Collection: All our Japanese products

After more than two years passed to meticulously shedding them, Irasshai offers you a selection of more than 1000 products, imported from Japan and whose three -quarters are sold in France for the first time. Discover authentic Japanese grocery products to enhance your kitchen! And if you don't know where to start, we regularly write recipes for all tastes and all levels To give you ideas. 

All our Japanese products

1265 products

  • Matchalicious Spread ⋅ La Chambre ⋅ 220g

    A spread with a mild, fresh flavor that combines the rich, earthy notes of matcha green tea with the smooth, sweet taste of white chocolate. Its...

    Usual price 14.50 €
    Promotional price 14.50 € Usual price
  • Etchu Ginjo White Rice Miso ⋅ Sugino Shoyu Miso ⋅ 750g

    •A traditional miso from the Toyama region• A rich, rounded flavor with a balanced umami taste and subtle salty notes• Ideal for marinades, broths, miso soups,...

    Usual price 15.00 €
    Promotional price 15.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 20.00 €  by  kg
  • Turquoise-blue enameled matcha bowl, Ø 111 mm ⋅ Touga

    ⋅ Ceramic matcha bowl⋅ Perfect for preparing and enjoying matcha⋅ Can be used for appetizers or dessertsA handcrafted ceramic matcha bowl with a turquoise glaze, whose...

    Usual price 24.00 €
    Promotional price 24.00 € Usual price
  • Small Komon Gourd plate Ø 108mm ⋅ Kihara

    A small plate decorated with a gourd motif, considered as a lucky holder because it would house divine spirits. The gourd is associated with the story...

    Usual price 8.90 €
    Promotional price 8.90 € Usual price
  • Suntory Toki Whisky ⋅ 43% ⋅ 700ml

    ⋅ A blend of Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita⋅ Toasty and citrus notes⋅ Pairs perfectly with yakitori, sashimi, and hard cheeseThis blended whisky, created by the son...

    Usual price 54.00 €
    Promotional price 54.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 77.14 €  by  l
  • Nakano Umeshu Ryokucha Green Tea Plum Liqueur ⋅ 12% ⋅ 720ml

    ⋅ A blend of Wakayama plums and Uji green tea⋅ Sweet and slightly bitter flavor⋅ Ideal neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail⋅ Perfect as...

    Usual price 21.00 €
    Promotional price 21.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 29.17 €  by  l
  • Jade Ceremonial Matcha ⋅ KURA-GE ⋅ 30g

    ⋅ Made exclusively from the Okumidori cultivar⋅ Grown in the misty highlands of Uji⋅ Mild flavor, delicately briny and vegetal with a subtle bitterness⋅ Perfect for...

    Usual price 48.00 €
    Promotional price 48.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 1,600.00 €  by  kg
  • Rice Vinegar for Sushi ⋅ Kayanoya ⋅ 300ml

    • Fresh, sweet, and slightly tangy notes• Perfect for maki, chirashi, and temaki• Ready to useA sushi rice vinegar with a fresh, sweet flavor, ideal for...

    Usual price 14.95 €
    Promotional price 14.95 € Usual price
    Unit price 49.83 €  by  l
  • Striped midnight blue plate Ø 240mm ⋅ sopha

    ⋅ Porcelain plate⋅ Available in 2 colors⋅ Dishwasher-safe⋅ TablewareA blue plate featuring minimalist elegance and functionality. Carefully designed, it combines aesthetics and practicality, making it a...

    Usual price 19.50 €
    Promotional price 19.50 € Usual price
  • Tsukemono of chopped rakkyo onion ⋅ esrand foods ⋅ 80g

    ⋅ Finely chopped onion tsukemono⋅ Health and digestive benefits⋅ Tangy and sweet flavor⋅ A delicious addition to your salads⋅ The perfect accompaniment to rice bowls, bento...

