For the uninitiated (but I'd love to try), please can you explain what these are. I've had Sushi (M&S version!) & I think tempura is in batter but am not sure of the rest. Thanks.
Sushi is a roll with rice in the inside wrapped in a seaweed paper and topped with various things like prawn, squid, vegetable etc. You can eat this as a starter or main.
Teppanyaki is a style of cooking on a hot plate with a sauce which is like a sweetened soy sauce. It is cooked on a large hot plate by a teppanyaki chef and you have a choice of ingredients like beef, chicken, prawn etc. At the same time the chef cooks fried rice and beansprouts. Teppanyaki chefs earn a lot of money in Japan and I mean a lot - £50K+ because they are expected to do a "show" as they cook. This maybe throwing somersaults with the pepper mill and sometimes with the very sharp knives. There is a teppanyaki chef at the restaurant in PP. Teppanyaki is usually a main course.
Tempura is a style of cooking where the vegetable or prawn is deep fried in a very light batter which is not greasy at all and very light in colour. It can be a starter or main course.
Sashimi ( my favourite) is raw fish and is normally a starter. The idea of raw fish often puts off a lot of people, but it is not as you would first imagine it. Think of smoked salmon without the richness and it is similar to that. You can have just salmon, Tuna (atun) or a mixture of those two plus a white fish. I love salmon, but find the tuna a bit waxy. If you want to try, then go for the salmon first. Sashimi is served with grated couili which is a white radish. Also on the side is a small dish with sliced ginger and wasabe paste which is a green mustard. Mix some of the wasabe with soy sauce in the dish and alternatively dip the fish and the ginger in it. It is very good for digestion.
Miso soup is often served with some of the dishes and can be ordered alone. It is customary to drink from the bowl. Unlike western food the soup is drunk through the meal and not at the beginning, although you can if you wish.
For drinks then Saki (Japanese rice wine served warm) or for me a crisp white white is best. Saki is very potent, so beware.
These are some of the main dishes, but there are many more including noodles. Japanese food has a reputation for being some of the healthiest food in the world. It is often a bit on the expensive side but don't be put off by the anti raw fish argument because if you didn't know, you would never know it was raw by looking or tasting it. (Raw salmon looks exactly like smoked salmon)
I know for visitors to PP this food is not local, but for those living there or for Japanese food lovers it is a welcome change.
Enjoy!
