Kyoto's Nishiki Market

Here are some of my favorite shops in Kyoto's Nishiki Market.

Kyoto's Nishiki Market

Kyoto's Nishiki Market in the heart of the city is not to be missed for foodies. This link will show you some of waht Nishiki has to offer.

Kappabashi Map

Click on the title "Kappabashi Map" for a simple map to some of the big shops in Kappabashi.

Kappabashi

Kappabashi is where chefs and restaurateurs go to pick up all they need for their restaurants. I contributed this to the bento website several years back. You can find everything you need here from knives, pottery, pots and the famous plastic food samples.

Click on the title "Kappabashi" for the link to the bento article.

Miso Dengaku - Addictive Miso Dressing

I try to keep some miso dengaku on hand at home in the fridge. Today we had it over simmered daikon. It makes for a great dip for crudite, or spread over grilled tofu.

You can also mix in different flavors like a tart vinegar, toasted sesame seeds, or sauteed nira chives.

Mix in a small saute pan until thick:

2 Tablespoons miso (explore with different types to see what you like)

2 Tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons mirin

Taste and adjust with salt if needed.

from here, you can play around and add toasted sesame seeds, some vinegar, etc. It keeps in the fridge for a few weeks, but usually disappears before that.

Being Green in Japan with My Hashi

Disposable chopsticks are a way of life in Japan in Japanese restaurants. But it does not have to be. For those looking to avoid this, carrying around a pair of your own chopsticks, called "my hashi" for "my chopsticks" is a great alternative.

My pair are lacquered and I look for chopsticks with fine tips as I think they are easier to eat with. When purchasing the set it is suggested to pick up the small plastic cover to protect the tips from getting broken while carrying them around town. The cover is a spring theme of sakura cherry blossoms.

For me, it is not just the "green" or "eco" factor, but it also elevates the dining experience for me to use a nicer pair of chopsticks. My husband has a pair that I pack with his bento lunch box each day.

There are pairs that are even smaller that break into two pieces that need to be screwed together so that you could even carry them around in your coat pocket.

I try to carry these around with me as much as possible. The reaction by the staff from airplanes to restaurants have been very positive. Best of all, most of the time they will wash my chopsticks for me. That is customer service that I love that is only found in Japan.

Amaebi no Sashimi

This is a sashimi of Amaebi.
Amaebi is a shrimp which has beautiful pinc colour.
It live at depths of between 200 and 500m.

Literaly, "amaebi" means sweet shrimp.
It has a unique sweet taste, if it is eaten as raw.
And It has a soft texture.

I like drink hot sake(rice wine) slowly with having this sashimi.