EDITORIAL GUIDES
Food & Dining Articles
Practical introductions to Japanese dishes, sushi and dining choices.
GUIDE
Sushi vs. Sashimi vs. Nigiri: What Is the Difference?
Learn the difference between sushi, sashimi and nigiri, including the role of seasoned rice, how each is served and what the terms really mean.
Read article →GUIDE
How to Order Sushi for the First Time
Learn how to order sushi for the first time with a simple approach to choosing formats, flavors, portions and a comfortable sequence for your meal.
Read article →GUIDE
Cooked vs. Raw Sushi: What Is the Difference?
Compare cooked and raw sushi, learn why sushi does not always contain raw fish, and choose a preparation style that suits your tastes.
Read article →GUIDE
Sushi Etiquette: A Relaxed Guide to Eating Sushi
Learn practical sushi etiquette, from chopsticks and soy sauce to ginger, wasabi and sharing, without turning dinner into a test of rigid rules.
Read article →GUIDE
What Is a Bento Box? A Guide to the Japanese Meal Format
Learn what a Japanese bento box is, how a restaurant bento meal is organized and why its varied, compartmentalized format is so appealing.
Read article →GUIDE
What Is Tempura? A Guide to the Japanese Frying Technique
Learn what tempura is, how its light batter and frying method create a crisp texture, and how shrimp and vegetable tempura are commonly served.
Read article →GUIDE
What Is Gyoza? A Guide to Japanese Dumplings
Learn what gyoza are, how Japanese dumplings are filled, folded and cooked, and how they differ from potstickers.
Read article →GUIDE
What Is Teriyaki? A Guide to the Japanese Glazing Style
Learn what teriyaki means, how its glossy glaze is developed, and how the Japanese cooking style differs from a single fixed sauce.
Read article →GUIDE
Types of Japanese Noodles: Udon, Soba, Ramen and Yakisoba
Explore the defining traits of udon, soba, ramen and yakisoba, from ingredients and texture to the ways these Japanese noodles are commonly served.
Read article →GUIDE
Sake Pairing Guide: How to Match Sake with Japanese Food
Learn the basics of pairing sake with sushi and Japanese food by considering body, sweetness, acidity, aroma, temperature and texture.
Read article →GUIDE
What Is Miso Soup? A Guide to This Japanese Staple
Learn what miso soup is, how miso paste and dashi create its flavor, and why ingredients and styles can vary from one bowl to another.
Read article →GUIDE
What Is Yakitori? A Guide to Japanese Grilled Chicken Skewers
Learn what yakitori is, how Japanese chicken skewers are grilled and seasoned, and why the simple preparation can have so many textures and flavors.
Read article →GUIDE
What Is a Sushi Roll? A Guide to Maki, Uramaki and Hand Rolls
Learn what makes a sushi roll a roll, how maki and uramaki are constructed, and how hand rolls differ from sliced sushi rolls.
Read article →