Japanese recipes you have to try

Skip the tourist traps and explore the best sights & bites of Japan. [View this email in your browser]( Tips from the heart…and belly. By Emma Niles, Tastemade Contributor Whenever I touch down in a new city, I’m instantly [on the quest]( for local cuisine. To me, a good meal is key to beginning to understand the culture of a neighborhood — and hey, who knows what types of surprises you may encounter as you walk to dinner. On a recent trip to Japan, for example, an unforgettable bowl of curry led to a moonlit stroll along a cherry blossom-lined river. I’ll be digging into Japan’s incredible culture and cuisine throughout this week’s newsletter, with a spotlight on Kyoto! Curious what type of traveler you are? Take our quiz to find your travel style and plan your perfect getaway. [Take the Quiz]( Speaking of traveling for food, can you figure out this week’s brain game? 🧠[Four bowls of different kinds of food like pasta, tomato soup, salad, and rice and veggies.] FOOD What to Eat The flavors of Japan. Japan’s simple, high-quality cuisine goes far beyond sushi. Explore a variety of new dishes in your home kitchen with the help of these recipes. Pork Katsu by Logan Sandoval Breaded, deep-fried pork that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside? Sign me up. Pair with a smoky, spicy curry for the perfect combo. [Make It]( Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura by Alex Williams Fresh shrimp and seasonal vegetables allow simple tempura to truly shine. A subtly sweet and sour dipping sauce takes this light bite to the next level. [Make It]( Salmon-Avocado Onigirazu by the Tastemade Culinary Team This “sushi sandwich” makes for a great on-the-go lunch, and is similar to the types of onigiri you’d find in convenience stores around Tokyo. [Make It]( Strawberry & Chocolate Mochi by Shirley ChungIt’s easier than you think to make sweet  mochi right at home! This chewy, gooey dessert pairs ripe strawberries with a delicious chocolate-hazelnut spread. [Make ‘Em]( For the Pets Your dog deserves the good life. Support your pup’s health and wellness with EverRoot Dog Supplements — extraordinary ingredients, selected with a purpose. [Shop Now]( TIPS What to Do Hidden and not-so-hidden gems in Kyoto. Just a two-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo, Kyoto is a can’t-miss destination when you visit Japan. I was lucky enough to spend three days exploring this ancient, thriving city earlier this year (during peak cherry blossom season, no less!) and arrived with plenty of recommendations from friends. Narrowing down my own tips to just four bites & sights seems impossible, but if I had to choose, here’s how I’d spend a full day exploring the city. If you do get the chance to visit, give yourself a few days to explore — and stumble upon hidden gems of your own — without any rush. [a display case filled with lots of different types of bread and pastries]( [Walder Bakery]( Start your morning by carbo-loading with exquisite baked goods from Walder Bakery, a tiny pâtisserie not far from the main shopping drag. Upon entering, you’ll grab a tray and load it with fresh, perfectly laminated croissants; subtly sweet Danishes; soft buns oozing with curry; moist matcha tarts; and so much more. Use Google translate to decipher the handwritten signs, or simply let your eyes guide you. But be quick: There’ll likely be locals patiently waiting their turn at the door. Tip: There’s nowhere to sit inside, but you can chow down on your goodies on a bench at the small park across the street. [The Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art]( [Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art]( As Japan’s oldest art museum still located in its original structure, KYOCERA is worth visiting for the Imperial Crown architecture alone. But stellar rotating exhibits paired with a notable permanent collection ensure there is always plenty to see inside. I was lucky enough to catch the Takashi Murakami show designed specifically for the museum. Past exhibits around Studio Ghibli and BANKSY, respectively, drew massive crowds. Tip: Just steps away, you’ll find Okazaki Park, the National Museum of Modern Art, and the Kyoto City Zoo, should you need more to do! [A bowl of curry on a wooden table.]( [Koisus Curry & Tempura]( How to explain the magic behind this tiny curry shop, which sits nestled in a quiet block near the Kamo River? Koisus offers a stunning bowl of two curries made with 20 types of spices, divided by a line of fluffy rice topped with herbs, edible flowers, and a variety of fresh pickled vegetables. Delicate, shatteringly crisp tempura served with matcha salt is a must-try addition. Sample the accompanying teapot of hot dashi on its own, or pour into the remnants of your curry and rice for a spectacular final bite. Tip: Arrive early for dinner and prepare to wait, as seats at the counter are limited. [Fushimi Inari Shrine]( When my friend Mikayla, who lives in Tokyo, said that Inari Shrine was a “must-see,” I have to admit I was skeptical — I had seen quite a few shrines at this point. But brilliant Mikayla led us to this ancient Shinto Shrine at 9 p.m., which allowed for a hike through the thousands of famous red torii gates in solitude. With just the distant screeches of monkeys for company, a two-hour wander through this mountainous trail was nothing short of breathtaking. Tip: The shrine is open 24 hours a day, so avoid the heat and large crowds of tourists by visiting at night. SHOP THE SHOW Start Grillin’ Good Ignite your passion for outdoor cooking with chef-approved grill gear, gadgets and clothing inspired by the latest season of All Up In My Grill. [a cast iron pan in a yellow circle]( [Shop All Up In My Grill]( SOCIAL On Our Feed [Okonomiyaki on a griddle.]( Have you tried this savory Japanese pancake?! [We’re Obsessed]( Tell us how you feel. 💭 How likely are you to recommend this newsletter to a friend? lowest [1]( [2]( [3]( [4]( [5]( [6]( [7]( [8]( [9]( [10]( highest [Instagram icon]( [Pinterest icon]( [TikTok icon]( Was this email forwarded to you? [Sign up!]( Copyright (C) 2024 Tastemade. All rights reserved. You're receiving this because you opted into our email list. Our mailing address is: Tastemade 3019 Olympic Blvd Stage C Santa Monica, CA 90404 USA [Update Email Preferences]( or [unsubscribe]( from this list.