    Usual price 5.40 €
    Promotional price 5.40 € Usual price
    Unit price 67.50 €  by  kg
  • Ground Sansho Pepper ⋅ Yawataya Isogoro ⋅ 12g

    • Subtly enhances the flavor of fish, grilled meats, and soups• Fresh citrus notes • Fine, ready-to-use powderA sansho pepper powder made from selected peppercorns, primarily...

    Usual price 20.70 €
    Promotional price 20.70 € Usual price
    Unit price 1,725.00 €  by  kg
  • Pure Shizuoka Mikan Juice ⋅ Bonchi ⋅ 180ml

    • 100% Pure Juice • Premium Quality • No Added Sugar • Versatile Use: cocktails, smoothies, or coulisA pure mikan mandarin juice with a sweet and...

    Usual price 5.90 €
    Promotional price 5.90 € Usual price
    Unit price 32.78 €  by  l
  • Set of 4 white cups Ø 80mm ⋅ sopha

    ⋅ High-quality ceramic⋅ Perfect for any occasion⋅ A manufacturer renowned for the durability of its productsThis set of 4 white cups is designed to offer both...

    Usual price 39.00 €
    Promotional price 39.00 € Usual price
  • Ceremonial Matcha "Rêve" ⋅ KURA-GE ⋅ 30g

    ⋅ A matcha tea from Uji made from a blend of Yabukita and Okumidori cultivars⋅ It has a rounded, umami flavor with hints of bitterness and...

    Usual price 48.00 €
    Promotional price 48.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 1,600.00 €  by  kg
  • Fukukomachi Junmai Ginjo Sake ⋅ 15% ⋅ 300ml

    ⋅ A century-old brewery in Akita with 400 years of tradition and expertise⋅ brewing⋅ 40% polished Yamada Nishiki rice⋅ Exotic flavors of mango, papaya, and candied...

    Usual price 13.80 €
    Promotional price 13.80 € Usual price
    Unit price 46.00 €  by  l
  • 1.5L Rice Cooker ⋅ Remo

    ⋅ Removable inner pot ⋅ Nonstick coating for easy cleaning⋅ "Cook / Keep Warm" function to start cooking and keep food warmThe Remo rice cooker ensures...

    Usual price 69.00 €
    Promotional price 69.00 € Usual price
  • Shiitake Mushroom Powder ⋅ Kyunan Service ⋅ 40g

    ⋅ Rich, umami-filled flavor⋅ Grown on a farm in Kyushu⋅ Perfect for soups, quiches, and savory tarts⋅ Mushrooms grown on wood using traditional methodsThis high-quality shiitake...

    Usual price 12.20 €
    Promotional price 12.20 € Usual price
    Unit price 305.00 €  by  kg
  • Unkai Soba Unkai Tan Buckwheat Shochu ⋅ 25% ⋅ 900ml

    ⋅ Distilled using volcanic water from Kyushu⋅ Authentic buckwheat aromas⋅ Best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed with cold or hot water⋅ Its name, "Sea...

    Usual price 25.00 €
    Promotional price 25.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 27.78 €  by  l
  • Faune Classic Matcha ⋅ KURA-GE ⋅ 30g

    ⋅ Deeply umami and vegetal flavor with a balanced bitterness⋅ Made from a blend of Yabukita and Okumidori cultivars⋅ A matcha from Uji⋅ Ideal as a...

    Usual price 29.90 €
    Promotional price 29.90 € Usual price
    Unit price 996.67 €  by  kg
  • Gyokuro Green Tea, 6 tea bags ⋅ Ippodo Tea ⋅ 42g

    ⋅ Premium Gyokuro tea⋅ Fresh, umami-rich aroma⋅ Flavor somewhere between matcha and sencha⋅ Perfectly illustrates the complexity of Japanese green teas grown in the shadeGyokuro is...

    Usual price 21.00 €
    Promotional price 21.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 500.00 €  by  kg
  • Sliced Smoked and Marinated Daikon Radish (Iburigakko) ⋅ Ogachino Kimuraya ⋅ 150g

    • Intense woody and smoky notes.• Unparalleled firmness and crunch.• Perfect as a side dishThis smoked Japanese white radish, known as iburigakko, is made using a...

