It’s not really a mystery why we Pinoys love Japanese cuisine. As this article puts it, “Filipinos have a natural palate for the sweet and savoury, so it comes as no surprise that Japanese cuisine is popular here.”

And as F&B Report, well, reports, Japanese restaurants are high in demand here in the Philippines. So with many Japanese restaurants and different options for Japanese foods, what are the ones to try for beginners or for those who are about to experience Japanese cuisine for the first time?

Well, keep reading for our tasty recommendations. All of these on the list are best to eat in Japan itself, in our opinion, but the ones you can get here are pretty darn good!

Japanese Food You Must Try: Sushi and Sashimi

Sushi, the epitome of elegance and precision, is a must-try in the world of Japanese cuisine. Each piece is a work of art, combining vinegared rice with fresh fish or vegetables delicately wrapped in seaweed. The explosion of flavors in every bite will leave you craving for more, no matter the type of sushi you try.

Not far off from sushi is sashimi, another traditional Japanese dish consisting of thinly sliced, fresh, raw seafood. It is typically served without any cooking or seasoning, allowing the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients to shine. Do yourself a favor and look for both every time you step foot in sushi restaurants.

You can also make your own sushi in your own home. Click here to enroll in our Modern Sushi and Maki Class!

Japanese Food You Must Try: Ramen

When it comes to Japanese comfort food, there’s nothing better than a bowl of ramen. A steaming bowl of rich broth, noodles, and toppings, such as thin slices of pork or beef, spring onions, and marinated eggs, is one of the things you must try in Japan or in Japanese cuisine. As you slurp the ramen noodle soup, you’ll feel a sense of warmth and contentment wash over you.

It’s a popular Japanese dish for a good reason! You’ll likely want multiple bowls of ramen in one go. And if that’s a yes, it’s probably best for you to enroll in our Ramen Made Easy class! You can make five different kinds at home, just like the ramen in Japan—sounds pretty delicious, agree?

Japanese Food You Should Try: Tempura

Go to any buffet here in the Philippines that offers tempura, and you’ll find, more often than not, a line for Tempura. That’s how popular this deep fried dish is! In fact, we think that if a tempura restaurant opened here which serves nothing BUT tempura, it would sell out pretty fast!

Well, tempura’s light and crispy batter IS a delightful contrast to the shrimp inside—and don’t forget the dipping sauce! And, of course, since we’re Pinoy, we’d enjoy this with a bowl of rice… or two!

Takoyaki: A Must-Try Dish

Takoyaki is a popular street food that comes from Osaka. This makes the list because it’s a street food that contains seafood (specifically octopus) and vegetables like green onions and pickled ginger. It’s topped with a special kind of soy sauce and bonito flakes.

Who knew octopus could be made into street food and be so delicious?

You know something else that’s cool? When takoyaki is made hot and fresh, you can see the bonito flakes dance!

And despite it being unusual, eating takoyaki is a joy, especially when you experience the combination of the crispiness outside and the softness and gooeyness on the inside. It’s going to be one of those memorable food experiences for sure!

Onigiri: Portable and Delicious

Onigiri, also known as rice balls, are a staple in Japanese cuisine and in Japanese convenience stores. These handheld snacks are made by molding rice into a triangular or cylindrical shape and filling them with ingredients such as pickled plum, salmon, or seasoned seaweed. Onigiri is the perfect snack while you’re on the go, providing a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. 

Want to make your own rice ball version? Check out our free Onigiri class!

Japanese Food You Need To Try: Tonkatsu

When you say tonkatsu, you’re talking about crispy, breaded, deep-fried pork cutlets. The succulent meat with the breading offers a delightful contrast of textures. It’s served with rice and a tangy dipping sauce, shredded cabbage, and a side of miso soup.

We recommend savoring each pork cutlet you dip into the tonkatsu sauce and eaten with rice. No exaggeration: this is one of the best food in Japan!

