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Hijiki no Nimono (ひじきの煮物) is a classic Japanese home-style dish, a savory and subtly sweet simmered medley of hijiki seaweed and various root vegetables. Often found in bento boxes, as a side dish in traditional Japanese meals, or simply enjoyed as a healthy snack, this dish is a testament to the Japanese art of simmering…
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Oyakodon (親子丼) is a classic Japanese comfort dish, a savory, subtly sweet, and incredibly satisfying single-bowl meal. Its name, a clever play on words, literally translates to “parent and child bowl,” referring to its main ingredients: chicken (the parent) and egg (the child), served over a bed of fluffy white rice. It’s a quick, easy,…
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Gyoza (餃子) are Japanese dumplings that have cemented their place as a national favorite. Known for their delicate, chewy wrapper, juicy filling, and—most importantly—their signature crisp, golden-brown bottom, gyoza are the perfect side dish, snack, or main course. The Journey from China to Japan Gyoza is the Japanese adaptation of the Chinese dumpling, jiaozi (餃子).…
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Tamagoyaki (玉子焼き or 卵焼き), literally meaning “grilled/fried egg,” is far more than a simple omelet. This subtly sweet and savory Japanese rolled egg is a masterpiece of texture and technique, an essential element in bento boxes, a popular sushi topping, and a beloved part of a traditional Japanese breakfast. A Short History of the Rolled…
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Born from the meeting of Japanese technique and Western influence, Tonkatsu is a beloved Japanese dish that delivers the ultimate combination of crispiness and tenderness. It is, quite simply, a thick-cut pork cutlet that has been breaded in light, airy panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried to a golden perfection.20 A Dish with History The name Tonkatsu…
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Miso soup is more than just a starter; it is the comforting, nourishing foundation of nearly every traditional Japanese meal, served from the breakfast table to the late-night diner.2 This cloudy, savory, and warming bowl is an essential expression of Ichiju Sansai (one soup, three side dishes), the ideal traditional meal format. The Two Core…
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In Indonesian cuisine, seafood holds a place of honor, especially in coastal regions. Among the myriad ways to prepare fresh catches, Cumi Asam Manis stands out as a vibrant, incredibly flavorful, and popular dish. It’s a quick-cooking stir-fry that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and spicy notes, making it an irresistible choice for a weeknight meal…
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In the vast tapestry of Indonesian cuisine, where vibrant curries and fiery sambals often steal the spotlight, Sop Iga stands out as a dish of pure, comforting elegance. Meaning “Rib Soup,” this hearty, clear-broth beef soup is treasured across the archipelago for its simplicity, its aromatic complexity, and its deeply satisfying tenderness.1 Unlike the richer,…
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Nasi Goreng Kimchi is the ultimate fusion power dish—a fast-paced, highly seasoned meal that marries the smoky, sweet-savory intensity of Indonesia’s national dish, Nasi Goreng, with the tangy, spicy, and fermented punch of Korea’s most famous side, Kimchi. This dish is a masterclass in cross-cultural comfort food, blending the best of both worlds into an…
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Kerak Telor, meaning “egg crust,” isn’t just a snack; it’s a piece of Jakarta’s heritage and a street food performance. Unique to the Betawi people, the native inhabitants of Jakarta (formerly Batavia), this savory, crispy omelette offers a perfect balance of smoky flavor, savory richness, and a surprising crunch. A true Kerak Telor experience begins…