<p>With a global background in the culinary arts and a parentage that is both Indian and Japanese, chef Mako Ravindran is the perfect person to demystify Japanese cuisine.<br /><br />Especially for those who imagine that it is all about raw fish. “Japanese food may be a bit of a mystery for people and there are many who may think it consists of raw fish. The <br />Japanese cuisine is elegantly described as an edible art. But how does one learn to appreciate it fully? <br /><br />“A Japanese meal can be stir-fried, deep-fried, grilled, stewed, souped or taken raw. You just need to discover which style suits you best. Ask for help and you will definitely enjoy the experience,” explains Mako going on to elaborate on the different items on the menu. <br /><br />“Sashimi is traditionally the first course in a formal Japanese meal. It’s basically raw fish and seafood thinly sliced and served with a dipping sauce. It is so fresh that you can taste the ocean. However, if it sounds too adventurous for a newbie there are plenty of options,” he adds.<br /><br />Tempura is always a surefire hit with diners. The freshest vegetables and seafood are dipped in a light batter and carefully fried till crisp. It is then either savoured with sauces or eaten plain. Sushi is one of Japan's most famous culinary exports. It is basically sticky, vinegared rice, topped or mixed with fresh ingredients. <br /><br />“Sushi comes in bite-sized servings, and is an excellent staple to go with any other dish that you might try, including sashimi or tempura,” he suggests. Japanese menu also covers a whole range of noodles that come in a variety of flavours and textures and are simply delicious. <br /><br />Bento boxes, a common item found in Japanese menus, are basically lunch boxes split into compartments to contain different dishes, such as meats, seafood, tempura, along with rice, noodles and sauces. They often come with the famous miso soup in a separate bowl and are ideal for diners who are not so familiar with Japanese food.<br /><br />“If you are new to the Japanese dining experience – don't fret. Relax and enjoy yourself and remember that Japanese cuisine offers a wide variety of choices, which ensure that you will want to come back for more! So cheers, and ittadakimasu!” he signs off.<br /><br /></p>
<p>With a global background in the culinary arts and a parentage that is both Indian and Japanese, chef Mako Ravindran is the perfect person to demystify Japanese cuisine.<br /><br />Especially for those who imagine that it is all about raw fish. “Japanese food may be a bit of a mystery for people and there are many who may think it consists of raw fish. The <br />Japanese cuisine is elegantly described as an edible art. But how does one learn to appreciate it fully? <br /><br />“A Japanese meal can be stir-fried, deep-fried, grilled, stewed, souped or taken raw. You just need to discover which style suits you best. Ask for help and you will definitely enjoy the experience,” explains Mako going on to elaborate on the different items on the menu. <br /><br />“Sashimi is traditionally the first course in a formal Japanese meal. It’s basically raw fish and seafood thinly sliced and served with a dipping sauce. It is so fresh that you can taste the ocean. However, if it sounds too adventurous for a newbie there are plenty of options,” he adds.<br /><br />Tempura is always a surefire hit with diners. The freshest vegetables and seafood are dipped in a light batter and carefully fried till crisp. It is then either savoured with sauces or eaten plain. Sushi is one of Japan's most famous culinary exports. It is basically sticky, vinegared rice, topped or mixed with fresh ingredients. <br /><br />“Sushi comes in bite-sized servings, and is an excellent staple to go with any other dish that you might try, including sashimi or tempura,” he suggests. Japanese menu also covers a whole range of noodles that come in a variety of flavours and textures and are simply delicious. <br /><br />Bento boxes, a common item found in Japanese menus, are basically lunch boxes split into compartments to contain different dishes, such as meats, seafood, tempura, along with rice, noodles and sauces. They often come with the famous miso soup in a separate bowl and are ideal for diners who are not so familiar with Japanese food.<br /><br />“If you are new to the Japanese dining experience – don't fret. Relax and enjoy yourself and remember that Japanese cuisine offers a wide variety of choices, which ensure that you will want to come back for more! So cheers, and ittadakimasu!” he signs off.<br /><br /></p>
