Curry udon is one of those heartwarming dishes that feels especially satisfying when enjoyed in Japan, particularly in those small, cozy eateries that seem tucked away from the bustling city streets. There’s something special about walking into a hole-in-the-wall...
Traditional Japanese Dishes
Back to RecipesJapanese Mille Feuille Nabe (Thousand-Layer Hot Pot)
It's a common occurrence to come home to my mom making "Nabe," (鍋) the Japanese word for hot pot. Mille-Feuille Nabe (ミルフィーユ鍋 ) is a Japanese hot pot dish that creatively layers ingredients to resemble a "thousand-leaf" (mille-feuille) structure, similar to the French...
Kabocha (Japanese Pumpkin) Korokke with Bacon
Korokke (コロッケ) is the Japanese adaptation of the French croquette, a breaded and deep-fried patty made from mashed potatoes or ground meat mixed with vegetables. It’s a popular comfort food in Japan and is typically enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal, often...
Classic Japanese Korokke (Crispy Potato Croquettes)
Korokke (コロッケ) is the Japanese adaptation of the French croquette, a breaded and deep-fried patty made from mashed potatoes or ground meat mixed with vegetables. It’s a popular comfort food in Japan and is typically enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal, often...
Easy Japanese Curry in a Rice Cooker
Growing up, my mom would make me and my family Japanese Curry at least once a week. It was always on the dinner rotation, and it's often even better the next day as leftovers. This is the case for most Japanese families - curry is a staple!Rice cooker meals are great...
How to Make Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls) at Home
My mom used to always pack us onigiri growing up. Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine, cherished for their simplicity, versatility, and portability. Traditionally made with steamed white rice shaped into triangular,...
Three Ways to Use Katsu
Katsu is very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes beyond the traditional tonkatsu (note: tonkatsu is just a type of katsu. "Ton" means "pork" in Japanese, while "katsu" means cutlet. So tonkatsu is just "pork cutlet." You can also make chicken katsu,...
How to Make Katsu Sando (Japanese Pork Cutlet Sandwich)
When I think back to my childhood, one of the dishes that always brings back nostalgic memories is Katsu Sando (カツサンド). This Japanese sandwich, made with crispy breaded cutlets (katsu) and soft, fluffy bread, was a staple in my household.Growing up, tonkatsu was a...
How to Make Authentic Pork Gyoza (Japanese Pan-Fried Dumplings)
Gyoza, the Japanese version of dumplings, are delicious pockets of flavor that are traditionally filled with pork, cabbage, and some seasonings; however, there are countless variations to suit every palate.This dumpling recipe has more standard ingredients, although...
How to make Omurice (オムライス) – Japanese Omelette Rice
This is one of those dishes my family would cycle through and eat once every couple weeks growing up.A blend of Western and Japanese culinary traditions, Omurice holds a special place in my heart. The name "Omurice" is derived from the English words "omelet" and...
Classic Japanese Katsudon (かつ丼) – Katsu and Egg Rice Bowl
To this day, my mom makes tonkatsu (deep-fried, breaded pork cutlets) almost every week. It's rare when there are leftovers, but sometimes it happens. And when it does, this is the meal I love to make with the leftovers.Among Japan's many culinary treasures, one dish...
Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) – Japanese Cabbage Pancakes
If you're exploring Japanese cuisine, Okonomiyaki (often referred to as a Japanese savory pancake) is a must-try dish that perfectly captures the essence of comfort food with a unique twist. Okonomiyaki has its roots in the Kansai and Hiroshima regions of Japan, with...
Hiyashi Chuka (冷やし中華) – Japanese Cold Noodle Salad
With how hot and humid Japanese summers are, Hiyashi Chuka (冷やし中華) is the perfect summer dish. It consists of chilled ramen noodles topped with a variety of colorful ingredients. It’s a refreshing option, perfect to help you cool down. I sort of think of it as a...
How to Make Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls): 3 Easy Ways
Whether my family was going on a road trip, to Disneyland, or on a picnic, my mom always packed us onigiri growing up. To this day, it's still a core memory.Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine, cherished for their...
How to Prepare Natto (納豆) – Japanese Fermented Soybeans
Since I could eat solid foods as a baby, natto has been a staple in my diet. It's also one of the most polarizing yet fascinating culinary experiences in Japan.This traditional Japanese food, made from fermented soybeans, has a history that spans centuries and a...

Kyrié is a half-Japanese food content creator and avid home cook who specializes in Asian cuisine, with a focus on Japanese. She loves developing recipes and sharing approachable yet authentic meals. When she’s not in the kitchen, she’s helping her husband Jeff tend to their garden, or on some artistic venture.