Japanese Food

Japanese FoodBy Tamara Pottrick and Tia Kooner

1The Ancient History of CookingIn 400 BC, Korea introduced the first main food to Japan, which was riceIn 300 BC, China introduced the second main food to Japan, the soy beanBy the 6th century, Buddhism became part of the Japanese culture, bringing the law of not eating fish and meat, lasting 1200 yearsWhen the Europeans came in the 16th century, they brought western fried foods, sugar, and cornAfter the Meiji Restoration in 1867, meat was reintroduced to Japanese culinary

2Modern Day CookingModern day cooking is still influenced by geography and seasons with seafood and veggies the most common foodsFreshness, presentation, and balance of flavours are very important in Japanese culinaryMeals always include rice and soup, but with few dairy productsSushi and sushimi (raw fish) are often eating at the beginning of a meal Dessert is rarely served with the exception of fresh fruit on occasions

Japanese RestaurantsThere are about 15 different types of restaurants that specialize in different types of Japanese foods e.g. Sushi-ya specializes in sushi; Kaiten-zushi specializes in sushi on a conveyor belt; and Soba-ya specializes in soba and udon noodlesIn traditional restaurants, you must take off your shoes before entering, you sit on cushions and the tables are lower to the floorChopsticks are set in a box in the middle of the table

Modern Japanese RestaurantsIn the front window of the restaurant, they display plastic or wax replicas of each dish Waiters greet you as you enter and lead you to your westernized tableWhen you sit down you are given either water or tea for free, and a wet towel for your handsThe bill is presented either as you receive your meal, or after you have eatenTipping is not expected and waiters may chase you out of the restaurant to give back any change left behind

EtiquitteA meal in Japan traditionally starts with the phrase itadakimasu and ends with gochisousamadeshitaNever stab foodPouring soy sauce all over your rice is considered greedyNever stick chopsticks straight up in rice as it represents incense at a funeralNever pass food from chopstick to chopstickIt is polite to clear your plate

MenuBreakfast fish, rice, miso soup, japanese pickles, nori, raw egg to mix with riceLunch - obentos including rice, sushi, tempura with raw egg to dip, onagiri, and vegetablesDinner miso soup, rice, soy beans, baked fish, tea

These are only a few of the combinations that you would typically eat in a Japanese restaurant or household

Kitchen ToolsBibliographyhttp://www.geocities.co.jp/AnimalPark-Shiro/7757/dinner.htmlwww.recipes4us.co.uk/Cooking%20by%20country/Japan.htmwww.about.comwww.japan-guide.com/e/e2036.html

Pictures

Wax replicas of Japanese food dishes found in restaurants in Japan10

Soba, giosa, tea

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Japanese tea ceremony12