If you’re a fan of sushi, maki, or “onigiri, you’re very likely familiar with nori… Nori is t” hat edible dark wrapper that holds the ingredients together while adding salty flavors to your dish. It’s a staple in the Land of the Rising Sun! What Is Nori? Nori is a […]
You may have already seen these small green leaves adorning your plate. Make no mistake… Shiso, still very little known in our regions, closely resembles mint or basil, both in appearance and taste. It’s an extremely versatile plant that can harmonize with a good number of dishes. Let’s explain. What […]
Native to South Asia, holy basil is prized in India and Thailand as a remarkable aromatic herb, cultivated for its distinctly spicy flavour. As its name implies, it is anything but ordinary! What is Thai holy basil? Thai holy basil, also known as Thai basil, “Tulsi” in India, or liquorice […]
Culantro, scientifically known as Eryngium foetidum, is a tropical herb native to the Americas and the Caribbean. It is similar to cilantro in aroma and flavor, but is distinguished by its long, serrated leaves. Its intense flavor and its ability to be added during cooking make it unique (cilantro is […]
With its citrusy taste, it is somewhat reminiscent of Sichuan pepper or Timut… Sansho pepper, like its lemony counterparts, has been a staple of Japanese cuisine since time immemorial. Exotic flavors guaranteed on your plate! What is Sansho pepper? Sansho pepper, or Zanthoxylum piperitum, is actually a false pepper, like […]
The term “Chinese sausage” encompasses a range of sausages originating from China, each one specific to a region. The best known is the Cantonese sausage, called lap cheong or lap chong (1d8178), which literally means “winter stuffed intestine” or “waxed intestine” in Cantonese. Over time, the name “lap cheong” has […]
Used for over 4000 years now, it goes without saying that sesame seeds have earned a special place in our daily lives; and with all the culinary and cultural richness that comes with it, from the United States to Asia! What Are Sesame Seeds? The sesame seed itself comes from […]
If you browse through my articles dedicated to Japanese cuisine, you’ll notice that kombu is an ingredient I frequently mention. But what is kombu, and why does it occupy such an important place in Japanese gastronomy? This article aims to answer these questions. What is Kombu? Kombu, also known as […]
Tare is the foundational seasoning that defines ramen, the beloved Japanese noodle soup. Think of it as the dish’s secret sauce, the element that gives every bowl its unmistakable character. In this article I will lay out the theory behind tare, which I will put into practice in my upcoming […]
What is Paitan broth? Paitan, a word derived from Chinese, refers to a “white soup” in culinary context. This term is specifically associated with varieties of Japanese Ramen whose broth is cloudy, milky, and opaque. It’s important to note that a “pure” white color is not an absolute necessity for […]
