Ramen is more than just a bowl of noodles—it’s a cultural icon, a steaming hug in a bowl that’s been warming hearts in Japan and beyond for decades. Shoyu ramen, with its soy sauce-based broth, is one of the most beloved styles, offering a perfect balance of umami, saltiness, and depth.
Okonomiyaki, often called Japan’s savory pancake, is a beloved comfort food that hails from Osaka, the culinary capital of Japan. The name “okonomiyaki” translates to “grilled as you like it,” which perfectly captures its customizable nature.
Miso Katsu is a beloved specialty from Nagoya, Japan, where the city’s rich culinary tradition shines through in this hearty dish. A variation of the classic Japanese tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), Miso Katsu swaps the traditional tonkatsu sauce for a bold, savory-sweet red miso sauce
When I first booked my summer backpacking trip to Japan, I had a rough plan — Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka — the classics. I didn’t know I’d arrive in Kyoto right in the middle of Gion Matsuri, one of Japan’s oldest and grandest festivals
Kakiage Tempura is a delightful Japanese dish featuring a medley of thinly sliced vegetables and sometimes seafood, bound together in a light, crispy tempura batter and fried into golden, lacy fritters. The term “kakiage” comes from the Japanese word kaki (to mix) and age (to fry)
Yasai Tempura, a vibrant and light Japanese dish, features an assortment of seasonal vegetables coated in a delicate, airy batter and fried to golden perfection. “Yasai” means vegetables in Japanese, and this tempura variation highlights the natural flavors and textures of ingredients like sweet potatoes,
Nasi Campur Bali is a vibrant and diverse Balinese dish that showcases the island’s rich culinary heritage in a single, colorful platter. Translating to “mixed rice,” this dish features steamed rice as the base, surrounded by an array of small portions of flavorful Balinese dishes like spicy grilled chicken
Nasi Liwet is a traditional Javanese dish from Solo (Surakarta), Central Java, known for its aromatic, savory rice cooked in coconut milk and spices, often prepared in a single pot for a communal meal. This comforting dish is infused with flavors of lemongrass
When I moved to Jakarta three months ago, I expected the usual dazzle of a foreign capital—traffic, humidity, smiles, a new skyline. What I didn’t expect was the emotional pull of a plate of rice.
Sop Buntut is a traditional Indonesian oxtail soup, renowned for its rich, hearty broth infused with aromatic spices and herbs. This comforting dish features tender oxtail pieces simmered with vegetables like carrots and potatoes, flavored with a blend of nutmeg