Enjoying the Food of Aizuwakamatsu

Like many places in Japan, Aizuwakamatsu is home to some amazing food. Its biggest claim to fame could be Kitakata Ramen, one of Japan’s top three ramen dishes, but it is also proud of its unique dishes such as Negi Soba and Bandai Katsudon.

In the final part of this three-part series on Aizuwakamatsu we will explore the food of this area. Make sure you check out part 1 of the series about samurai culture and part 2 about the traditional culture and crafts of Aizuwakamatsu before reading this post.

Bandai Katsudon

One of my all-time favourite dishes is sauce katsu, deep fried pork cutlets, on a bowl of rice, covered in a sweet sauce. The best place in Aizu to try it is at Jumonjiya, where they serve a massive version called “Bandai Katsudon”, named after a 1816-meter tall, dormant volcano that overlooks Aizuwakamatsu. This dish comes with two huge pork cutlets which are 450 grams each. I am sorry to say that I couldn’t finished all of mine!

Bandai Katsudon at Jumonjiya

Kitakata Ramen

One of the most famous ramen dishes in Japan comes from a small town just outside of Aizuwakamatsu City called Kitakata. This town is home to around 120 ramen shops, serving more ramen per capita than any other place in Japan. The delicious soy sauce-based ramen is known for its thick noodles, which are made from pure local mountain water. 

Negi Soba

Negi soba is a traditional dish of buckwheat noodles served with a green leek. The large green leek is meant to be used as chopsticks to eat the noodles. While it might be difficult to scoop up the noodles, taking a small bite of the leek while eating the noodles definitely adds to the flavour. A great place to try this unique experience is at Minatoya in Ouchi-juku.

Negi Soba at Minatoya in Ouchi-juku

Shingoro

Shingoro is a grilled lightly-pounded rice cake on a bamboo skewer. It is covered in a miso paste and topped with wild sesame. It reminds me a lot of gohei mochi, which is famous in Gifu. A good place to try this local specialty is at Ouchi-juku where it is grilled over charcoals.

Shingoro at Minatoya in Ouchi-juku

Sakura-niku

Sakura-niku or horse meat has been a delicacy in Aizu since the days of the samurai. High in nutrients and low in calories, one of the most popular ways to enjoy it is as sashimi. The basashi or raw horse meat is enjoyed by dipping it in spicy miso.

Basashi at Aizu Tsuruga Higashiyama Sohonzan

Sakura-niku dishes at Aizu Tsuruga Higashiyama Sohonzan

A great place to try it is at Aizu Tsuruga Higashiyama Sohonzan, which specializes in Aizu horse meat dishes and local cuisine. The amazing dishes here are expertly made and served using traditional Aizu lacquerware to enhance to experience.

Aizu Tsuruga Higashiyama Sohonzan

Aizu Beef

Aizu Beef with its wonderful marbling of fat is a Japanese wagyu that literally melts in your mouth. A good place to try it is at Shubukawa Donya, which was originally a seafood wholesaler. Located along Nanokamachi Street, this amazing restaurant is set in an Aizu merchant home from the Meiji period (1868-1912).  

Aizu Beef at Shubukawa Donya

Shubukawa Donya in Aizuwakamatsu

Aizu Beef at Ashinomaki Onsen Ookawaso

Nisshin no Sanshozuke

Each family in Aizu have their own recipe for this dish of preserved herring that is rolled in Japanese pepper leaves and pickled with soy sauce, vinegar and sake. This regional delicacy is perfect as a snack served with some of the local sake.

I hope you have enjoyed my posts about Aizuwakamatsu and they have inspired you to visit this historic and culturally rich part of Japan on your next trip.

Spring Goodies in Japan for 2021

 

Spring is fast approaching, and I am getting excited about the promise of warmer weather and tasty new treats to try. There are usually a lot of sakura (cherry blossom) inspired goodies to try at this time of the year on the supermarket and convenience store shelves.

