Category: Traditional Japanese Dishes

Oya (親), ko (子), and don (丼) literally translates to parent-child-bowl, referring to the use of both chicken (parent) and eggs (child) in the recipe. A little morbid, I know. It’s a type of donburi, which is a Japanese rice bowl dish typically served with various toppings. I grew up eating oyakodon, which is made… Read more

Curry udon is one of those heartwarming dishes that feels especially satisfying when enjoyed in Japan, particularly in those small, cozy eateries that seem tucked away from the bustling city streets. There’s something special about walking into a hole-in-the-wall shop, where you’re often greeted by the delicious aroma of curry and udon noodles simmering. These… Read more

Homemade Sushi Homemade sushi offers a fun, exciting way to enjoy Japanese cuisine right in your own kitchen. One of the greatest advantages of making sushi at home is its versatility. You can customize every aspect, from the type of rice and fish to the fillings and toppings, ensuring that the final product reflects your… Read more

It’s a common occurrence to come home to my mom making “Nabe,” (鍋) the Japanese word for hot pot. Mille-Feuille Nabe (ミルフィーユ鍋 ) is a Japanese hot pot dish that creatively layers ingredients to resemble a “thousand-leaf” (mille-feuille) structure, similar to the French pastry with the same name. Instead of pastry, the dish consists of… Read more

Korokke (コロッケ) is the Japanese adaptation of the French croquette, a breaded and deep-fried patty made from mashed potatoes or ground meat mixed with vegetables. It’s a popular comfort food in Japan and is typically enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal, often served with tonkatsu sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Kabocha Korokke is… Read more

Korokke (コロッケ) is the Japanese adaptation of the French croquette, a breaded and deep-fried patty made from mashed potatoes or ground meat mixed with vegetables. It’s a popular comfort food in Japan and is typically enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal, often served with tonkatsu sauce or Worcestershire sauce. My mom used… Read more

Onigiri(おにぎり) My mom used to always pack us onigiri growing up. Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine, cherished for their simplicity, versatility, and portability. Traditionally made with steamed white rice shaped into triangular, oval, or cylindrical forms, onigiri are often wrapped in a sheet of nori (seaweed)… Read more

Katsu is very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes beyond the traditional tonkatsu (note: tonkatsu is just a type of katsu. “Ton” means “pork” in Japanese, while “katsu” means cutlet. So tonkatsu is just “pork cutlet.” You can also make chicken katsu, beef katsu, or even tofu katsu!). Below are some of… Read more

When I think back to my childhood, one of the dishes that always brings a smile to my face is the katsu sando (カツサンド). This Japanese sandwich, made with crispy breaded cutlets (katsu) and soft, fluffy bread, was a staple in my household. Growing up, tonkatsu was a common dish in our home. Whether it… Read more