Tag: article

Sesame Seeds Explained

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 […]

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 […]

Cinq épices chinoises en poudre avec ses composantes à côté sur fond blanc et de bois

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), […]

Thé noir dans une tasse avec une théière noire le tout sur une table en bois

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 […]

shoyu tare en cours de préparation

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 Broth (白湯) – Creamy Chicken Ramen Stock

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 Broth (清湯) – Clear Chicken Ramen Stock

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, […]

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 […]