Globe Trotting Foodventures
What You Didn’t Know About Japanese Food
The one thing that really fascinates me about the Japanese culture is the level of perfection that goes into all the food that they craft. Japanese people take their food very seriously. It’s also the reason for Japan being acknowledged on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. In fact, it’s one of the only three national food traditions that is recognized by UN for its cultural relevance.
‘Washoku’ or the traditional Japanese cuisine, is a crucial aspect in keeping the heritage and culture of Japan alive. It involves extra attention to ingredients, presentation and taste that appeals to all the senses. Moreover, Washoku is a way of life.
A good Japanese meal has never failed to impress me because it’s not just about the taste; it’s much, much more than that.
Exploring the world of Washoku
Undoubtedly, the legacy of Washoku has knit the Japanese culture together. The foundation of Washoku is built upon ‘Ichiju Sansai’ (literal translation: One soup and three sides). This concept of a typical Washoku meal of Ichiju Sansai is made up of four elements — steamed rice, which is the staple food; soups and side dishes to go with the rice, and ‘tsukemono’ or pickled vegetables.
Carefully crafted with a selection of ingredients, most dishes are eaten raw, seared, boiled, or with minimal seasoning using miso, soy sauce, seaweed or bonito flakes. The idea behind this is to work with simple flavours and use minimal cooking to retain the freshness of ingredients. In the case of fried food like tempura, the batter is made thin so that it doesn’t absorb a lot of oil. The minimal usage of ingredients such as garlic, chillis and oil, prove that simplicity is the essence of Japanese cuisine. Condiments like miso, wasabi sauce and soy sauce are used to enhance the flavour of the food.
The real beauty of a Japanese meal lies in the way it’s served. Presentation is key. If you have eaten sashimi or sushi, you would have noticed the attention to detail that goes into crafting each platter. Every dish is a result of unmatched deliberation, hard work and aesthetics. To me, Washoku is true art.
There are many rules and etiquette that the Japanese people swear by as far as the food is concerned. Some may seem bizarre! For instance, it’s polite to slurp when eating noodle soups, but you shouldn’t slurp if you are eating soup made with rice! Another one — keeping your chopsticks on a bowl is considered rude, as is laying your chopsticks across the bowl. Always use the chopstick stand. If not, fold the chopstick wrapper into a tent shape and base the tips of the chopsticks on it.
Some aspects of Washoku that have stayed intact through the sands of time are associated with home cooking. ‘Omotenashi’ is a translation for ‘The Japanese way of treating a guest’. It blends the welcoming spirit with understanding and above all — respect. The idea is to feed your guests with fresh, exotic ingredients and bring a smile to their face. Another customary practice with the Japanese people is expressing their gratitude for a meal before and after eating. As the Japanese live in accord with mother nature and respect her bounty, the term ‘Itadakimasu’, meaning, “I shall partake” and Gochisousama “Thank you for the wonderful meal”, is a token of their appreciation for her. This is what makes Washoku a core facet of the Japanese lifestyle.
The future of Japanese cuisine
Existing in an era where recipes are evolving and palate preferences are changing, Washoku has stayed true to its roots. It’s safe to say that the future of Japanese food is dependent on the preservation of the established methods of cooking. The bar has been set quite high already. It’s no wonder that Japanese cuisine is considered a luxury.
Even across the globe, the adapted version of the food sticks to the conventional style of cooking and aesthetic presentation. The truth is that Washoku is a testament to food best served in its traditional form; the proof of a legacy that must go on.
Today we are having a delicious Teriyaki Bowl to make you reminisce Japanese flavours, Order now!
