Guides and articles
Which kombu should you choose for the perfect dashi? Our guide compares the four main types (Rausu, Rishiri, Ma-kombu, Hidaka) and Kura-gakoi cellar-aged kombu by use and quality.
Panko or conventional breadcrumbs? How to recognise artisan panko, choose between wheat, rice, maize and buckwheat varieties, and make successful tonkatsu, tempura and gratins.
Size, material, shape: the guide to choosing a ramen bowl made in Japan, from everyday bowls to full sets with a renge spoon.
Pure or salted, pasteurised or not, from Kôchi, organic or powdered: what to look for in a good Japanese yuzu juice.
Minoyaki porcelain, Bizen stoneware, lacquerware and wood: how to recognise authentic Japanese tableware and choose the right piece.
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Cooking sake or mirin? Umami, sweetness, shine: understand their roles, choose the right bottle, and master Japanese classics.
Black or white sesame: flavour differences, seeds, paste or oil, and which to choose for each Japanese dish.
Arabushi, shavings or a whole block: how to choose quality katsuobushi for dashi and Japanese cooking.
Nori komi, okaka, salmon: how to choose and use furikake.
Diatomite, binchotan and size: how to choose your Japanese konro barbecue.
Santoku, gyuto, nakiri, steels and care: a guide to choosing Japanese knives.
Prongs, bamboo, origin and care: how to choose a matcha whisk.
