I remember the first time I made Japanese katsu curry at home and the smell that filled my kitchen was so rich and comforting that it instantly reminded me of my favorite little restaurant in Osaka where I first tasted it. The combination of crispy fried cutlet and thick savory curry over fluffy rice felt … Read more
The first time I flipped an okonomiyaki on my stovetop I was skeptical about how it would turn out but the moment I took that first bite I was hooked because it reminded me of the cozy food stalls I visited during a summer festival in Hiroshima. The crispy edges the soft cabbage-filled center and … Read more
I first made tantanmen ramen on a cold evening when I wanted something spicy satisfying and soul-warming and the moment I tasted the rich sesame broth with the chili oil and seasoned pork I knew it was exactly what I needed. It reminded me of a ramen shop I visited in Yokohama where each slurp … Read more
Japanese clear soup became a comforting go-to for me after a long weekend of rich foods when I craved something light and cleansing and I remember making it for the first time with just a few ingredients and being amazed by how deeply flavorful it turned out despite its simplicity and clarity. Now I make … Read more
Potsticker soup brings back the memory of a chilly evening when I wanted something that felt both comforting and exciting and I remember standing in my kitchen craving dumplings but also needing something warm and brothy and I had a leftover batch of frozen potstickers and some fresh vegetables on hand and that’s how this … Read more
Gyudon takes me right back to a small train station café I visited during my first trip to Japan and I remember being tired cold and unsure of what to order when the smell of savory simmered beef drew me in and within minutes a steaming bowl of rice topped with tender onions and beef … Read more
Vegetable tortilla roll ups remind me of the first time I had them at a picnic where everyone was asked to bring finger foods. I took one bite of these colorful, creamy, and crunchy bites, and I was hooked on how fresh and easy they were to eat. Ever since, I’ve been making them for … Read more
Crispy chicken taquitos remind me of the first time I tried them at a street food market where the smell of fried tortillas filled the air. The crunchy bite with tender chicken inside had me hooked instantly, and I knew I needed to recreate them at home. Now, they’re one of my favorite quick snacks … Read more