A few of my favourites from previous years include Haagen Dazs Sakura Ice Cream, Cherry Blossom Yoghurt and the limited-edition offerings from Starbuck’s Japan.

In 2021, we have a new Sakura Latte to try as well as Lipton Sakura Tea Latte and Kraft Sakura Mochi Dessert Cheese.

Let’s start with the new Sakura Latte from Mt. Rainer, which is on sale for 150 yen (USD$1.43). The Sakura Latte features coffee made from 100% Arabica beans with cherry blossom extract added to the mix for the perfect taste of spring.

Sakura Latte

 

While I am not a huge milk tea drinker, the next offering from Lipton really caught my eye. The Sakura Tea Latte which you can pick up for 128 yen (USD$1.22) is made with 100 percent Kenyan tea with a subtle cherry blossom taste. 

Lipton Sakura Tea Latte

 

Every spring, my go to cherry blossom treat is sakura mochi, which is a Japanese sweet consisting of a pink coloured mochi (rice cake) with a red bean paste center, all wrapped in a cherry blossom leaf. This year we have the Sakura Mochi Dessert Cheese from Kraft to try. Called Mochi Mochi Sakura, it has glutinous powder added to give the cheese a sakura mochi-like texture. The dessert cheese comes in a six-pack and retails for 320 yen (USD$3.05).

Kraft Sakura Mochi Dessert Cheese

 

Which one of these tasty cherry blossom spring treats caught your eye for the upcoming cherry blossom season?

Samurai Mac Burgers at McDonald’s Japan

Growing up in Melbourne as a small boy, I knew Japan for two things. One was ninja, the secret assassins and spies of feudal Japan who were skilled in the use of swords, shuriken and scaling hooks. The other was samurai, the elegant and noble protectors of Japan. Back in April, when McDonald’s Japan announced they were going to introduce two new samurai burgers, you can bet I was excited.

McDonald’s Japan have been teasing our taste buds for many years now with interesting limited-edition and seasonal burgers such as the Tsukimi Burger in fall and the Gratin Croquette Burger in winter.

The new Samurai Mac Burgers were created to capture the spirit of the samurai warrior with their Japanese flavours. They come in two different varieties which are designed to represent different samurai factions.

The “Wild Faction” is represented by the Roasted Soy Sauce Style Double Thick Beef Burger, while the “Self-Indulgent Faction” is represented by the Roasted Soy Sauce Style Bacon Tomato Thick Beef Burger.

The Roasted Soy Sauce Style Double Thick Beef Burger 

This is a mouthful to say and it is certainly a mouthful for the actual mouth with two thick and juicy 100-percent beef patties, two slices of rich cheddar cheese, and a crisp sliced onion with a savoury roasted soy sauce style sauce all sandwiched in a poppy seed bun.

The Roasted Soy Sauce Style Bacon Tomato Thick Beef Burger 

This mouthful also contains a thick 100-percent beef patty with smoked bacon, fresh tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, sliced onions, and white cheddar cheese with a savoury roasted soy sauce style sauce all sandwiched in a poppy seed bun.

The Taste Test 

Unfortunately, due to the State of Emergency in Japan because of the coronavirus, we could only get the take-away version of the “Self-Indulgent Faction”. The star of the show is definitely the savoury roasted soy sauce style sauce on the burger, which really brings out the Japanese flavours. The thick juicy beef patty is enhanced by a hint of garlic which adds a nice tone and doesn’t overpower the rest of the flavours. Overall, I really enjoyed it and would not hesitate to have it again.

The Campaign Ambassador 

The campaign ambassador of the new burgers is actor, Masato Sakai, who has played several samurai characters in the past on TV shows. He is most famous for playing samurai warrior Sanada Yukimura in the NHK Taiga Drama, Sanada Maru in 2016.

Available for a Limited Time Only 

The new Samurai Mac Burgers will be on the McDonald’s Japan menu for a limited time only from 8 April until mid-May. You can pick one up for 490 yen (USD$4.50) but hurry as time is running out.

