Japanese food is world-renowned for its delicate flavours and vibrant presentation. But the visual feast that Japanese cuisine offers is not limited to the palate. There are now a number of ‘Insta-ei’ dishes that are gaining popularity on social networking sites, especially Instagram, and fascinate us not only with their taste, but also with their appearance. This article celebrates these dishes and takes you on a journey into the world of Japanese gastronomy, which offers the best of both taste and visual experiences. Let's embark on a delicious journey!
Japanese gastronomy: tradition and innovation
Japanese gastronomy is a unique blend of time-honoured traditions and cutting-edge innovation. Traditional Japanese cuisine, with its fresh ingredients, delicate flavours and emphasis on seasonality, is loved the world over. Modern Japanese cuisine, on the other hand, surprises us with innovative ideas and presentations.
Traditional Japanese cuisine
The tradition of Japanese cuisine is as old as its history and has developed under the influence of Shintoism and Buddhism. In ancient times, the Japanese were grateful for the bounty of nature and valued seasonal ingredients. This tradition forms the basis of Japanese cuisine today and is one of the attractions of Japanese food, which is loved all over the world.
Kaiseki ryori and kaiseki cuisine
Kaiseki ryori is a formal meal originating from the tea ceremony, consisting of several courses with an emphasis on seasonal and local ingredients. Kaiseki ryori is a derivative of kaiseki ryori and is more informal in style. Both are characterised by a visually pleasing presentation, with attention paid to the appearance and presentation of the food.
Kaiseki cuisine features
Seasonal ingredients: kaiseki cuisine makes extensive use of seasonal ingredients, such as bamboo shoots in spring, eel in summer and matsutake mushrooms in autumn.
Local produce: the chef prefers to use fresh ingredients from the local mountains and sea, and places great importance on the local flavour of each region.
Characteristics of kaiseki cuisine
Casual style: less formal than kaiseki cuisine, with a more relaxed atmosphere.
Variety of dishes: a small selection of different types of food is served, including appetisers, soups, grilled, fried and vinegared dishes.
Sophisticated flavours and presentation
Japanese cuisine is known for its simple flavours and delicate presentation.Chefs pay close attention to the way ingredients are combined, cut and presented to create dishes that are not only pleasing to the eye but also to the palate.
Modern Japanese food: innovation and installations
On the other hand, there is the world of modern Japanese cuisine, which has evolved further from traditional Japanese cooking.Here, innovative ideas and presentation shine through, and the dishes are sure to be insta-worthy.
Creative Japanese cuisine
Creative Japanese cuisine is a cuisine that breaks free from the confines of traditional Japanese cooking.It is based on Japanese ingredients and cooking methods, but incorporates elements from various international cuisines to create new flavours and presentations.
Fusion of innovative ideas
Blending of Japanese and Western influences: for example, Wagyu beef steak with wasabi and soy sauce, or foie gras with grated daikon.
Global influences: inspiration is drawn from cuisines around the world, such as combining Asian spices from Thailand and Vietnam with Japanese ingredients, or seasoning Italian pasta with Japanese dashi.
Unique presentation.
Creative Japanese restaurants are also particular about the presentation of their dishes. For example, dishes based on the theme of ‘sound’ are presented in a way that allows diners to enjoy the sounds made by the tableware, while dishes based on the theme of ‘light’ are presented with the use of lighting and projection mapping.
Instagrammable sweets
Modern Japanese food trends are not limited to the main course.Sweets also have a gorgeous appearance and are often very Insta-worthy.
Colourful wagashi
Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets, but nowadays they are also available in many modern designs. With their bright colours and unique shapes, wagashi are beautiful to look at and tempting to photograph and post on social media.
Nerikiri: Made from bean paste and sugar, wagashi can look and taste like cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums and other flowers, or in the shape of cute animals.
MIZUGASHI: Japanese sweets made from fruits and jellies, with a beautiful, transparent appearance.
Hybrid sweets
Hybrid sweets, a fusion of traditional Japanese and Western sweets, are also popular. For example, the Dorayaki Tart combines cream and seasonal fruit in a tart made from dorayaki dough.
