September 23, 2009
Japanese Culinary Specialties
Foodies from across the world have experienced the Japanese influence on the food culture. Whether you are in Portland, Amsterdam, Buenos Aires or Johannesburg, chances are you can choose to spending your evening dining at a local award-winning Japanese restaurant. But when you are traveling in Tokyo, go beyond the usual sushi, udon and tempura dishes and try some of these other traditional culinary specialties.
Prawn and Noodle Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki
Although its literal translation means “pancake”, you won’t be asking for syrup and butter to accompany your this dish. Okonomiyaki is a combination of vegetables, meat, and seafood in an egg-and-flour batter and often garnished with a plum sauce, as seen in the photo of the prawn and noodle okonomiyaki. Whether you have time for a leisurely lunch or a quick snack, you can pick up one of these “pancakes” at many restaurants or from a local street vendor.
One Pot Dishes
There are several types of one pot dishes, but all are based off a combination of vegetables and meat in a kelp-based broth. Sukiyaki (grilled beef), Yudofu (tofu), Oden (seafood and egg) and Mitzutaki (chicken) are the most common forms of one pot dishes, but many others include cabbage, radishes, kale, egg, and other local staples.
Tsukimi Udon
Tsukimi and Shubunnohi
The autumnal equinox, higan, brings many festivals and holidays, including Tsukimi and Shubunnohi. Tsukimi, the Japanese moon watching festival, celebrates the autumn harvest moon. A typical celebration includes special dishes that feature an egg yolk to represent the moon. Udon and soba are both types of one pot dishes that are commonly found at a Tsukimi celebration.
Ohagi Rice Ball Dessert
September 23rd marks the height of the autumnal equinox, where Buddhists honor their ancestors during Shubunnohi. The Japanese celebrate this special holiday with parades, dance, music and, of course, traditional dishes. A meal would not be complete without a little dessert, and for many Japanese holidays the ohagi rice ball is a favorite treat. Ohagi is a sticky rice cake, which is often garnished with sweet beans and sesame seeds.
Photo credits: Unagi Canape, Avixyz; Okonomiyaki, Avixyz; Tsukimi Udon, Securecat; Ohagi Rice Ball, Yamimi
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