Sozai 素材 and sozai 惣菜 Sozai, which is also in the name of our sister company, Sozai cooking school, has two meanings. 素材 (pronounced sozai) means ingredient(s), and 惣菜 (pronounced sor-zai) describes pre-prepared and packed main and side dishes that can be reheated and enjoyed at home. Similar to what may be referred to as ‘deli’ in some […]
‘Setsubun’ literally means ‘seasonal division’, and happens right before the first day of Spring in the Japanese lunar calendar on 3rd February as a part of Haru-matsuri, Spring Festival. Rituals are performed to chase away evil spirits and bring in good luck at the start of Spring, praying for a healthy and illness-free year ahead. […]
Heating Grilled Eel, Foie Gras, Chicken Yakitori, Ninja Curry, Monthly Curry, Gyudon, Miso-marinated Black Cod, shio-koji marinated Salmon with Yuzu The best way we recommend is the hot bath but it may be a little to fiddly, in which case, the microwave would be the second option. Hot Bath Microwave Cut off a corner or pierce holes […]
What is Hinamatsuri 雛祭り Hinamatsuri is celebrated on 3rd March every year. It is one of the five seasonal festivals, gosekku 五節句 in the traditional Japanese calendar. Families bring out Hina-ningyo 雛人形 decorations, a set of ornamental dolls representing the Emperor and Empress in traditional court dress of the Heian period. The more elaborate versions include their attendants […]
Gohan is the magic word Gohan means steamed rice, but is also the collective word for ‘meal’ in Japanese. When the cook in the family announces that dinner is on the table, we say ‘Gohan yo~’ (‘yo’ as in ‘yolk’) Breakfast is ‘asa gohan’ (asa means morning) Lunch is ‘ohiru gohan” (ohiru is midday) […]
This event, exclusive to 30 guests, will (re)introduce you the world of Rakugo in the Sunshine style! He will tell you inside stories from the world of Rakugo, West End and Broadway that you will never hear anywhere else. Guests will also have a chance to ask questions and take photographs with him. The ticket […]
Shichimi Togarashi Shichimi broken down: ‘shichi’ 七 = seven, ‘mi’ 味 = taste The seven tastes meaning ingredients in this case, can vary, and manufacturers and eateries create their own special blends to match their specific needs. Most commonly, the shichimi includes; red pepper, Japanese sansho pepper, hemp seed, and sesame seeds. Then depending on everyone’s […]
Rarely does a Japanese celebration not include Sake. Japanese New Year is a three day celebration Collectively called Sanganichi 三が日, starting with the 1st of January, Gantan 元旦. New Year’s is the one solid time of the year the hard working nation took a complete break. All shops and services closed and the streets went […]
