551 Horai
As mentioned in the blog before, when you see a line in front of a restaurant in Japan, fall in at the end of the queue. This “always trust the line” approach has served me well over the years. 551 Horai is a perfect example of this idea paying off. A few years ago, we […]
Japanese Journal 003
Itadakimasu For a good portion of my life, like most Americans, I had only a superficial view of Japanese culture. Sushi, sumo, kimono, electronics, and fast trains. As I began to become familiar with the culture, my views began to change. I can identify the exact moment when I fell in love with J-Culture: Itadakimasu! […]
Japanese Food you Need to Know: Onigiri
Rice is the cornerstone of Japanese Cuisine. Therefore, it’s appropriate to begin this series with what may be the ultimate rice dish – Onigiri. Onigiri, or rice balls have been around for some 1,200 years. During that time, they have served several purposes, from simple labor food to a grab and go meal for busy […]
JAPANESE FOODS THAT FREAK OUT AMERICANS
One of the things that trouble many people, especially Americans in Japan is that the food, although fantastic, can be intimidating. Whenever I am asked about how to make someone’s first trip to Japan most successful, I always tell them to lean into the food. Eat first, ask what it is later. I have long […]
One of the Unwritten Rules of Japan: Trust the Line!
I learned this one the hard way. A few years ago, I went to Fukuoka to experience its famous Yatai culture. Yatai are small mobile food stall style restaurants that pop up in the evenings along certain streets and river walks across the country. Like food trucks in that the seating is limited and the […]