Food & Drink Products - Japanese Food Guide

A young Japanese woman wearing a red yukata and a large pink flower accessory in her hair receives a plastic bag containing her okonomiyaki order from a stall vendor at a Japanese summer festival. It is already evening and her male companion can be seen next to her also wearing traditional Japanese summer festival garb.

9 Delicious Treats to Try at Japanese Summer Festivals

Japanese summer festivals provide a fantastic opportunity to try some classic Japanese summer treats as well as all-year-round festival favorites.

Yoshoku does not mean Western food. In this article, we'll explain the true meaning of yoshoku. Pictured is a plate of Napolitan ketchup spaghetti (pronounced Naporitan in Japan), a yoshoku dish.

Yoshoku Origins Revealed: 6 Supposedly Western Foods Invented in Japan

Yoshoku does not mean “Western food”. Here we’ll explain the true meaning of yoshoku and the surprising history of some popular yoshoku dishes.

A square watermelon with a gold ribbon around it and the official Zentsujisan square watermelon sticker on top sits on a purple display cushion at the highest point in a high-end supermarket fruit display. The price next to it says 19,800 yen before tax (21,384 inclusive of tax).

Japan’s $200 Square Watermelons That Only Look Good Enough to Eat

Why are square watermelons so expensive? What’s the purpose of an inedible fruit? Here is your complete guide to the Japanese square watermelon.

Japanese rice ball fillings: Manicured hands hold out a triangle-shaped Japanese rice ball with a rectangular piece of seaweed wrapped around it and a bite taken out of the top showing the tuna filling.

A Guide to Onigiri Fillings: Everything You Need to Know About Japan’s Ubiquitous Rice Ball

Your informed guide to onigiri, including popular and special onigiri fillings and styles, so you’ll know exactly what to grab next time you’re at the konbini.

Dried rice koji that has been broken up into chunks and arranged on a bamboo mat. To the right is a clear glass cup with a handle which is filled with amazake (white in color). The rice is clearly visible in the liquid. Behind it all is some green foliage aesthetically placed on the table.

A Guide to Amazake: Japan’s Non-Alcoholic Sweet Fermented Rice Drink

Amazake is a sweet traditional Japanese fermented rice drink. Learn about amazake culture, the types on offer, where and what to buy, and how to make it.

Popular Japanese snacks: A range of Japanese supermarket snacks in a cane basket - from cookies to chocolate, chips and rice crackers.

Popular Japanese Snacks to Snag From the Supermarket that Aren’t Pocky or Kit Kats

The world of Japanese snacks is rich in variety. Here are some of the most popular Japanese snacks commonly available at the supermarket.

Mirin is being poured from a clear glass vessel into a small clear glass bowl. It's a light golden-y color similar to a white wine. Its viscosity can be seen as it is poured and by how it settles in the bowl.

What is Mirin: A Guide to Japan’s Signature Alcoholic Condiment

If you like Japanese food, then knowing about Hon Mirin is a must. Here we delve into Japan’s signature sweet alcoholic condiment, and why and how to use it.

Spicy Japanese condiments: A small white dish with an orange and brown rooster on the front filled with deep red rayu oil. Lots of chopped red chilis can be seen in the oil and are piled up in the center making a peak above the oil. The bowl sits on a natural wooden tabletop.

7 Spicy Japanese Condiments to Add Heat to Your Next Meal

Introducing you to seven spicy Japanese condiments that will have you re-evaluating the assumption that Japanese cuisine lacks a hot punch.

A wooden masu cup filled with a light-brown sake kasu paste that has been formed into a peak.

A Guide to Sake Kasu and How to Use It

Sake kasu, or sake lees, is an extremely versatile and nutritious ingredient. Here’s what it is, the different types available, and how to use them.

A chunk of firm tofu with two slices cut off on a wooden board. The indentation of the muslin cloth used to strain the tofu can be seen on its surface. A knife is resting to the left of the tofu and some chopped up coriander (cilantro) to the right.

A Guide to the Different Types of Tofu in Japanese Cuisine

What is tofu and what are the different types of tofu used in Japanese cuisine? We’ll explain what they are and how to use them, as well as how tofu is made.

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