What Is Tan Tan Udon? Tan Tan Udon is a refreshing twist on the Japanese noodle dish Tantanmen. Instead of ramen noodles, this version uses thick, chewy udon served in a creamy chilled sesame broth and topped with spicy nikumiso…
Archives for June 2026
Zaru Soba with Vegetable Tempura (Best Tempura Batter Recipe)
Soba with Tempura Is a Classic Japanese Summer Meal Soba with tempura is one of the most beloved summer meals in Japan. The combination of cold soba noodles, crispy vegetable tempura with the best tempura batter, and flavorful tsuyu sauce…
Cold Udon with Pork(Buta Shabu Oroshi Udon)
When the weather gets hot in Japan, cold noodle dishes become a regular part of everyday meals. While many people know zaru soba or zaru udon, Cold Udon with Pork is another refreshing favorite that combines chewy noodles with tender…
Hiyashi Chuka Recipe
A Sign That Summer Has Arrived in Japan When summer arrives in Japan, you start seeing signs outside ramen shops that say “Hiyashi Chuka Hajimemashita,” meaning “Hiyashi Chuka is now available.” It’s one of those seasonal traditions that instantly tells…
Soy Pickled Cucumbers(Kyuri no Kyuchan Style)
What Are Kyuri no Kyuchan Style Pickles? If you grew up in Japan, there’s a good chance you’ve had Kyuri no Kyuchan at some point. Originally created by Tokai Pickling, a company based in Aichi Japan, it became so popular…
Quick Pickled Daikon with Lemon
A Small Side Dish I Never Forgot When I lived in Tokyo, I worked at a tonkatsu restaurant where every set meal came with a small bowl of yuzu pickled daikon. It may have been a simple side dish, but…
Quick Pickled Cucumber Recipe (Asazuke Recipe)
Walk into almost any Japanese home, and there’s a good chance you’ll find some form of Asazuke in the refrigerator. The word literally means “lightly pickled,” and unlike fermented pickles that take days or weeks, Asazuke is meant to be…
Fukujinzuke Recipe (Japanese Curry Pickles Made with Radish)
What Is Fukujinzuke? Fukujinzuke is a sweet and savory Japanese pickle most commonly served alongside Japanese curry. Traditionally, it is made with several vegetables and provides a crunchy, refreshing contrast to rich curry. If you have ever wondered, “japanese curry…
Japanese Pickled Cucumber Skewers
A Refreshing Japanese Festival Snack If you visit a summer festival in Japan, you may spot long cucumber skewers sold alongside grilled foods and cold drinks. This simple snack is loved for its crisp texture and refreshing flavor, especially on…
Quick Pickled Cabbage(Kyabetsu no Asazuke)
Why I Love Quick Pickled Cabbage When people think of Japanese quick pickles, napa cabbage is often the first thing that comes to mind. While I enjoy it too, quick pickled cabbage has always been my personal favorite. Cabbage has…
How to make hibachi at home
What Is Hibachi? A Traditional Japanese Charcoal Grill If you’ve ever visited an American hibachi restaurant, you probably picture a skilled hibachi chef cooking chicken, steak, and vegetables on a large flat-top grill while performing tricks and entertaining guests. It’s…
Japanese Ginger Carrot Dressing
The Dressing You Know as Hibachi Dressing If you’ve ever eaten at an American Japanese steakhouse, you’ve probably tasted Japanese ginger carrot dressing. It’s often called ginger dressing, carrot ginger dressing, or hibachi dressing. While many people associate it with…
