Glossary of Japanese Food

Sushi, "Taste by the morsel"

Flattened balls of rice with light Japanese vinegar, under a layer of raw fish or shell-fish. How to eat : Dipped in soya sauce mixed with Japanese horse-radish (wasabi), accompanied by fine slices of pickled ginger to refresh the palette every 3 to 4 sushi.

Sashimi

Slices of raw fish, accompanied by radish cut into angel hair. How to eat : as for Sushi

Maki

Rice doused in light vinegar wrapped in a sheet of black seaweed (Nori) rolled & around a middle of raw fish, vegetables, omelette, or fish eggs. How to eat : as for Sushi & Sashimi

Drinks to Accompany your meal

What is traditionally drunk in Japan ?

Beer

whose brewing has been perfectly mastered by the Japanese, has become the ideal refreshment for Japanese dishes !

Whisky

brewed by the Japanese this is generally drunk diluted with water & ice-cubes !

Tempura

Assortment of lightly fried prawns, fish & vegetables

Yakitori

Chicken skewers

Amiyaki

Grilled beef is a sweet & sour sauce.

Miso Soup

Light broth with soya curd.

Tea

is the ancestral drink of the Japanese, hot green tea is highly regarded for its lightness & gentle taste but also for its other role: to cleanse the palette & to protect the spirit; others prefer burnt tea.

Sake

or rice wine at 14-16% proof, served hot or cold depending on tastes, is the traditional alcoholic drink, prized especially by the men.