    Usual price 11.10 €
    Promotional price 11.10 € Usual price
    Unit price 74.00 €  by  kg
  • 100ml soy sauce bottle ⋅ Hirota Glass

    ⋅ Allows for precise pouring of sauce⋅ Elegant design⋅ Made of high-quality glass that preserves the purity of the flavorsThis soy sauce bottle is designed for...

    Usual price 38.00 €
    Promotional price 38.00 € Usual price
  • Pear and Yuzu Jam ⋅ La Chambre ⋅ 200g

    • A refined blend of pear and yuzu• Made with seasonal fruit • Smooth and homogeneous, with no chunks.A pear and yuzu fruit jam with a...

    Usual price 13.50 €
    Promotional price 13.50 € Usual price
  • Dried Tosakanori Seaweed ⋅ Sea Vegetable ⋅ 22g

    • Fresh and crunchy texture after rehydration• Culinary versatility •Tosakanori is a deep red Japanese seaweed with a fresh, crunchy texture. It is dried immediately after...

    Usual price 14.20 €
    Promotional price 14.20 € Usual price
    Unit price 645.45 €  by  kg
  • Saké Kagura Clear Junmai ⋅ 13% ⋅ 720ml

    ⋅ Junmai Sake⋅ Fruity and rich profile⋅ Polished to 65%⋅ Made with Iwai rice⋅ Pairs perfectly with fishKagura sake is a Junmai made from 65% polished...

    Usual price 56.00 €
    Promotional price 56.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 77.78 €  by  l
  • Vinegared Kombu Seaweed Toppings with Grated Yam ⋅ Fuji Shokuhin ⋅ 15g

    • A blend of premium seaweeds• Lightly seasoned with soy sauce• Perfect for topping rice or onigiriA seaweed condiment with a fresh, ocean-fresh taste, made from...

    Usual price 8.10 €
    Promotional price 8.10 € Usual price
    Unit price 540.00 €  by  kg
  • White semolina sugar ⋅ Mitsui Seito ⋅ 1kg

    ⋅ Made from refined cane sugar⋅ No additives or preservatives⋅ Perfect for baking and beverages⋅ Ultra-fine texturePowdered sugar is perfect for cooking and baking. Made from...

    Usual price 6.55 €
    Promotional price 6.55 € Usual price
    Unit price 6.55 €  by  kg
  • Japan: the book of vegetarian cuisine ⋅ Phaidon

    Nancy singleton chopped. Phaidon. 2023. A reference work bringing together more than 250 vegetarian Japanese recipes achievable at home. Japan: The book of vegetarian cuisine, with...

    Usual price 49.95 €
    Promotional price 49.95 € Usual price
  • Horoyoi Blackcurrant & Orange Can ⋅ Suntory ⋅ 350ml

    Usual price 5.00 €
    Promotional price 5.00 € Usual price
  • White Sesame Spread ⋅ Henko ⋅ 225g

    • The perfect ingredient to enhance your pancakes• An intense toasted flavor and a creamy texture.• A nutrient-rich spreadA spread with a rich, toasty flavor, made...

    Usual price 9.95 €
    Promotional price 9.95 € Usual price
    Unit price 44.22 €  by  kg
  • Yaezakura Sweet Potato Shochu ⋅ 20% ⋅ 300ml

    •Rich, balanced flavor with a smooth, deep texture.•Handcrafted in Miyazaki •Enjoy it hot, cold, on the rocks, or diluted with water.A traditional sweet potato shochu with...

    Usual price 11.85 €
    Promotional price 11.85 € Usual price
    Unit price 39.50 €  by  l
  • Green mug 8x7.9 cm ⋅ Tokyo Design Studio

    •Sleek and elegant design, available in white, blue, or green.•Perfect for coffee or tea breaks, fits on any table.•Compact and practical, microwave- and dishwasher-safe.This green mug...

