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 […]
Tag: article
What is Kombu?
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 […]
Chinese Five-Spice, Explained
If you regularly read my articles on Chinese cuisine, you’ve probably noticed I reach for Chinese five-spice often. But what exactly is this intriguing ingredient, and why does it play such a big role in Chinese cooking? Let’s dig in! What is Chinese five-spice? Five-spice, sometimes called five-flavor (wu xiang), […]
Black Tea Explained – Chinese Red Tea
When we talk about tea, we often think of black tea—a hallmark of English culture. Yet this beloved brew traces its roots to Asia. So how did this Asian beverage capture Britain’s imagination? How should you enjoy it? What does it bring to the kitchen and to your health? In […]
Tare: The Secret Sauce of Ramen
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 […]
Paitan style Ramen broth – 白湯、パイタン
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 […]
Chintan-style Ramen broth – 清湯、チンタン
Ramen is an iconic Japanese dish, often celebrated for its rich and deep broth. Among the varieties of broths, Chintan stands out for its apparent simplicity and depth of flavor. What is Chintan broth? Unlike its thick and cloudy counterpart, Paitan, Chintan is a clear, transparent broth, as its name […]
What Is Ube?
Purple desserts, especially sweets like ice cream or pastries such as macarons and other cakes, have become extremely popular on Instagram, thanks to the use of a special ingredient: ube. It’s a tuber from the yam family, traditionally grown in Southeast Asia, India, and even in the French West Indies, […]
Jasmine Tea: What Is It?
Do you recall the tea varieties I mentioned in my article on bubble tea? Today I would like to focus on jasmine tea. Jasmine is a flower that thrives in many Asian countries and is even considered the national bloom in places such as Pakistan, Syria, the Philippines, and Indonesia. […]
Black cumin, what is it?
Black cumin, or nigella, is traditionally used as a spice in Indian, Middle Eastern and North African cuisines, where its intense flavours and crunch are particularly interesting in the preparation of curries, soups, stews, and much more…!a0 Black cumin, what is it? Black cumin, also known as Nigella, is originally […]