Source: McDonald's Japan

Top 5 Tips on Making Sushi at Home

If you are a great fan of sushi and crave for this Japanese delicacy any time of the day, even in your dreams then trust us you are not alone. There are many who eat, sleep, and dream sushi but dining out at the finest sushi restaurants even once a week can be financially draining. Plus, if you have a dietary restriction such as sensitivity to gluten or you are strictly vegan, it can be difficult to find a restaurant that accommodates your needs. Even if they do, there can be a fair risk of contamination.

To satisfy your cravings and save your wallet too, we suggest that you learn to make sushi at home. You will just need a few basic ingredients to get started and trust me, it’s not as hard as you think. The ingredients can be sourced from any Asian grocery store and most of them have a good shelf life. The sushi rolls may not turn out restaurant-like on the first attempt, but you will love the fruits of your labor. Here are our top 5 tips to help you in this endeavor.

5 Tips on Making Sushi at Home 

1. Cook the Sushi Rice Perfectly 

Sushi rice is one of the most important ingredients that lends a body and texture to the dish so don’t ignore it. Always buy the shinmai variety (new crop) short-grain Japanese rice to get the perfect restaurant like flavor and taste. Avoid using medium or long-grain rice as they will not yield the same results. After you have cooked rice, let it cool down a bit before you season it with vinegar, sugar, and salt.

Photo by: James

2. Always Use Sushi-grade Fish 

When using raw fish for sushi, always buy sushi-grade fish that has been carefully handled from the point of catch to the point of sale. Always source fish from a trusted fishmonger and ask questions when in doubt. If you don’t plan on preparing sushi immediately, store the fish in a vacuum-sealed bag inside the freezer. Be very careful with handling, storing, and using raw fish as any bit of carelessness can lead to food-borne sickness.

Photo by: cottonbro on Pexels

3. Try Vegetarian or Cooked Sushi Options 

If you can’t find sushi-grade fish near you, there are many cooked sushi options to try from. For example, you can enjoy making California sushi roll, which is both delicious and easy to prepare at home. You will need imitation crab meat to use as fillings and they are easily available in any Asian grocery store. You may also make vegetarian sushi rolls using fresh fruits and vegetables such as seedless cucumber, avocado, asparagus, shitake mushrooms, and tofu.

Photo by: James

4. Try Sushi Making Kits and Tools 

If you are a sushi enthusiast and would love to enjoy making restaurant-like rolls at home then we suggest that you invest in a few essential tools to help you. A bamboo mat will help you give a perfect compact shape to your sushi rolls without the ingredients falling apart. A good sushi knife also comes handy to cut raw meat and vegetables with precision. You may also invest in some of the specially designed sushi roll kits and molds that can help you make a lot of sushi quickly for a kid’s party.

5. Measure the Ingredients Correctly! 

When cooking sushi at home, always use the right measurements depending on the number of people. A sushi roll can be cut into 6 to 8 bite-sized pieces and on average, a person can eat up to a maximum of three sushi rolls. So, cook rice and prepare the meat and vegetables accordingly or else you will end up with a lot of waste after dinner. Don’t forget to store the leftover raw fish immediately and if it has stayed outside for more than 2 hours then discard it as there will be a risk of food poisoning.

Conclusion 

Making sushi at home not only saves you from having to shell out a lot of money at fine dining restaurants, but it can also turn out to be a fun activity at home. Every member of the family can come together to prepare the fillings and do the rolling to make their own sushi rolls. If you are a beginner at sushi making, start with the simple and basic recipes and then move on to the more complex choices including various ingredients and inside-out style.

About the Author 

Today's guest post is from sushi blogger, James.

James is a sushi enthusiast and owner of a sushi blog called Easy Homemade Sushi. He has been to Japan several times and loves Japanese food and culture. He is also a passionate writer and likes to share his experiences and knowledge through his blog.