Japanese gastronomy at home
If you have discovered the fascination of Japanese food, you can also enjoy the culture at home.Here we introduce some of the Japanese ingredients available in the Netherlands and some ideas for enjoying Japanese food.
Japanese ingredients available in the Netherlands
To enjoy Japanese food at home, you first need to get hold of Japanese ingredients.There are several shops in the Netherlands that sell Japanese ingredients.
Japanese foodstuff shops
There are several shops in the Netherlands that specialise in Japanese foodstuffs. In these shops you can buy a wide range of Japanese foodstuffs, from basic ingredients such as rice, noodles and soy sauce to more unusual items such as snacks and drinks.
Shilla: a wide selection of Japanese and Korean food ingredients, with shops in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and elsewhere.
‘Tokuyo’: online shop for imported Japanese foodstuffs, with nationwide delivery throughout the Netherlands.
Supermarkets.
These days, you can also find Japanese foodstuffs in regular supermarkets in the Netherlands.
‘Albert Heijn’: some shops stock Japanese foodstuffs in their international produce section. You can find basic ingredients such as soy sauce, miso and seaweed.
Jumbo: Jumbo also stocks Japanese food products in some of its shops. Popular items include Japanese pancake mixes, instant ramen and curry.
Ideas for enjoying Japanese food
You can enjoy Japanese food at home using Japanese ingredients available in the Netherlands. Here are some ideas for enjoying Japanese food.
Japanese food parties
Invite your friends and family to a Japanese food party. It's fun to bring your favourite Japanese food and cook it together.
Sushi parties: prepare sushi ingredients, seaweed and sushi rice, and get the conversation going by making sushi together.
Nabe parties: Nabe parties are a great way to enjoy the cold season.Choose your favourite soup base, such as yosenabe, kimchi nabe or chige nabe, and warm up with vegetables, meat and seafood.
Set the table in Japanese style
It is also a good idea to set up a Japanese-style dining table to get away from the everyday.Just change the crockery, cutlery and table settings and you'll feel like you're in Japan.
Japanese tableware: Ceramic and porcelain Japanese tableware can make food look beautiful. Tableware with indigo or red patterns is particularly photogenic.
‘Chopsticks’: eating with chopsticks can make the Japanese food experience more authentic.
In summary: the appeal of Japanese gastronomy for Instagram
Japanese gastronomy is a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Insta-worthy dishes fascinate us visually as well as taste-wise and convey the appeal of Japanese food to the rest of the world. Visit the dishes and spots described in this article and enjoy Japanese gastronomic culture to the fullest, both with your taste buds and your sense of sight. Then, recreate Japanese food at home and continue to enjoy its charm forever.
FAQ.
Q: How has Japanese gastronomy evolved?
A: Japanese gastronomy has evolved through a fusion of age-old traditions, foreign influences and innovative ideas. Starting with traditional Japanese cuisine influenced by Shintoism and Buddhism, Western and Asian culinary influences have given rise to new genres such as creative Japanese cuisine and hybrid sweets.
Q: Is taste secondary to the taste of Insta-worthy food?
A: No. Insta-worthy food is also about taste. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but most are made with fresh ingredients and delicately flavoured. The idea that gastronomy is to be enjoyed with both the sense of taste and sight is deeply rooted in Japanese chefs and restaurants.
Q: How can I enjoy Japanese food in the Netherlands?
A: In the Netherlands, you can find Japanese ingredients in a variety of places, including Japanese grocery shops, online shops and general supermarkets. You can enjoy Japanese food by cooking it at home or holding Japanese food parties.There are also an increasing number of restaurants in cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam where you can taste authentic Japanese food.
Q: How can I get the most out of my Japanese gastronomic experience?
A: To get the most out of your gastronomic experience in Japan, we recommend that you use all your senses - sight, sound and smell as well as taste - to enjoy the food.Learning about the culture and history behind the cuisine will also help to deepen your gastronomic experience.
Q: What are the differences between traditional and modern Japanese cuisine?
A: Traditional Japanese cuisine is characterised by simple flavours and delicate presentation, with an emphasis on seasonality and local produce. Modern Japanese cuisine, on the other hand, is free from traditional boundaries. It offers innovative flavours with a blend of Japanese and Western and global influences, as well as artistic presentation and playful presentation.