Washoku beyond sushi1/1/2024 ![]() However, ramen already exists in a wide array of variations: shio (塩, salt), misō (味噌), shōyu (醤油, soy sauce), tonkotsu (豚骨, pork bone broth) are the four basic types of soups, and they branch out to a multitude of other sub-categories.ĭepending on the person, some may prefer one type over another, and furthermore, there certain people only eat such type of ramen from their preferred restaurant. Curry and ramen were among them, with curry being introduced by England through their colonization of India, and the spread of ramen emerged from Chinatowns.īoth Curry rice and Ramen only have a 100 year old history in Japan. At the time, Japan had lifted the embargo after long years of autarky (鎖国, Sakoku), thus allowing the introduction of new food and cultures from overseas. Both of these dishes are very popular, but were first introduced during the Meiji era (1868-1912). “Curry rice” (カレー) and “ramen” (ラーメン) are the best examples of famous Japanese B-class gourmet cuisine. Recently, the concept of “B-class gourmet” (B級グルメ) is establishing a unique culture all over the country: As opposed to haute cuisine – or “A-class gourmet” – which is served in fancy restaurants located in central Japanese cities, B-class gourmet differ depending on the area and are known to be reasonably cheap. However, Japan’s gastronomic culture goes beyond the restaurants and dishes introduced in the “Michelin Guides”. As the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics 2020 approaches, it is predicted that its popularity will increase even further. ![]() In April 2014, when USA President Barack Obama visited Japan, he had an informal and intimate dinner with Prime Minister Shinzō Abe at “Sukiyabashi-Jiro Ginza” (すきやばし次郎 銀座) one of the many 3-star rated restaurants in Tokyo.Īccording to press reports, Obama requested for this particular restaurant himself, which emphasizes the fact that people’s interests in Japanese food is soaring worldwide. According to the “Michelin Guide 2014” – a guide book published by the French company Michelin which ranks various world renowned restaurants – Tokyo boasts the most number of 3-star rated restaurants: currently on top of the culinary world, it even exceeds cities such gastronomic capitals as New York and Paris. Yet, in addition to its cultural value, the delicious taste of Japanese cuisine is another undeniable factor. The similarity among them is that each of these countries and regions have a rich cultural background intertwined with its food culture all that is eaten is a reflection of their heritage and land. This makes “ Washoku” the fifth UNESCO-designated Intangible Cultural Heritage. Other culinary cultures have also been selected as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO: the Gastronomy Art of France, Mediterranean Cuisine, Traditional dishes of Mexico, and the Traditional kashkak of Turkey. ![]() ![]() The Japanese government emphasized four main aspects for the additional registration as a Cultural Heritage.ġ) Its diversity and the freshness of the ingredientsĢ) Its nutritious and well-balanced quality, which supports a healthy dietģ) Its way of expressing the beauty of nature the and changing of seasonsĤ) Its intimate relation with traditional annual events In December 2013, “ Washoku (和食, traditional Japanese cuisine)” was registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, which shows the importance of Japanese gastronomy not only as a type of ethnic food, but also as a part of the culture that helped develop society. Recently, Japanese food has been receiving very high praise overseas. I’m sure you’ll agree that these dishes best represent Japanese gastronomy, and I don’t think they need much of an explanation, so instead, I will introduce you to the wonders of Japanese culinary arts from three new and unique perspectives. What comes to mind when you hear the word “Japanese cuisine” ( Nihon-shoku, 日本食), Sushi (寿司), sashimi (刺身), tempura (天ぷら), or maybe udon (うどん)? Due to their increasing popularity around the world, many people are growing accustomed to these dishes, and they are known to be common dishes which can be savored even outside of Japan. ![]()
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