145. Street Food

Goma dango from Hakone, roasted black sesame dumplings with a walnut miso glaze

Japan might be known for its sushi and ramen, but its street food scene is just as exciting. From takoyaki and taiyaki to yakitori and beyond, join Jason and Paul as they dive into some of Japan’s best street eats — and share where to find them!

Topics Covered:

• Takoyaki

• Yakitori

• Ikayaki

• Taiyaki

• Yakisoba

• Yaki-imo

• Yaki Tomorokoshi

• Tako Tamago

• Karaage

• Kobe Beef

• Gyoza

• Korokke

• Senbei

• Soft Cream

• Kakigori

• Dango

• Crepes

• Choco Banana

• Boba

• Where to Find Street Food

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132. Natto

Natto is one of Japan’s most divisive foods. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about — and sample — this slimy and smelly delicacy!

Topics Covered:

• History

• How is Natto Made?

• Types of Natto

• How to Eat Natto

• Health Benefits

• Taste Test

• Where to Get Natto

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• Become a member on Patreon!

123. Rice

Not only has rice been a staple food in Japan for millennia, but it is also closely intertwined with their spiritual and cultural traditions. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the myriad ways that rice has shaped and continues to define the essence of Japan!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Cultural Significance

• Types of Rice

• Japan’s Rice Industry

• How is Rice Grown?

• How to Cook Rice

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• Become a member on Patreon!

117. Ume (The Japanese Plum)

The ume is a fruit commonly referred to in English as the “Japanese plum”. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss its cultural significance and the many ways that this fruit is enjoyed in Japan!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Ume Flowers

• Umeboshi

• Umeshu

• Other Uses

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

108. Beer

Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the world of Japanese beer!

Topics Covered:

• History: Kirin — Sapporo — Asahi — Suntory

• How is Beer Made?

• Types of Beer in Japan: Happoshu — Daisan no Biiru — Seasonal Beer — Craft Beer

• Beer Tasting

• Where to Experience Beer in Japan

91. Sake

Sake, or nihonshu, is a rice-based alcoholic beverage that has been enjoyed in Japan for over a millennium. Join Jason and Paul as they learn all about how sake is made, its cultural significance, and just what makes it so delicious!

86. Seaweed

Nori (left) is a type of seaweed often used in sushi or ramen, and when shredded it is called kizami nori (right) which is used as a garnish for things like noodles and rice bowls.

Umi budo, or “sea grapes”, popular in Okinawa.

Various types of seaweed are used in all sorts of Japanese foods, from sushi to soups to okonomiyaki to desserts. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about this versatile ingredient!

82. Miso

Miso is a fermented soybean paste that has played an important role in Japanese cuisine for hundreds of years. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, production, and uses of this delicious and healthy food!

78. Whisky

Japan built its whisky industry based on techniques imported from Scotland and they now produce some of the most sought-after whisky in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the delicious world of Japanese whisky!

73. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a fermented liquid condiment that plays an extremely important role in Japanese cuisine. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, production, and uses of this versatile product!

67. Mochi

Yakimochi, a grilled piece of mochi filled with sweet red bean paste.

Mochi is a popular rice-based food in Japan that has been considered sacred since ancient times. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about how it is made, its cultural significance, and the many types of dishes that can be made with mochi!

57. Wasabi

Most people are familiar with wasabi as the green paste that is served with sushi, but did you know that it is actually very rare to see real wasabi outside of Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they learn all about this mysterious condiment!

47. Tofu

Tofu is an important food in many asian cultures and has strong ties to Japanese Buddhism. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the history, manufacturing, and the many different types of tofu!

40. Ramen

Ramen is a very popular meal in Japan but did you know that it was actually adapted from Chinese noodles and wasn't even known as "ramen" until the 1950s? Join Jason and Paul as they explore the delicious world of ramen!

33. Tea

Tea has a long history in Japan and is now the country's most commonly drunk beverage. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many varieties of Japanese tea!

21. Sushi

Sushi is a popular Japanese dish that has spread throughout the world. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the delicious world of sushi!

Topics Covered:

• What is Sushi?

• History

• Types: Makizushi — Nigirizushi — Chirashizushi — Inarizushi — Old Styles (Oshizushi/Hakozushi/Narezushi) — Uramaki

• Ingredients: Sushimeshi (Rice) — Nori (Seaweed) — Toppings — Condiments

• Presentation

7. Food

Japan is known for having incredible cuisine! Join Jason and Paul as they discuss all kinds of Japanese food and where to find it! From fugu to okonomiyaki, there’s something for everyone!

Topics Covered:

• Rice

• Traditional Food

• Tsukemono (Pickles)

• Sushi

• Noodles: Soba — Udon — Ramen

• Okonomiyaki

• Bento (Boxed Lunch)

• Tofu

• Yakitori (Skewered Chicken)

• Yakiniku (Grilled Meat)

• Curry

• Kaiseki

• Kobe Beef

• Shabu Shabu

• Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet)

• Fugu (Pufferfish)

• Beverages: Tea — Beer — Sake — Whisky — Wine

• Eating Vegan

• Where to Eat: Restaurants — Konbini (Convenience Stores) — Izakaya (Pubs) — Tabehodai/Nomihodai (All You Can Eat/Drink) — Fast Food — Fish Markets — Tachinomi (Standing Bars) — Yatai (Food Stalls) — Beer/Sake Breweries — Teishokuya (Diner) — Kaitenzushi (Conveyor Belt Sushi)