Japanese cuisine is famous for its balance, freshness, subtle flavors and artistic presentation. The essentials of Japanese gastronomy include a variety of ingredients, utensils and preparation techniques. Here's a list of some of the key elements found in Japanese gastronomy.

Rice: Rice is the foundation of Japanese gastronomy and is used to prepare a multitude of recipes, including sushi, fried rice (yakimeshi), and vinegared rice (sushi meshi).

Fish: Fresh fish, particularly tuna, salmon, sea bream and cod, is essential to many Japanese dishes, including sushi and sashimi.

Vegetables: Fresh vegetables such as mushrooms (shiitake, enoki), daikon (Japanese radish), and eggplant nasu are commonly used in Japanese cuisine.

Soya: Soya is a major component of Japanese gastronomy. It is used to make tofu, soy sauce, soy paste (miso paste), and much more.

Miso paste: Miso is a fermented paste made from soybeans and salt, often used to prepare soups, broths and marinades.

Seaweed: Seaweed, such as nori, kombu and wakame, is used to wrap sushi, flavor broths and prepare salads.

Pasta: Japanese noodles, including soba (buckwheat), udon (wheat) and ramen, are widely consumed.

Wasabi and ginger: Wasabi (Japanese horseradish) and pickled ginger (gari) are condiments commonly served with sushi.

Dashi: Dashi is a fundamental element of Japanese gastronomy, playing a role similar to that of a basic broth in many preparations. It is used to infuse subtle umami and deep flavor into many recipes.

When choosing Japanese grocery products, there are many interesting options to explore. Here's a list of popular Japanese grocery essentials to consider:

Soy sauce (Shoyu): Soy sauce is a staple ingredient in Japanese gastronomy. Opt for a quality soy sauce to add umami flavor to your dishes.

Miso: Miso is a fermented soybean paste used to prepare soups (such as miso soup), marinades, sauces and side dishes. There are different varieties of miso, including white miso (shiro miso) and red miso (aka miso), each with its own unique flavor.

Japanese noodles: Noodles are an essential part of Japanese gastronomy. Explore options such as soba (buckwheat noodles), udon (wheat noodles), and ramen (wheat noodles served in a savory broth, sometimes in instant noodle versions like those from the Nissin brand).

Rice vinegar: Rice vinegar is used to prepare vinegared rice for sushi, as well as to make marinades and sauces.

Seaweed (Nori, Kombu, Wakame): Seaweed is commonly used to prepare sushi, broths (dashi) and salads. Nori is also used to wrap sushi.

Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds are often used for garnishing and flavoring, particularly in Japanese cuisine.

Wasabi: This Japanese horseradish paste is known for its spiciness and is served with sushi and other side dishes and condiments.

Mirin: Mirin is a sweet cooking wine used to make teriyaki sauces and other sweet preparations.

Yuzu: Yuzu is a citrus fruit native to the Far East, grown mainly in Japan, Korea and China. It resembles a small tangerine or lemon, with a thick skin and a yellow to orange color. Yuzu is prized for its intense aroma, unique taste and versatile use in cooking. It is also often used in sauces, drinks such as matcha, sake or ramune, soups and sweets.

Sesame oil: Sesame oil is used to flavor dishes and stir-fries. It can also be used as a seasoning.

Furikake: This is a mixture of seasonings and condiments used to garnish rice and other dishes.

Dashi broth: Dashi is the base of many Japanese soups and broths. You can buy sachets of instant dashi or make your own from dried bonito and kombu seaweed.

Green tea (Matcha, Sencha): Green tea is a traditional beverage in Japan, and is also used for baking and cooking. It's Japan's favorite drink!

Saké de Cuisine (Sake Cooking): Sake Cooking is an inexpensive sake used for cooking, particularly in the preparation of dishes such as teriyaki.

Sushi ingredients: If you want to make sushi at home, make sure you get sushi rice, rice vinegar, nori, wasabi and pickled ginger.

Dried Fish (Bonito, Anchovy): Used to prepare dashi, these dried fish add umami to culinary specialties.

Seaweed for Salads (Miso Salad, Sunomono): These dried seaweeds are used to prepare tasty Japanese salads.

Other delicacies: Our favorites include snacks, sweets, kitkat, pocky, ramune, mochi and a whole host of other products!

When choosing Japanese grocery products, read labels carefully to ensure quality and authenticity. You can also ask a specialist grocer or friends with experience of Japanese cuisine for recommendations. Explore these ingredients to discover the richness and diversity of Japanese cuisine at home.

