Melon Soda Cocktail

If you visit Japan, there is no question Japan is in love with the fruity flavor of melon.  It’s in everything from candies (yes, even Kit Kats!) to beverages, and it’s been that way for many years…

Japanese Curry Udon

Curry udon noodle soup is a uniquely Japanese dish.  Udon are the thick wheat flour noodles that have more of a chewy consistency and are typically served as a noodle soup.  Japanese curry is the Japanese adaptation of…

The Sunshine Blogger Award

I’m so honored to announce that I’ve been nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award from one of the talented bloggers, Beth with…

Spicy Miso Ramen

There are quite a few variations for the spicy ramen recipes out there.  But my inspiration for this spicy miso ramen is the spicy Taiwan Ramen which is the local cuisine of Nagoya, Japan.  The broth for this…

Basics of Japanese Curry

“Curry rice” is one of the most beloved home-cooked meals in Japanese households.  It is consumed so much to the point it should be considered one of the unofficial national foods!  And just as Japanese food manufacturers…

Salty Shiba (Shiba Dog) Cocktail Recipe

Not every dog owner can say that they have a cocktail drink named after the breed of dog that they own.  (Although there are more out there than you think!)  But if you are a Shiba Inu owner…

Etiquette Rules in Japan for Travelers

On the surface, Japan is a very westernized country.  Especially in Japan’s larger cities, life seems very similar to the life in the cities in the U.S. – from the way people dress, to the recognizable fast food…

Okinawan Taco Rice

With the current craze of all kinds of “bowls” at every kind of restaurants imaginable, it may seem like I’m following the trend by just putting taco meat over rice.  But, I can’t take the credit for…

What is Shochu?

Shochu (pronounced show-chew) is a Japanese alcoholic beverage distilled typically from sweet potatoes, barley, buckwheat, brown sugar or rice.  Most of you outside of Japan may have never heard of it, let alone ever tried it. But it…

My Favorite Chicken Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a popular Thai stir-fried rice noodle dish. Here is my version of the Chicken Pad Thai that was created after testing many recipes…