What is winter melon? Known as “Vietnamese squash” or “Chinese watermelon“, the wax gourd is a creeping herbaceous plant grown mainly in East Asia, though it also thrives in Florida’s warm climate. Biologically speaking, it is a fruit, but it is cooked and eaten as a vegetable in Chinese and […]
You may know tapioca from classic puddings, but this gluten-free starch, extracted from the cassava root, also works as a thickener in both sweet and savory dishes. Native to Brazil, the cassava plant, also called yucca, is now grown across South America and Africa, and tapioca made from it is […]
One of the wonderful things about sushi (or even Japanese cuisine in general) is that you don’t need to know the name of every little variety to enjoy it. This is especially true if you go to conveyor belt sushi restaurants, where you’re free to pick any dish that catches […]
“Wheat meat” has been eaten for centuries, but the name “seitan” (pronounced SAY-tan) is relatively new. Even though it is made from wheat, seitan has little in common with flour or bread. Popularized by Buddhist monks, it first appeared in Chinese and Japanese cuisine, and with the rise of veganism […]
Tamari (also called tamari shoyu) is a Japanese sauce made from fermented soybeans. It has a thicker consistency and a more balanced flavor than Chinese soy sauce, which makes it perfect for dipping. It is also vegan and naturally gluten-free. Pour tamari straight from the bottle to add salt, umami, […]
If you’re wondering what sashimi is and whether it’s the same as sushi, don’t worry – you’re not the only one puzzled by these Japanese classics. I’ve got you covered. I’ll even explain how to eat it. (Spoiler: it goes in your mouth !) What exactly is sashimi? Sashimi is a […]
In Thailand, food is at the heart of every social gathering, and it often becomes the gathering itself or simply a reason to celebrate. This is partly thanks to the friendly, sociable nature of the Thai people, but also to the way dishes are ordered, served and eaten. Family and […]
What Is Doenjang? Doenjang (pronounced “den-jang”) is a magical little paste, a staple of Korean cuisine that adds great depth to dishes. A sturdier cousin of miso, it’s a thick brown paste made from fermented soybeans and salt. Its aroma can be quite pungent, but, like a good blue cheese, […]
What Is Lotus Root? Lotus root is an ingredient widely used in Chinese cuisine, typically categorized as a vegetable. In fact, it’s the stem that connects the lotus flower on the surface to the bottom of ponds and rivers. The root is very thick and composed of segments. Visually, it […]
What is katsuobushi? Katsuobushi is a staple of Japanese cuisine. It consists of dried bonito flakes, a variety of tuna. It’s very often used in broths like the famous dashi. Visually, it looks a bit like wood shavings, but don’t be fooled, it’s actually tuna floating in your soup! What […]