Learning to cook Japanese food is an exciting adventure that will enable you to discover a cuisine rich in flavors, textures and traditions. It may seem complex at first glance, so here are a few steps to get you started:

Start by familiarizing yourself with the basics of Japanese gastronomy. Check out our selection of cookbooks and books on Japanese gastronomy, and understand the ingredients, cooking techniques and iconic Japanese culinary specialties.

You'll also need to know the essential ingredients of Japanese gastronomy, such as rice, fish, miso, vegetables, seaweed and sauces. For more details, consult our glossary! By using authentic ingredients such as miso, wasabi, mirin and soy sauce, you'll learn to adjust flavors to achieve the desired balance in your dishes.

Familiarize yourself with Japanese cooking utensils, such as knives, cutting boards, pots and pans.

Look for Japanese cooking classes in your area. At iRASSHAi, we organize workshops around the many facets of Japanese gastronomy. From preparation techniques, through mixology and pastry-making, to traditional culinary specialties, for beginners and advanced alike.

Start with simple recipes and work your way up to more complex ones. Sushi, homemade ramen (see an improved improved version of Nissin instant noodles), tempura and miso soup are excellent starters. Follow reliable recipes and take the time to understand the steps. We recommend that you consult our recipe directory, for all tastes and levels!

Regular practice is essential to perfect your Japanese cooking skills. Try cooking Japanese recipes as often as possible to improve your cutting, cooking and presentation techniques.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make mistakes along the way. Japanese gastronomy may seem complex at first glance, but with practice and perseverance, you can master its unique techniques and flavors. The most important thing is to enjoy the process of learning this refined cuisine!

Japanese gastronomy is incredibly varied, with a multitude of delicious dishes and regional specialties. Here are just a few of the typical Japanese dishes and culinary specialties you might discover:

Sushi is one of the most emblematic Japanese dishes. It consists of slices of raw fish or other ingredients (such as crab or omelette) placed on a small ball of vinegared rice, sometimes garnished with wasabi. Different types of sushi include nigiri, maki, sashimi and more. Served in the evening at Shokudo and Biwan!

Sashimi is a delicious selection of thinly sliced raw fish, often served with wasabi and pickled ginger. Served in the evening at Shokudo and Biwan!

Ramen are noodles served in a savory broth, often with toppings such as pork, hard-boiled eggs, nori seaweed and vegetables.

Udon noodles are thick and made from wheat, while soba noodles are thin and made from buckwheat. These Japanese noodles are prepared in a variety of ways, from soups to stir-fries.

As for tempura, ingredients such as shrimps, vegetables and mushrooms are coated in a light batter and fried to a crispy texture.

Often dubbed "Japanese pizza", okonomiyaki is often seen as a kind of thick pancake made from cabbage and dough, topped with a choice of ingredients and seasoned with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise.

Yakiniku are Japanese grills, where you cook thin slices of meat (often beef) yourself on a grill built into your table.

Shabu-Shabu is a Japanese fondue where thin slices of meat, vegetables and tofu are plunged into a hot broth at the table, then dipped in a variety of sauces.

Sukiyaki is a hot dish of thinly sliced beef simmered in a pan with vegetables, tofu and mushrooms, then dipped in a sweet sauce.

Oden is a Japanese winter stew composed of various ingredients such as fish balls, hard-boiled eggs, konnyaku (yam jelly), and daikon (Japanese radish) simmered in a dashi broth.

Tonkatsu is a breaded and fried pork dish, usually served with shredded cabbage and tonkatsu sauce. It's served at lunchtime at Shokudo!

Japanese curry is a unique, spicy version of curry, often served with rice and meat (such as chicken or pork). It's served for lunch at Shokudo!

Onigiri are triangular or wafer-shaped rice balls, often stuffed with various fillings and wrapped in a sheet of nori seaweed. They're served at lunchtime at Kissaten and are also available for takeaway!

Taiyaki are fish-shaped waffles stuffed with sweetened red bean paste or other fillings.

Takoyaki are ball-shaped dumplings filled with pieces of octopus, ginger and other ingredients, then seasoned with okonomiyaki sauce and dried bonito.

These dishes represent just a sample of the richness of Japanese gastronomy. Each region of Japan has its own specialties, and there is still much to discover and appreciate in this gastronomy seen as particularly refined and diverse.

Japanese gastronomy is renowned for its many health benefits, thanks to its fresh ingredients, healthy cooking techniques and balanced nutrition. The Japanese have one of the highest life expectancies in the world, and several factors contribute to this remarkable longevity, including their eating habits!