Sukiyaki: The Japanese Hot Pot

Sukiyaki is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish that, just like ramen, will warm both your body and soul. As of this writing, it’s currently the rainy season in the Philippines, so sukiyaki will be more than appropriate! 

Imagine a sweet and savory soy-based broth that contains thinly sliced beef or other meat and vegetables, tofu, and noodles. Sounds good, right? And because the nature of this dish is communal, where the people you’re with gather around the pot, it’s a great bonding experience.

Good traditional Japanese food and people you love—what’s not to like with sukiyaki?

Want a twist on some of these Japanese dishes?

The traditional dishes of Japan are already good by themselves, but did you know you can make them taste even better? At least, that’s if you have the recipes of Chef Him Uy De Baron. Look at how he elevated these famous Japanese foods in his latest cooking class, Easy Japanese!

Discover the next level of these popular Japanese dishes:

• Sukiyaki is a time-honored Japanese hot pot masterpiece. But with this class, you don’t have to do any guesswork in making this. You’ll get the intricate techniques of crafting the perfect Dashi stock, infusing it with tantalizing flavors, and expertly arranging tender beef slices and fresh vegetables in a visually captivating way.
• Do you love tonkatsu? How about cheese? Then you’ll definitely appreciate Chef Him’s Cheesy Mille Feuille, his personal twist on the classic tonkatsu. You’ll get his secrets in achieving flawlessly crispy katsu, as well as how to place melty cheese and aromatic shiso leaves inside so you’ll get a symphony of flavors.
• Chef Him’s Beef Onigiri is not your ordinary kind of rice ball. You’ll get a savory combo of seasoned tender beef on a bed of delicious rice with a robust pepper sauce that gives your onigiri richness and depth. After eating one, you might consider onigiri more than a snack!

And the best part? Whether you’re a beginner or a devoted food enthusiast, this class is tailored to suit your needs and ignite your passion for Japanese cuisine. Unlock the gateway to the authentic flavors of Japan, all within the comfort of your own kitchen—sign up at The Bailiwick Academy today!

Key Takeaways

If you’re looking to explore the world of Japanese cuisine, here’s the scoop: there are a few must-try dishes that will undoubtedly satisfy your taste buds:

• Sushi and sashimi, with their delicate flavors and artful presentation, are an absolute must. 
• Ramen, the ultimate comfort food, will warm your soul with its rich broth and delicious toppings. 
• Tempura, with its crispy batter and succulent shrimp, is a popular favorite. 
• Takoyaki, a delightful street food with octopus, is surprisingly delicious. 
• Onigiri, the portable rice balls filled with flavorful ingredients, make for a perfect snack on the go. 
• Who can resist the crispy and flavorful tonkatsu served with rice and miso soup? 
• Finally, sukiyaki, a communal hot pot dish, is perfect for bonding with loved ones. 

And if you’re feeling adventurous and want to take these dishes to the next level, Chef Him Uy De Baron’s cooking class, Easy Japanese, will elevate your culinary experience. So go ahead and dive into the world of Japanese cuisine. 

Ultimately, any Japanese food is something you must try—guaranteed!

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more kitchen tips, tricks, and much more!

The post Japanese Food You Must Try: Exploring Japanese Cuisine! appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

What is onigiri, you ask?

Well, that’s a good question, especially if you’re not familiar with Japanese food. It’s a popular snack in Japan that you can easily get in convenience stores. We say that it’s especially convenient because these rice balls (or rice triangles) wrapped with nori and stuffed with various fillings are easy to unpeel and eat while on the go.

It’s a snack we’re sure Filipinos will appreciate since it’s made of rice. That’s something we’re sure of as even 7-11 here has started selling onigiri.

But in order for us to TRULY appreciate something, we need to learn more about it. Do you agree?

If yes, then join us as we take a closer look at onigiri! 

Why is it called onigiri?

To be honest, there’s no real answer to where the name comes from. According to the Japanese Products blog, the origin of the word “onigiri” comes from the act of grasping rice.

