The Way of Wagashi
Debbie Oakes
The creation of wagashi requires skill, precision, and an artistic eye. Despite the simplicity of the ingredients – typically rice flour, beans, sugar, and water—master artisans spend years perfecting their techniques
Throw Another Log on the Fire | The Secret to Japan’s Pristine Grill: Discovering Binchotan Charcoal
Debbie Oakes
0 If you have a passion for grilling, I have a culinary diamond (before-the-rough) for you — Binchotan Charcoal. Steeped in fine Japanese grilling tradition, this charcoal is actually revered by chefs and barbecue enthusiasts worldwide. But what makes Binchotan so special, and why does it come with a high price tag? Read on! The […]
A Hungry Traveller’s Guide | Ordering Yakitori in Japan
Debbie Oakes
0 In my head I am already there. It is my first evening, wandering through the vibrant streets, surround by a group of tipsy new friends. We have found the perfect yakitori restaurant. Our table is laden with hot sake and cold Asahi Super-Dry. As we are toasting “campai”, streaming plates of kushiyaki and yakitori […]
A Curious Travellers Guide | Discovering Downtown Tokyo: Shimbashi
Debbie Oakes
0 Shimbashi, in the heart of Tokyo, is a neighbourhood where the past and present blend like wasabi and soy sauce. Somehow the lanterns still glow with an aura of Japan’s rich history while modern life pulsates below. Shimbashi is a place for travellers to have an authentic Tokyo experience with its captivating history, unique […]
The Japanese Salaryman | History, Culture, and Little-Known Facts
Debbie Oakes
0 Just what is a “salaryman”? A fabled idea from an anime, perhaps. A guy sits alone in a ramen shop. He’s been working hard all day. He works hard everyday and at night goes out to eat and drink alone. Staring into his creamy steaming noodles, piled high with sliced pork and green onion, […]
The Art of Yakitori. An Exclusive Interview with Chef Masahiro Iwakami Mitsumasa Restaurant | Shinbashi
Debbie Oakes
1 In our latest blog post, we step into the finger-lickin’ world of kushiyaki, the traditional Japanese art of skewered, grilled deliciousness. We had the pleasure of speaking with Chef Masahiro Iwakami, the owner of a renowned Kushiyaki restaurant in Shimbashi, Tokyo. Join us as we explore the secrets behind his culinary craft and the […]