    Usual price 12.00 €
    Promotional price 12.00 € Usual price
  • Black tea bags ⋅ Satsumaen ⋅ 36g

    •Black tea made exclusively from leaves grown in Japan.•Amber color, floral flavor, and rich in umami.•Perfect served hot (with pastries) or cold as iced tea.•No bitterness...

    Usual price 15.40 €
    Promotional price 15.40 € Usual price
    Unit price 427.78 €  by  kg
  • Fukukomachi Junmai Daiginjo Sake ⋅ 15.5% ⋅ 720ml

    ⋅ A century-old brewery in Akita with 400 years of tradition and expertise⋅ brewing⋅ 40% polished Yamada Nishiki rice⋅ Exotic flavors of mango, papaya, and candied...

    Usual price 60.00 €
    Promotional price 60.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 83.33 €  by  l
  • Okara Soybean Pulp Powder ⋅ Asahimatsu Shokuhin ⋅ 120g

    ⋅ Dome-shaped like a plum blossom⋅ Not microwave-safe.⋅ Not dishwasher-safe.A dried soy pulp powder, rich in fiber, perfect for a balanced diet. Made from dried and...

    Usual price 3.50 €
    Promotional price 3.50 € Usual price
    Unit price 29.17 €  by  kg
  • Fukukomachi Junmai Daiginjo Sake ⋅ 15% ⋅ 180ml

    ⋅ A perfect balance of umami and acidity for a refined tasting experience⋅ Ideal for those new to sake⋅ Pairs easily with a wide variety of...

    Usual price 19.50 €
    Promotional price 19.50 € Usual price
    Unit price 108.33 €  by  l
  • Yuzu Green Tea (7 tea bags) ⋅ Ogino Shoten ⋅ 17g

    • Green tea with fresh, herbal notes• A lively, slightly sweet yuzu citrus aroma• A balance of mild bitterness and delicate acidity• Enjoy hot or cold,...

    Usual price 6.45 €
    Promotional price 6.45 € Usual price
  • 160ml Green Portable Bottle with Filter ⋅ Hario

    ⋅ Built-in filter for brewing, shaking, or mixing in a flash⋅ Perfect for tea, cold brew, and herbal teas⋅ Sleek design and easy to carry⋅ Shock-resistantA...

    Usual price 34.00 €
    Promotional price 34.00 € Usual price
  • White mug, 7x10 cm ⋅ Tokyo Design Studio

    •Sleek and elegant design, available in white, blue, or green.•Perfect for coffee or tea breaks, fits on any table.•Compact and practical, microwave and dishwasher safe.This white...

    Usual price 6.00 €
    Promotional price 6.00 € Usual price
  • Green mug, 9 x 5.4 cm ⋅ Tokyo Design Studio

    •Sleek and elegant design, available in white, blue, or green.•Perfect for coffee or tea breaks, fits on any table.•Compact and practical, microwave- and dishwasher-safe.This green mug...

    Usual price 12.00 €
    Promotional price 12.00 € Usual price
  • Large-size mirin ⋅ Kokonoe Mirin ⋅ 14.5% ⋅ 1L

    ⋅ A velvety texture for a glossy glaze⋅ A subtle sweetness that balances saltiness and acidity⋅ A natural emulsifier to thicken your sauces⋅ Extends the shelf...

    Usual price 21.00 €
    Promotional price 21.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 21.00 €  by  l
  • Tenmoku Soy Sauce Dispenser ⋅ Hakusan Toki

    • Won the prestigious Good Design Award as early as 1960• Practical and aesthetically pleasing design• Easy to useAn iconic soy sauce dispenser that combines design...

    Usual price 27.00 €
    Promotional price 27.00 € Usual price
  • Hojicha Tenka in bulk ⋅ Yamamasa Koyamaen ⋅ 400g

    This hojicha is obtained by roashing sencha green tea over high heat. It was originally made in an economy concern, when tea lost its freshness. The...

