties, which makes it a good way to know the local food.
Japanese Delicacy (III): Sushi
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When talking about Japanese food, sushi is probably the first thing coming to your mind. As the iconic food of Japan, sushi is also famous and popular worldwide. However, many people have some wrong ideas about it. Read to learn what makes quality sushi and where to enjoy them!
The Japanese Delicacy (II): Okonomi Yaki
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Flour, eggs, veggies, and meat. Does the combination sound healthy to you? Well, it's not only healthy but tasty as well! Okonomi Yaki, the Japanese savory pancake, is one of the most popular Japanese delicacies. If you are new to Japanese cuisine, click to learn the recipes and different variations of Okonomi Yaki!
