Japanese food has become a favorite of not only locals from its home country, but also of people all around the world. The fun mix of different flavors has made it a staple for adventurous and picky eaters alike. Some of the most popular Japanese dishes include sushi, ramen, and katsu. The food is also characterized by the use of traditional Asian seasonings such as soy sauce, dashi, and mirin.
While the best place to grow an appreciation for it is in Japan, those residing in L.A. can still certainly eat and enjoy some of the best dishes that the cuisine has to offer. California, in particular, is one of the states with a large Asian population, making it a perfect place to experience either an authentic version of the food or a fusion iteration. Here are some of the things you can do to expand your love for Japanese food as an Angeleno:
Understand the cuisine’s history
Since food is a great part of an ethnicity’s culture, one way to value the cuisine more is by understanding the history that Japanese-Americans have undergone– especially in the context of Los Angeles. Even before WWII, there was already a thriving Japanese community within the city. Learning about the rich history behind traditional Japanese food, immigrant cuisine, and the key differences between the two will give you better insight into understanding your Japanese meals. You will get to learn about the immense amount of effort, training, and history behind every dish, making eating it not only a great gastronomical experience but an exciting cultural one as well.
Try authentic restaurants
To value Japanese food more, you should try dining at authentic establishments like Rike. This restaurant, in particular, which serves onigiri (or rice balls), can be found in Little Tokyo. The franchise came from two Japanese natives – Hisato Takenouchi and Kenji Sunaga. Since the chefs at this restaurant are trained under the guidance of people who understand the traditional way of preparing meals, they are able to come up with flavors and dishes that are true to the heart of Japanese cuisine. You will be able to appreciate the core of what makes authentic food so great and might even grow to love the many meals in this culture.
Learn to make it at home
You can also try making Japanese food at home, not only to test your skills as a cook but also to know the painstaking labor that goes into making them. Be sure to have the right tools and ingredients for output that is faithful to Japan’s culinary scene. Since rice is a staple in the country, having a good rice pot can make a world of a difference. Cuckoo’s multifunctional cookers are some of the best in the market today. They cook the grains to perfection, giving them the fluffy and sticky texture that Japanese food is known for. If you want to prepare more high-end meals like sushi, a Deba knife will make filleting and cutting easier. This is a tool that even expert chefs use in the kitchen. Being able to cook a few Japanese dishes can help you understand why each ingredient works so well together, giving you room to experiment and make your own twist on each dish.
Japanese food is so versatile, so every person can easily find a dish within the cuisine that they will truly love. As Japanese culture honors the hard work and craftsmanship going into each meal, being exposed to the cooking process for authentic versions of their food will allow every Angeleno to enjoy the Japanese food experience even more.
Exclusively written for https://www.discovering-la.com/ by Alicia Conner