    Usual price 24.00 €
    Promotional price 24.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 60.00 €  by  kg
  • Aomori White Miso ⋅ Marushichi ⋅ 400g

    Usual price 9.80 €
    Promotional price 9.80 € Usual price
  • Organic Genmai Matcha Tea ⋅ Anatae ⋅ 30g

    ⋅ Made with Kagoshima tea⋅ Combines the fresh, umami flavor of the Yabukita cultivar with the toasty, comforting notes of genmaicha⋅ Just as delicious hot or...

    Usual price 38.00 €
    Promotional price 38.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 1,266.67 €  by  kg
  • Yaezakura Rice Shochu ⋅ 25% ⋅ 720ml

    •A smooth, rounded, and balanced profile.•Serving suggestions: hot, cold, on the rocks, or diluted.A traditional rice shochu with a smooth, rounded flavor, crafted in Miyazaki using...

    Usual price 19.00 €
    Promotional price 19.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 26.39 €  by  l
  • Cooking Matcha Tea ⋅ Chikiriya ⋅ 150g

    ⋅ Cooking matcha⋅ Perfect for desserts, ice cream, or matcha lattes⋅ Convenient zip-top closure for optimal freshness⋅ Rich in antioxidantsA matcha for cooking with a vegetal,...

    Usual price 30.95 €
    Promotional price 30.95 € Usual price
  • Uma Kara Hakuba Nishiki Futsushu Sake ⋅ 14.9% ⋅ 300ml

    • Aromas of white fruit and grains• Perfect with yakitori, gyozas, and tsukemono• A sweet and subtle sakeA futsushu umakuchi sake with sweet and slightly dry...

    Usual price 11.50 €
    Promotional price 11.50 € Usual price
    Unit price 38.33 €  by  l
  • Ginger and Yuzu Concentrated Drink ⋅ Itoku Food ⋅ 200ml

    ⋅ Mix for a homemade drink⋅ Dilute with water—still or sparkling, cold or hot⋅ Intense, fresh flavor⋅ No additives or added sugarThis concentrated beverage offers a...

    Usual price 19.85 €
    Promotional price 19.85 € Usual price
  • Roasted Hojicha Tea Powder ⋅ Yamamasa Koyamaen ⋅ 1 kg

    This hojicha powder is used like matcha. Its warm and roasted taste recalls the hazelnut and cocoa which makes it an ideal substitute for chocolate powder...

    Usual price 105.00 €
    Promotional price 105.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 105.00 €  by  kg
  • Genmaicha tea at matcha ohara in bulk ⋅ yamamasa koyamaen ⋅ 1kg

    This unique tea is obtained by sprinkling matcha on genmaicha, offering a single emerald infusion color. Genmaicha and matcha are among the most popular green teas...

    Usual price 72.00 €
    Promotional price 72.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 72.00 €  by  kg
  • BELLY x iRASSHAi Gift Set ⋅ iRASSHAi

    The 5 Best Japanese Kitchen Tools This kit contains: · 's grater is the perfect tool for ginger and daikon · 's XXL stir sticks—for stirring,...

    Usual price 65.00 €
    Promotional price 65.00 € Usual price
  • Matcha and Kinako Warabi Mochi ⋅ Bashodo ⋅ 200g

    Usual price 16.65 €
    Promotional price 16.65 € Usual price
  • Roasted white sesame seeds ⋅ Mitake Shokuhin ⋅ 1 kg

    Grilled white sesame seeds are an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Carefully roasted, they enhance their rich and slightly hazelnut flavor while offering a crunchy texture.

    Usual price 19.00 €
    Promotional price 19.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 19.00 €  by  kg
  • Black Kinako Warabi Mochi ⋅ Bashodo ⋅ 200g

    Usual price 16.65 €
    Promotional price 16.65 € Usual price
  • Yuzu juice big format ⋅ yuzuya honest ⋅ 1.8l

    This very popular product in the kitchen is prepared from cold pressed yuzu to preserve the natural flavor of the citrus. It is also rich in...

    Usual price 75.00 €
    Promotional price 75.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 41.67 €  by  l
  • "The Nikka" Limited Edition Whisky ⋅ 48% ⋅ 700ml

    ⋅ Exceptional Japanese whiskey,online exclusive ⋅ This bottle is shipped individually via DHL⋅ Delivery times are slightly longer to ensure safe shipping⋅ A complex blend of...

