Kikurage: The Nutritious and Versatile Wood Ear Mushroom

Kikurage (pronounced “kee-koo-rah-geh“), also known as wood ear, is the unsung hero of dishes like ramen, stir-fries, and soups, adding a delightful twist to your taste buds. Imagine it as the James Bond of mushrooms – cool, distinct, and always ready to bring some action to your plate. Not only is kikurage a culinary rock …

Read more

Embracing Mottainai: The Japanese Art of Mindful Resourcefulness

Mottainai (pronounced moat-tie-nigh) has got to be one of my favorite words and concepts. It’s a Japanese word that refers to the feeling of regret over waste and the idea of respecting resources and not wasting them. Not just about food, which should definitely not go to waste, but the concept applies to life in …

Read more

Kani Butter: A Delicate Indulgence of Crab Innards

If you’re a fan of Japanese, Korean, or Chinese cuisine, you may have heard of kani butter. Kani is the Japanese word for crab, so kani butter is also known as crab butter (not to be confused with actual butter you may dip your crab meat into for western style cuisines). For some people, kani …

Read more

Kokuto Sugar: Origins, Benefits, and Taste

Kokuto sugar, also known as Okinawan brown sugar (or Okinawa black sugar- we’ll get to that), is a traditional sweetener that has been used in Okinawa, Japan for centuries. It is made by slowly cooking sugarcane juice until it caramelizes, resulting in a rich, complex flavor and deep brown color. Unlike regular brown sugar, which …

Read more

Okinawa Milk Tea: How to Make Your Own Authentic Cup

Are you a milk tea fan looking for a delightful twist? Great, meet Okinawa Milk Tea! Okinawa Milk Tea is a graceful dance of black tea leaves, creamy milk, and kokuto sugar in beverage form. Kokuto, grown exclusively in Okinawa, is the secret sauce that gives this milk tea its unique charm. Unlike regular sugar, …

Read more