Category: Food & Drink

A bunch of crispy yuba chips.

Tofu Chips: What is the Story Behind Yuba?

Tofu is a staple of Japanese cuisine and is consumed in many forms. It is commonly seen in its soft, jelly-like state at supermarkets across Japan. But did you know that it can also be transformed into a crunchy snack and eaten in the form of chips? Their unique texture has been known since the 10th century. 

Cubes of kanten. They're white and opaque.

Kanten: The Gelatin with a Rich History!

When people think about Japanese food, kanten might not be their first thought. But this soft, jelly-like food has been used in Japanese cooking for centuries.

Someone pouring brown gokokucha tea in a cup.

Multigrain Roasted Tea from Japan: What is Gokokucha?

Gokokucha, or “five-grain tea” in Japanese, is a cozy drink made by roasting and brewing a mix of grains. Instead of being made from tea leaves, this multigrain tea comes from simple ingredients like barley, rice, corn, and buckwheat.

Konnyaku in a basket in three different forms: large slice, shirataki noodles small balls.

Konnyaku: The Awesome Story Behind Konjac Root

Konnyaku may not be the most famous food outside of Japan, but it has quietly shaped Japanese cooking and culture for over 1,500 years. With its gentle, chewy texture and nearly flavorless taste, konnyaku is a versatile ingredient that slides effortlessly from hotpots to desserts, adding a little bounce and a lot of health benefits.

Pieces of wheat gluten or fu, in a basket.

Wheat Gluten from Japan: What Is the Secret Behind Fu?

Japanese cuisine is well known for its unique ingredients that are delicious and good for health. One ingredient that plays an essential role in the traditional food culture of Japan is fu, also known as Japanese wheat gluten.

Someone pouring shochu into glass.

Shochu Time: Why Japan Loves This Drink

One of the most well-loved souvenirs people often think of from Japan is sake, a traditional alcoholic beverage. However, there is another type of alcohol that has become so popular in Japan that it now sells more than sake. That drink is shochu. To learn more about this special beverage, keep reading!

An assortment of summer Japanese vegetables: tomato, eggplant, cucumber, okra.

Japanese Vegetables: Awesome Picks for Hot Days!

People often crave cool foods and drinks to beat the heat in summer. Vegetables are always one of the top ingredients and essential in summer cuisine. This season offers a wide variety of delicious and healthy vegetables. Let’s explore some of the most popular Japanese vegetables in summer dishes!

A plate of agemochi, wrapped in seaweed.

What Is Mochi When You Fry It? It’s Agemochi!

Agemochi is a deep-fried mochi snack that is crunchy on the outside and full of rich flavor. It differs from fresh mochi but is still made from the same rice base. People of all ages love this tasty treat and is easy to find in shops around Japan.