    Usual price 1,290.00 €
    Promotional price 1,290.00 € Usual price
  • Kumamon Onigiri Kit ⋅ Tsuho ⋅ 12g

    Usual price 7.00 €
    Promotional price 7.00 € Usual price
  • Takuan Pickled Daikon Radish ⋅ Kimura Tsukemono ⋅ 180g

    Usual price 9.00 €
    Promotional price 9.00 € Usual price
  • Yuzu Kosho Shio Koji ⋅ Shinjyo Miso ⋅ 130g

    Usual price 7.95 €
    Promotional price 7.95 € Usual price
  • Ginger Cola Concentrate ⋅ Itoku Food ⋅ 1L

    ⋅ Mix for homemade cola⋅ To be mixed with sparkling water, black tea, or even red wine⋅ Intense, spicy flavor⋅ No additivesThis cola concentrate reimagines the...

    Usual price 67.25 €
    Promotional price 67.25 € Usual price
  • Ginger-Infused Chai-Style Cola Concentrate ⋅ Itoku Food ⋅ 1L

    ⋅ Mix for homemade chai-style cola⋅ To be diluted with sparkling water or milk⋅ Intense, spicy flavor⋅ No additives⋅ With four spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and...

    Usual price 67.25 €
    Promotional price 67.25 € Usual price
  • Green tea with yuzu for cold infusion 100 sachets ⋅ in tea ⋅ 500g

    These tea sachets contain a mixture of sencha and yuzu zest. Fresh and fragrant aromas are ideal for hot and cold infusion. Just put a sachet...

    Usual price 180.00 €
    Promotional price 180.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 360.00 €  by  kg
  • Sencha green tea for cold infusion 100 sachets ⋅ in tea ⋅ 500g

    These sachets contain a mixture of sencha and kamaricha teas. Fresh and fragrant aromas are perfect for hot and cold infusion. Just put a sachet in...

    Usual price 180.00 €
    Promotional price 180.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 360.00 €  by  kg
  • Roasted black sesame cream ⋅ iwai no goma abura ⋅ 16kg

    This cream is made from grilled black sesame seeds, crushed and mixed to create a creamy and tasty texture. Mananten's roasted black sesame paste is very...

    Usual price 330.00 €
    Promotional price 330.00 € Usual price
    Unit price 20.63 €  by  kg


Learn more about Japanese grocery products

The basic ingredients of Japanese cuisine include:

  • Rice (Gohan) : The central element of most Japanese meals.
  • Soy : Used in the form of soy sauce, miso, Or tofu.
  • Algae (Nori, Kombu, Wakame) : Essential in soups and sushi.
  • Dashi : A basic broth made of kombu (algae) and dried bonite.
  • Mirin : A sweet rice wine used for the kitchen.
  • Rice vinegar : Indispensable to season sushi rice and marinades.
  • Wasabi : A spicy condiment, often served with sushi.

THE mirin and the kitchen sake are both used to cook, but they differ mainly by their sugar and alcohol content. The Mirin is a sweet, sweet and little alcoholic rice wine, used to add softness and shine to the dishes. The kitchen sake is drier, with a higher alcohol content, and is used to deglaze dishes and neutralize the smells of fish or meat.

The most common Japanese types of Japanese noodles are:

  • Ramen : Wheat noodles served in a hot broth, very popular in Japan.
  • Udon : Thick wheat noodles, served in soup or sautéed, often in a light broth.
  • Soba : Fine buckwheat noodles, hot soup or cold with an accompaniment sauce.
  • Somen : Very fine wheat noodles, generally served cold in summer.

THE dashi is a basic broth in Japanese cuisine, used to prepare soups, such as Miso soup, sauces, and simmered dishes. It can also be used to cook vegetables, as in theoden, or as a basis for noodle dishes. To use it, simply dilute the dashi (whether in granules, liquid or homemade) with water, then incorporate it into your recipes.