Another theory is from Matcha Japan. Onigiri was apparently named after two of the creation gods from Japanese mythology. 

Whatever the origin, we’re just glad that the Japanese came up with this rice snack. But how did it come about, exactly?

What is the history of onigiri?

According to Wikipedia, there were various records of this rice meal, even before it was called onigiri, such as: 

• In the 11th century, people often consumed rice balls during picnics. 
• During the seventeenth century, samurai had rice balls wrapped in bamboo sheaths as quick meals.
• During the Nara period, rice was commonly rolled into a small ball so it could be picked up easily.
• In the Heian period, people shaped rice into small rectangular shapes to pile them on plates and easily eat them.
• Cooks during the Kamakura period to the early Edo period started serving onigiri as a quick meal. The onigiri version during this period was simply a ball of rice flavored with salt.

Tokyo Restaurants Guide provides us with additional historical facts about onigiri, such as:

• Carbonized rice was discovered in late Yayoi Period ruins. They were wrapped in bamboo leaves shaped like corn, then boiled or steamed.
• Onigiri started to be eaten as rations or packed lunches during the Sengoku period. 
• Onigiri wrapped with nori originated during the Genroku era of the Edo period. It was also during this time that common people started to bring onigiri to firework displays and cherry blossom viewing parties, and where travelers started to seriously bring them as portable food.
• It was in 1885 when onigiri started to be sold as lunches for train passengers in Utsunomiya Station in Tochigi Prefecture.
• In the 1970s, convenience stores started to pop up in Japan. These stores then started selling onigiri with nori. From there, innovation after innovation happened, until the modern onigiri was developed.

Is onigiri the same as sushi?

Now, both are from Japan, and both have rice. Does that mean onigiri is equivalent to sushi?

The answer is no. They do look similar, but they’re different meals.

Onigiri, for instance, doesn’t ever have raw fish. Plus, onigiri is shaped differently from sushi. And while onigiri is an everyday meal in Japan, sushi is something considered special, usually enjoyed on special occasions.

And besides, the origins of sushi are way different from the origins of onigiri.

Check out this very helpful illustration by Onigiri Kororin to further differentiate the two:

If you do want sushi, though, you can check out our Modern Sushi and Maki class.

What is the difference between omusubi and onigiri?

So you might have been doing your own research, and you find out that onigiri is also being called omusubi. Is there a difference between the two?

Unlike sushi, omusubi can also indeed mean onigiri. Both are rice balls with the same contents. They are simply called by different names depending on which Japanese region you’re in.

We prefer using onigiri, probably because it rolls off our tongues better. How about you?

Is onigiri a snack?

Well, we could say it can count as both a snack and as a real meal. After all, it has rice and various flavors. 

We guess it would really be up to you and how you would define a snack and a real meal, right?

Can onigiri be sweet?

Onigiri is usually rice stuffed with savory flavors, but if you’re making your own onigiri, there’s no one to stop you from whatever combination you want to pair with rice, right?

For your reference, though, SoraNews24 does say that there are already sweet onigiri cakes in Japan:

We’d definitely like to try these out, especially if someday, the concept catches on in the Philippines!

What is onigiri made of?

At the very core, onigiri is made up of rice, nori, and any sour or salty ingredient that acts as a natural preservative. 

What rice is used for onigiri, you ask? Normally, you would use boiled rice, but there are rice variants that have been used already, such as glutinous rice cooked or steamed with vegetables, cooked rice with preferred ingredients, and even fried rice.

What can onigiri be filled with?

What does onigiri have in it? Well, there are plenty of options:

• Tuna with mayonnaise
• Pickled Japanese plums
• Salmon
• Beef short ribs
• Salmon Roe
• Dried bonito flakes
• Seaweed
• Shrimp with mayonnaise
• Fermented tuna
• Dried mackerel
• Pork
• Miso
• Tempura

Again, if you’re the one making your own rice balls, then you have the freedom to choose what you want to put in it! 