5 Food You Have to Try While in Osaka

It wouldn't be wrong to call Osaka the food capital of Japan, and the people take great pride in their local cuisine. There’s a popular saying ‘Osaka no kuidaore’ which literally means people in Osaka have the habit of eating themselves out of house and home. While there are several local specialties in Osaka worth experiencing, we will talk about the 5 food you have to try while in Osaka.

1. Takoyaki 

This is the classic Osaka dish made with simple ingredients but scores high in terms of taste. It typically involves a mixture of eggs and flour stuffed with sliced octopus, spring onions, ginger, and tempura crumbs. The dumplings are topped with a sweet sauce and mayonnaise, and sprinkled with nori seaweed and dried bonito flakes. The octopus may be substituted with shrimp, tomato, cheese or chocolate. The dish is prepared in a special pan that has hollow moulds and most homes in Osaka have this special tool for takoyaki parties. While most of the street side stalls in Osaka sell takoyaki, the Dotonbori Konamon Museum is one of the best places to try this delicacy.

2. Kushikatsu 

This is another must-try delicacy of Osaka and it mainly comprises of skewered kebabs of seafood, meat, or vegetables that are breaded and deep fried until they achieve a crispy golden finish. They are served with different styles of dipping sauces and flavored salt. Some of the typical ingredients you can expect to find on a kushikatsu menu are pork, beef, shrimp, eggs, sweet potato, pumpkin, onion, asparagus, lotus root, and shiitake mushrooms. Although you can find Kushikatsu in various restaurants around Osaka, it is believed to have originated in the Kushikatsu Daruma restaurant. Today Kushikatsu Daruma has branches in Dotonbori and Shinsekai. Customers are allowed to choose a variety of kushikatsu skewers or order a la carte menu. The oldest branch still serves the delicacy and some people love flocking to the birthplace of Kushikatsu.

Photo by: Kimishowoto on flickr

3. Okonomiyaki 

Love pancakes? Then you must try this Japanese version of it made from flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and grated yam. You can add more on top of these basic ingredients – squid, pork, shrimp, tomato, or cheese. Okonomiyaki is basically a Japanese term that means ‘grilled stuff you like’ and it is dressed with mayonnaise, brown sauce, and powdered nori seaweed on the top. While you can find okonomiyaki restaurants in any part of Osaka, the most popular place is Mizuno in Dotonbori. You can watch the chef prepare pancakes in large iron griddles right in front of your eyes. You must try their signature dish ‘Mizuno-yaki’ which is filled with shrimp, scallops, pork, squid, oysters, and minced meat.

Photo by: fat worm on Pexels

4. Yakiniku 

This delicacy is pure and simple barbecued beef and it is prepared by grilling thinly slices of beef on a charcoal griddle. The pieces are then dipped in a savoury sauce before eating. It is believed that this style of barbeque was introduced to Japan by Korean restaurant owners. Even today the best restaurants are still the ones run by Koreans. If you want to taste the best yakiniku in Osaka, then you must visit Tsuruhashi, also nicknamed Korea town. In this section of Osaka, you will find Koreans who have lived here for ages. This is where you will find the most authentic Korean restaurants selling Yakiniku and the most popular among them is Ajiyoshi. You can order different cuts of grilled beef served with Ajiyoshi’s signature sauce.

Photo by: urakido on flickr

5. Fugu 

This is a type of raw fish delicacy is known as sashimi in Japanese, and it is notorious for being risky if prepared by an inexperienced chef. Despite this, you don’t need to worry when savouring a bowl of fugu as all chefs must train for three years before they get the license to make this delicacy. The dish is not only delicious to taste but also visually appealing with thin slices of fish arranged in a beautiful pattern. In sashimi style, the raw fish has a light and subtle flavour but you may also savor it in shabu shabu style in vegetable stew, tempura, or deep fried. At some places, you may get dried and baked fins of fugu, served with hot sake. In Osaka, the most popular area to find good fugu restaurants is Shinsekai, and the most sought after restaurant is Zuboraya.

Photo by: takedahrs on Pixabay

About the Author

Today's guest post is from sushi blogger, James. 

