 | A good way to learn about other cultures is by examining (and eating) the local diet. Coming to Japan with this in mind, i sought out Japanese food that hasn't really bled over into American co-cultures. But here's the rub: as much as we like to "Americanize" food, Japan too takes foreign food and makes it "Japanese". And since I live in the city that is the shore on which the waves of foreign influences relentlessly crash upon, I see a lot of this "Japanized" food. This got me thinking: what foods here are purely Japanese??? |
While I may live in a modern city in Japan, I'm fortunate it also lies in the traditional center of Japan (see previous blog for more info.). As it turns out the area has a surplus of unique and delicious foods. The three main cities of kansai- Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe- each have distinct tastes and styles of cooking. Here are are few dishes of the Kansai area.
Matsuba Crab
Pic. from http://www.nishimuraya.ne.jp Matsuba crab is a food from the Tajima area of the Hyogo prefecture. It can be prepared a number of different ways (as seen in the picture). Ironically, this is a winter dish (go figure). It's generally in season from November to about March. During this time, many people travel to Tajima to taste their delicious crab dishes.
Yudofu
This is an old school dish from Kyoto. It's essentially tofu boiled in a kelp based soup. Before the tofu looses its shape, it's taken out of the soup and dipped in a relish. Originally eaten by Buddhist monks, it is still enjoyed today by many during the colder seasons.
Izushi Soba
Soba (buckwheat noodles) are fairly common throughout the country. However this particular version (also found around Tajima) has a particular serving style dating back to the Edo period. Traditionally leeks and wasabi are added as seasonings; as well as yams and eggs.
Pic source: http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/spot/110_izushisoba.html
Pic source: http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/spot/110_izushisoba.html
Okonomiyaki
A personal favorite of mine, this dish hails from Osaka. It's conventionally referred to as a "savory pancake" in English, but I don't think that description does it justice. The base ingredients are flour, eggs and cabbage, but you can get fancy and add meat or other things if you like. It's generally topped off with something called okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayo.
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