Can onigiri be made the night before?

Let’s say you want to enjoy onigiri for tomorrow, but you don’t want to get up early just to make it. Can you make onigiri at night and eat it in the morning?

Well, you can, but you’re going to have to do some extra steps to make sure the rice doesn’t become hard and fall apart. Here are Just Hungry’s tips to ensure fresh-tasting onigiri in the morning:

• For the rice, use sushi rice. The other kinds of rice don’t really stay moist. 
• And speaking of rice, make sure you make onigiri with freshly cooked rice, not room-temperature rice. Your onigiri will not stick and will dry out quickly.
• Wrap your rice ball in plastic wrap before placing them in the refrigerator. That way, the moisture is trapped and your onigiri will not dry out. 
• To keep the nori crispy, bring it separately, and do not place it in the ref!

What is the shelf life of onigiri?

How long is it good for before you have to throw them out? Well, since they don’t contain preservatives, and rice is perishable, they are good for 18 hours.  

Now, if you’re wondering if onigiri can be frozen to make them last longer. The answer is a yes! When you plan to eat them, pop them in the microwave. 

It might take you a while to get the right setting, but once you do, your onigiri will taste like they were freshly made.

Is onigiri good?

Yes, onigiri is delicious – nothing else needs to be said! Hey, rice plus your filling of choice – what else would you need?

Besides, if its only main selling point is convenience to eat, we’re sure it wouldn’t have lasted as long as it has in Japan!

So our advice is not to delay, and go taste some onigiri today!

Where can I find onigiri near me?

Well, we did mention convenience stores carrying onigiri… But wouldn’t you rather make your own? That way, you have the freedom to choose the rice you want to eat, and the fillings you want to place.

No idea how to do it? Then watch this video featuring Chef Max Nadin! His last free class involved roasted garlic – this time, he’s going to teach you how to make onigiri!

This is a free treat from The Bailiwick Academy! Make sure to watch the whole video to get the techniques down pat.

Find this valuable and super amazing? Then sign up at The Bailiwick Academy for even more valuable and amazing content. It’s worth it, we promise!

Especially if you want to learn how to cook or bake delicious food, AND start a food business.

See you inside!

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more kitchen tips, tricks, and much more!

The post What is Onigiri? (And Other Onigiri Questions, Answered) appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

Let’s get to it!

What are donburi or donburi dishes?

So what is the meaning when we say donburi dish? What is a donburi bowl, exactly?

Donburi is simply Japanese food that consists of Japanese rice in a bowl, topped with ingredients, usually a type of meat and vegetables. It’s a very popular dish not just in Japan but also in the rest of the world, probably because it is convenient and filling. Imagine, in one delicious dish, you have rice, a viand, and vegetables! 

(Side note: it’s actually so popular that donburi in a can is now an actual product. We guess it’s for people who don’t have time to go to a restaurant to eat a donburi meal? But we digress.)

According to Tokyo Restaurants Guide, donburi is normally served in a bowl with a lid. That’s because the lid keeps the heat and steam coming from the food inside the bowl, keeping your food hot and fresh, as well as allowing the scent of the toppings to join the rice, making your donburi all the more delicious.

And you know the great thing about donburi bowl ingredients? They can be chosen to suit different people’s tastes. 

Yup, that’s right: You can put ground meat, vegetables, eggs, tofu… the possibilities are endless. There’s no specific ingredient that needs to be in a donburi recipe (well, aside from a bowl of rice at least). 

Well, typing up all that made us crave for a donburi rice bowl. How about you? But do you know what’s going to make us all search for “best donburi near me?” The next section!

What are the different donburi types?

Here’s the most delicious part of this blog entry: the different types of donburi bowls that we can (and should) taste!

Take note that this is not an absolute list – remember, donburi can be a mix of any ingredients you want to eat with rice. But these are the ones we think you should check out.

Got it? Okay, good. To the list!