James is a sushi enthusiast and owner of a sushi blog called Easy Homemade Sushi. He has been to Japan several times and loves Japanese food and culture. He is also a passionate writer and likes to share his experiences and knowledge through his blog.

ByFood: Japan’s One-Stop Food Platform

ByFood is Japan’s one-stop food platform with over 250 food experiences (and counting) across Japan, such as food tours, cooking classes, tastings, and dining experiences. With filters for vegan, halal, kosher, gluten-free, and more, byFood strives to make Japanese food experiences accessible to all. We bring locals and visitors together through food experiences, help small local businesses, and celebrate authentic Japanese cuisine. In doing so, we hope to preserve local Japanese heritage and promote cross-cultural understanding through food.

Spreading Happiness Through Food! 

ByFood’s mission is “spreading happiness through food.” For every experience that is booked through the platform, byFood donates to a different NPO or NGO of the month. So, just by enjoying a meal in Japan, guests can help children in developing countries get access to necessities like nutritious meals, schools, and housing, so they can grow up healthy and happy, and ready to change the world.

Here’s a preview of our recommended experiences: 

Food Tours 

Hop on a two-wheeler for a foodie bike tour, taste 6 bowls of ramen on a ramen tour, explore bustling fish markets on foot, or munch on the most Instagram-worthy sweets in Harajuku. There’s something for everyone!

Ultimate Osaka Night Tour

Bar Hopping in Harmonica Yokocho (The Midnight Diners Experience)

Cooking Classes 

Learn to make ramen noodles from scratch, roll your own decorative sushi, fry up crunchy tempura, and more. The best souvenir you can take back home is the skills to make these classic Japanese dishes in your own kitchen!

Traditional Japanese Sweets, Wagashi and Mochi Class

Handmade Soba Noodles Cooking Class

Dining Experiences 

From omakase sushi with a personal chef to luxurious multi-course kaiseki meals to classic izakaya bar food, byFood offers a vast selection of dining experiences in Japan.

Sake Pairing & Omakase Sushi with Personal Chef

Most Expensive Ramen in Tokyo (Luxury A5 Wagyu)

Tastings 

Visit Japanese sake breweries, whisky distilleries, and tea farm regions in Japan during a byFood tasting experience. Tickle your tastebuds with new flavors and aromas, learn how to brew a superior cup of tea, and become an expert in your favorite Japanese beverages.

Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour in Fushimi Sake District

Tokyo Bars & Mixology

To see more, browse food experiences in Japan! 
Every booking helps children in need through byFood’s Food for Happiness Program.

Matsuya Gyudon Vending Machine

A new innovation is hitting Japan’s gyudon industry with the introduction of Japan’s first ever gyudon vending machine. Japan is known the world-over for its vending machines, which can just about be found on every street corner from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka to little country towns in the middle of nowhere.

Most of these sell hot or cold drinks and sometimes even snacks, but now there is a game-changer with the world’s first gyudon vending machine from fast-food chain Matsuya.

Matsuya is a popular restaurant chain in Japan that serves gyudon (beef bowls) and Japanese curry. They are known for their budget-friendly menu items that are quick, cheap, and tasty. By far, their most popular dish is their gyudon (shredded beef and onions served over a bowl of steaming rice).

Matsuya Restaurant | Wikimedia Commons

This unique gyudon vending machine has been installed at the employee cafeteria of Gree, a Tokyo-based mobile game company.

The vending machine is fully-stocked with a variety of Matsuya’s most popular dishes including their standard beef bowl and Japanese curry. Prices range from 450-500 yen (USD$4.15-$4.60), which is comparable to the regular prices at their restaurants.

The dishes come with miso soup and need to be warmed up in the microwave which is adjacent to the vending machine.

Matsuya Gyudon with Miso Soup | Photo by: エドガー on Flickr

We are hoping that Matsuya roll out their enhanced version of the vending machine to other locations around Japan soon, so we can give it a try. What do you think? Are you keen to give this new vending machine a try? Please leave your replies in the comments below.