They have traditionally followed a balanced diet, rich in vegetables, fish, seaweed, tofu and cereals, particularly rice. Their diet is low in saturated fats and processed foods. Their diet is not too high in calories, yet packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress, aid digestion and prevent cell aging.

The Japanese have a high consumption of oily fish, which is an excellent source of omega-3, beneficial to heart and brain health.

The basis of many Japanese dishes is rice, which is a healthy source of energy, low in saturated fats and rich in complex carbohydrates.

Japanese plates are often garnished with fresh vegetables, rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, which promote digestive health and vitality. Seaweeds such as nori, kombu and wakame are rich in nutrients including iodine, vitamins and essential minerals.

Soy-based products such as tofu, miso and tempeh are an excellent source of vegetable protein, fiber and antioxidants.

In addition, the Japanese consume fermented foods such as miso and nattō on a daily basis, which are beneficial for digestive health thanks to the probiotics they contain.

Japanese cooking techniques also play their part! For example, grilling (yakitori) and steaming (nimono), preserve the flavor and nutritional value of food.

It should be noted that Japanese cuisine varies according to regional and individual preferences, so specific health benefits may vary according to personal food choices. However, in general, Japanese gastronomy is seen and recognized for its contribution to a healthy, balanced and nutritious diet.

Umami is one of the five basic flavors that the human taste buds can detect, alongside sweet, salty, sour and bitter. The term "umami" is of Japanese origin and translates roughly as "tasty" or "delicious". This flavor has a distinct gustatory quality and is often described as a sensation of "rich", "deep" or "savory" in the mouth.

Umami is generally associated with foods rich in glutamic acid, an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter in the human brain. Foods rich in umami include:

Monosodium glutamate (MSG): A food additive commonly used to enhance the umami flavor in many dishes.

Soy products: Such as miso, soy sauce and tofu, which are rich in natural glutamic acid.

Fermented foods: such as Parmesan cheese, Roquefort, kimchi, and fermentation products like Worcestershire sauce.

Slow-cooked meats: Like roast beef, pulled pork and other slow-cooked dishes that develop umami flavors over time.

Mushrooms: Like shiitake and porcini mushrooms, which naturally contain glutamic acid.

Tomatoes: Especially ripe tomatoes, which are rich in glutamic acid and seen as a mainstay of umami flavor in Italian cuisine, for example.

Umami has a unique ability to enhance and balance flavors in dishes, particularly by adding depth and complexity to culinary preparations. It is often used in combination with other basic flavors to create deliciously balanced dishes. It was recognized as a distinct flavor during the 20th century and is now widely accepted around the world as an essential element of the human taste palette.

Welcome (iRASSHAi!) to our online Japanese grocery store, your favorite destination for all your authentic Japanese product needs. Discover why shopping at our online store is the best way to satisfy your Japanese food cravings:

A Vast Selection of Items: We offer a wide range of items, from basic ingredients to prepared dishes, from beverages to unique or organic artisanal products. You'll find everything you need to create delicious, authentic meals.

Competitive prices: With us, quality doesn't have to mean high prices. We strive to offer you the best Japanese products at competitive prices.

Free delivery from 50€ onwards: We know how important delivery can be when shopping online. That's why we offer free delivery on orders over 50€, so you can save money and enjoy yourself at the same time.

Ease of Online Ordering: Our online store is designed to offer you a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience. Quickly find your favorite products and items in stock, add them to your shopping cart, and place your order in just a few clicks.

Unique Japanese beverages: Discover our selection of Japanese beverages, from refreshing green teas to uniquely flavored Japanese sodas & ramune. Treat yourself with beverages in stock at iRASSHAi.

Fresh, high-quality products: We're committed to providing you with fresh, high-quality products. Every stock item we offer is carefully selected to guarantee your complete satisfaction.

Delivery in Paris and throughout France: Whether you're in Paris or elsewhere in France, we'll deliver directly to your door or to a relay point. Enjoy Japanese cuisine wherever you are.

Click & Collect Paris (coming soon): Enjoy an online experience, without paying delivery charges, and choose your favorite items and products online before picking them up at iRASSHAi, at 40 rue du Louvre in Paris, to enjoy a beautiful view of the bourse du commerce!

When you choose our online Japanese grocery store, you're guaranteed to find your favorite Japanese products at competitive prices, with convenient delivery, and all from the comfort of your own home. Visit iRASSHAi, at 40 rue du louvre in Paris, with its grocery store, restaurants and view of the Bourse du Commerce.