THE Miso Blanc (Shiro Miso) and the Miso Rouge (aka miso) are distinguished by their color, their taste and their duration of fermentation:

  • White miso : Sweeter, slightly sweet, with shorter fermentation, often used for light dishes such as soups.
  • Red miso : Stronger in taste, salty, and with longer fermentation, used in more robust dishes such as rich Miso soups or marinades.

To choose the right rice vinegar, take into account:

  • White rice vinegar : Soft and versatile, ideal for sushi, marinades and dressing.
  • Seasoned rice vinegar : Already sweet and salty, ready to use for sushi rice.
  • Brown rice vinegar : More intense in taste, often used for richer dishes or more complex marinades.

Typical sushi accompaniments include:

  • Wasabi : Spicy paste made from Wasabi root, added directly on the sushi or mixed with the soy sauce.
  • Marinated ginger (GARI) : Fine marinated ginger slices, consumed between the bites to refresh the palate.
  • Soy sauce : Used to slightly soak the sushi before eating it.
  • Shiso : Peril leaf, sometimes served with sushi to add a herbaceous note.

The basics of Japanese cuisine are based on the use of fresh ingredients and essential seasonings like the soy sauce, THE miso, THE mirin, THE rice vinegar and the dashi. Food cooking is often simple, highlighting the purity and natural taste of the ingredients. Current techniques include steam cooking, fence, light frying (tempura), and the preparation of raw dishes like the sushi And sashimis.

A bento balanced includes:

  • Protein : Fish, meat, tofu or egg.
  • Rice : The main ingredient, often accompanied by sesame or furikake seeds (seasoning for rice).
  • Vegetables : Crus, marinated (tsukemono), or cooked (such as broccoli, carrots).
  • Fruits : Pieces of fresh fruit to finish the meal.
  • Accompaniment : Like tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), rice dumplings (onigiri) or small salads.

Japanese gastronomy is recognized for its many health benefits because of its fresh ingredients, its healthy cooking techniques and its nutritional balance. The Japanese have one of the highest life expectancy in the world, and several factors contribute to this remarkable longevity including their eating habits! 

They traditionally followed a balanced diet, rich in vegetables, fish, algae, tofu and cereals, especially rice. Their diet is poor in saturated fats and processed foods. Their diet is not too caloric, while being stuffed with essential nutrients as well as antioxidants, which helps to fight oxidative stress, facilitate digestion preventing cellular aging.

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

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

Japanese plates are often garnished with fresh vegetables, rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers, which promotes digestive health and vitality. There are also algae such as nori, kombu and wakame are rich in nutrients, especially iodine, vitamins and essential minerals. 

Also, soy -based products such as tofu, miso and tempeh are an excellent source of vegetable proteins, fibers and antioxidants.

In addition, Japanese consume fermented foods such as Miso and Nattō, which are beneficial for digestive health thanks to the probiotics they contain. 

Japanese cooking techniques also have their role to play! For example, the fence (yakitori) and steam cooking (Nimono), preserve the flavor and nutritional value of food.

It should be noted that Japanese cuisine varies depending on regional and individual preferences, so that specific health benefits can vary depending on 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 human taste papillae can detect, alongside sweet, salty, acid and bitter. The term "Umami" is of Japanese origin and is approximately translated into "tasty" or "delicious". This flavor has a distinct taste quality and is often described as a feeling of "rich", "deep" or "tasty" 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:

Monosodic glutamate (MSG): a food additive commonly used to enhance the Umami flavor in many dishes.

Soy -based products: like miso, soy sauce and tofu, which are rich in natural glutamic acid.

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

The meat cooked slowly: like the roast beef, the effiloche pork and other simmered dishes which develop Umami flavors over time.

Mushrooms: like shiitake mushrooms and pig fungi, which naturally contain glutamic acid.

Tomatoes: in particular ripe tomato, which is rich in glutamic acid and seen as a pillar of Umami flavor in Italian cuisine for example.

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