Washoku – literally Japanese food – has just yesterday been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. On top of accolades by Michelin and Zagat this is another reason why you should be making the dining experience a central part of your Japan event.
The J Teammates give us their views:
Mai
Favourite washoku: Tarako spaghetti (tarako is cod roe)
Recommended for first-time visitors to Japan: Wagyu (beef) barbeque
Yoko
Favourite washoku: Salmon and ume boshi (sour plum) rice balls made with freshly boiled rice
Recommended for first-time visitors to Japan: Chawanmushi (savoury custard with lots of interesting seafood and vegetables
Kozo
Favourite washoku: tonkatsu (pork cutlets, Japanese style)
Recommended on your first visit to Japan: tonkatsu (see above)
James
Favourite washoku: depends on the weather but natto (fermented soy beans), white rice, and green tea have to be up there anytime
Recommended on your first visit to Japan: takoyaki (batter balls with goodies inside), okonomiyaki (great social food), kushi (deep fried fun on a stick)
Akiko
Favourite: Sushi in the home of sushi
Recommended on your first visit to Japan: Sushi, admire the simplicity of appearance and then marvel at the range for flavour and variety of textures as you indulge. Sushi symbolises Japan itself!
Find out more about UNESCO’s reasons for listing washoku
http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index.php?lg=en&pg=00011&RL=00869
