Smoked Duck Coriander Salad

Sounds a little wild, I know — but trust me, it works! Smoky slices of duck meet the bright, citrusy kick of fresh coriander, all drizzled with a zingy chili-garlic vinaigrette. Not a coriander fan? No worries — peppery arugula adds just the right amount of spice and freshness. Each bite is bold, bright, and […]
Sashimi Fresh Spring Rolls with Carrot Ginger Miso Dip

Looking for a fresh spin on sushi night? Forget the usual sushi rolls or temaki — this Sashimi Popiah Party is a creative, hands-on way to enjoy sashimi at home. Imagine delicate sashimi paired with crisp, colorful vegetables, all wrapped up like a Japanese-style fresh spring roll. It’s light, vibrant, and absolutely fun to make! […]
Sashimi Chili Don

This homemade kaisendon (seafood bowl) is elevated with the nutty aroma of Korean sesame oil, which adds depth and a subtle toasted fragrance to the fresh sashimi. I especially love the versions made with Korean sesame seeds, as they give a richer, more complex flavor. For this dish, I used sesame oil picked up from […]
Pulpo a la Gallega

Originating from Galicia, in the scenic northwest of Spain, Pulpo a la Gallega is a classic Spanish tapa celebrated for its simplicity and bold flavors. Also known as Galician-style octopus, this dish combines tender boiled octopus with soft, buttery potatoes, finished with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Despite […]
Thai-style Steamed Scallops

I love Thai-style steamed seafood for its bright, tangy flavors from lime juice and kaffir lime leaves. This Thai-style steamed scallops recipe is a perfect way to bring those vibrant flavours to your table. While you can use regular scallops, serving them in their half-shell instantly elevates the presentation, making the dish look as impressive […]
Salmon Rillettes

I’m a big fan of duck rillettes, but recently I decided to try a lighter twist by making salmon rillettes using salmon end cuts and smoked salmon. This easy salmon rillettes recipe requires no advanced cooking skills, making it perfect even for beginners. Enjoy your salmon rillettes on toast, crackers, or fresh baguette — perfect […]
Unagi Hitsumabushi

The best time to enjoy Unagi (Japanese freshwater eel) is during the peak of summer, especially on Doyo-no-ushinohi (土用の丑の日, the Day of the Ox), which falls between mid-July and early August. In Japan, unagi is considered the ultimate summer food, believed to restore energy and help fight off the dreaded summer fatigue. While many people […]
Salmon Ochazuke

This simple Japanese one-bowl dish, known as Ochazuke, is made by pouring green tea or dashi over steamed rice topped with a variety of ingredients. It’s a quick and healthy meal, perfect for when you want something light or are feeling under the weather. The best part? You can customize the toppings with whatever you […]
Pan-seared Tuna with Sambal Chili

Tuna is often called the “beef from the sea” because of its meaty texture and flavour. When pan-seared, tuna takes on a steak-like quality — slightly charred on the outside, yet tender and rare inside. To achieve this, sear the tuna lightly on the surface while keeping the center raw. It’s essential to use sashimi-grade […]
Tokyo Food Finds | Avid Cook’s Shopping List + Local Sushi & Soba at Tsukiji

Tokyo through an avid cook’s lens — my go-to places to stock up on Japanese cooking essentials, plus hidden sushi and soba gems at Tsukiji.