1. Gyu-don donburi

Gyu-don or beef donburi is apparently one of the most popular forms of donburi in Japan. It contains thin-sliced beef and onion boiled in a sweet-and-salty soy-based sauce. When served in restaurants, this beef bowl is usually accompanied by egg, kimchi, and pickles.

2. Katsu-don 

Katsu-don is commonly a rice bowl that has deep-fried breaded pork cutlets with eggs and spring onion topping it. It can also be breaded chicken. It has incredible taste, thanks to the meat being simmered in a mixture of soy sauce broth.

Trivia: Did you know that the word “katsu” means to win in Japanese? That means katsu-don is high in demand during periods when people need luck, like before giving presentations or during exams. Give it a try: Google “katsu donburi near me” when you need some luck, and let us know if it actually works!

3. Unadon

According to Oriental Mart, ​​unadon was one of the first donburi ideas that came to life. And up to now, it’s still one of the most popular ones. Unadon is made of glaze-grilled slices of eel. Once the eel pieces are placed on top of the rice, the whole bowl is then covered with the same glaze. Sounds super yummy, wouldn’t you agree?

4. Tempura donburi

Tempura is also known in the shorter term ten don. It can refer to any type of donburi that is crisply battered and fried. It can be shrimp, vegetables, or any other tempura ingredient. Although in the Philippines, we did notice that shrimp or prawn tempura is the most famous one – it’s one of the items that run out quickly in a buffet! We can’t blame people either – tempura is crispy, light, and perfect with rice!

5. Ikura Don

You can say ikura don is a salmon donburi bowl recipe. Ikura is salmon roe or eggs. So it’s not salmon salmon, but still salmon. You can still eat it for Lent, in fact. Anyway, what makes this good is because the salmon roe is marinated in soy sauce, mirin (a rice wine), sake, and sometimes even with dashi, or Japanese stock soup. Plus, the orange color and the shiny look of the roe adds extra appeal! You’ll enjoy eating the roe with a texture that goes well with the rice.

6. Oyakodon Donburi

So here’s a funny-sounding but still delicious donburi. Why is it funny? Well, “oyako” literally means parent and child. So in English, oyakodon means “parent and child rice bowl.” That’s in reference to the fact that the chicken in this dish (usually chopped chicken thighs) is simmered with egg broth. The chicken is the parent, and the child is the egg. Got it? Reminds us of the whole chicken and egg conundrum, but we digress.

Funny name aside, this comforting dish is quick to make and is very comforting to eat. Aside from the chicken pieces and eggs that make up this Japanese rice bowl, you can also add steamed egg and scallions. And if you want, you can even substitute the chicken for beef, pork, and even roe or tofu (although of course, that won’t technically be an oyakodon rice bowl anymore).

Make some donburi dishes with The Bailiwick Academy!

After going through this list, are you now aching to get out the door and try any of the donburi dishes on (and not on) this list?

Well, you can do that… or you can stay at home and try out our donburi japanese rice bowl recipes from our newest chef, Max Nadin, with his Donburi class!

That’s right! You’ll no longer be stuck craving some donburi recipes at home or having to call a restaurant for some rice-topped takeout. Make the following donburi dishes from the comfort of your home:

• Salmon with Unagi Sauce
• Chicken Teriyaki
• Gyudon

You’ll also learn to make one of the many donburi side dishes, Potato Balls or Korokke. And Chef Max will even give you a bonus recipe for making Miso Soup!

So what are you waiting for? Learn some delicious and quality Japanese cooking today! Sign up now at The Bailiwick Academy!

P.S. If you’re reading this now (April 24, 2022), you can get this class at 20% OFF.

That’s right, from its original price of PHP 2499, it will now only be PHP 1992.20 – that is, if you enroll before 7PM.

So don’t delay! Enroll now and learn to cook Japanese donburi that not only you and your family will love, but will also be great additions to your food business!

The post Donburi Dishes You Should Absolutely Taste! appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.