Best Instant Ramen in Japan: What to Buy and How to Upgrade

The wall of instant ramen in a Japanese conbini is overwhelming, so I'm sharing how I find the best packs and the tricks to upgrade them at home.

READ: Best Instant Ramen in Japan: What to Buy and How to Upgrade

Japanese Shredded Cabbage Salad

One cabbage, two totally different salads. It all comes down to which way you slice it. Once you know the trick, you'll never make this salad the same way again.

READ: Japanese Shredded Cabbage Salad

Best Dashi Packets to Buy in Japan

Dashi packets are the souvenir I recommend to every traveler. Here's which type to choose, where to find them, and what to cook once you're home.

READ: Best Dashi Packets to Buy in Japan

Miso Eggplant Stir-Fryナスの味噌炒め

Miso Eggplant Stir-Fry recipe with silky Japanese eggplant in a sweet-savory miso-ginger glaze. A classic Japanese side dish, ready in 20 minutes.

READ: Miso Eggplant Stir-Fryナスの味噌炒め

Tokoroten (Japanese Jelly Noodles) ところてん

I'll show you the two-minute step most people rush, plus how to cut the blocks so they press into neat, even strands every time.

READ: Tokoroten (Japanese Jelly Noodles) ところてん

JOC Cooking Challenge September 2026

Join the September 2026 JOC Cooking Challenge! Learn how to make easy Osaka-style Tonpeiyaki in 30 minutes and enter for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.

READ: JOC Cooking Challenge September 2026

Tonpeiyaki (Pork and Cabbage Omelette) とん平焼き

A spoonful of potato starch in the egg is my trick for a fold that never tears, and it's ready in 30 minutes when I'm craving okonomiyaki.

READ: Tonpeiyaki (Pork and Cabbage Omelette) とん平焼き