The Japanese approach to summer that changes everything
Summer in Australia is hot. Discover the Japanese approach to summer that changes everything—from cold noodles and cooling foods to ancient forest rituals. Read more at Midori.
5 Easy Ways to Enjoy Japanese Snacks as a Vegan 🍡 💚
Discover 5 easy ways to enjoy Japanese snacks as a vegan. Learn to spot hidden ingredients, find plant-based treats in konbini and snack stress-free.
初日の出 (Hatsuhinode): The First Sunrise of the Year
Discover the meaning of Hatsuhinode, the Japanese tradition of watching the first sunrise. Learn why starting the year with light brings good fortune.
What Happens at the Table When the Year Ends in Japan
Discover the meaning behind Japanese New Year food. From Toshikoshi Soba to Osechi Ryori, learn how Japan marks the end of the year with quiet gratitude.
Interesting Facts & Curiosities About Donburi
Discover interesting facts about Donburi, from its history as ancient fast food to why the bowl size matters. Learn why it’s perfect for plant-based eating.
The Sacred Bridge: Why Chopsticks Mean More Than You Think
Did you know that “hashi” means both chopsticks and bridge? Discover the sacred meaning behind this daily ritual, the true depth of “itadakimasu,” and why eating is an act of connection and gratitude at Izakaya Midori.
BOUNENKAI: Japan’s Year-End Celebration 🌿
Discover Bounenkai, the traditional Japanese “forget the year” party. Learn about its origins, how it compares to Aussie Christmas functions, and how to embrace the spirit of gratitude and connection to end your year on a high note.
Japanese Superfoods for Everyday Health 🌿
Discover 5 essential Japanese superfoods to boost your everyday health. From antioxidant-rich Matcha to fibre-packed Edamame, learn about their nutritional benefits and how to easily incorporate these delicious flavours into your daily routine.
Your Easy Vegan Guide to Japan: Eat Well, Travel Happy
Your Easy Vegan Guide to Japan: Eat Well, Travel Happy Japan as a vegan can feel tricky at first — all those hidden dashi broths and mystery sauces! But once…
Hungry for a Good Story? – Our Book Picks from Hisashi Kashiwai
Hungry for a Good Story? Our Book Picks from Hisashi Kashiwai At Izakaya Midori, we believe that food tells stories, evokes memories, and brings people together. Recently, we discovered two…
Wanna Make Friends in Japanese?
Wanna Make Friends in Japanese? Making friends is one of the best parts of living, studying, or even just visiting Japan. But if you’re still learning Japanese, starting a conversation can…
So you’ve got your Izakaya Midori platter in front of you.
So you’ve got your Izakaya Midori platter in front of you. All those colours, textures and little bites aren’t just tasty — they have a language of their own. Here…
Onigiri: The Snack Australia Didn’t Know It Needed 🍙 ✨
Onigiri: The Snack Australia Didn’t Know It Needed 🍙 ✨ his snack has no rules. No cutlery. No order. No fuss. And quietly, it’s taking over Australia. It’s not sushi….
The Quiet Wisdom Behind Keeping Your Stomach Warm
The Quiet Wisdom Behind Keeping Your Stomach Warm In Japan, warmth is more than a feeling — it’s a quiet part of how people take care of themselves every day.From…
3 Ways to Cook with Japanese Tea (That Aren’t in a Teacup) 🍵 ✨
3 Ways to Cook with Japanese Tea(That Aren’t in a Teacup) 🍵 ✨ When you think of Japanese tea, you probably picture a calming cup of matcha or a pot…
How We Create Deep, Bold Japanese Flavour – Without Any Fish
How We Create Deep, Bold Japanese Flavour – Without Any Fish When most people think of Japanese cuisine, they imagine bold umami flavours, savoury broths and comforting bowls of noodles….
Japanese Food Hacks You Didn’t Know You Needed
Japanese Food Hacks You Didn’t Know You Needed Japanese food is already amazing, but a few little hacks can make it even more fun and might just make you feel…
Inside the Kitchen: Local Produce, Timeless Technique
Inside the Kitchen: Local Produce, Timeless Technique Have you ever wondered what really makes a meal special? For us at Midori, it begins with where our food comes from. Every…
The Sake Etiquette You Might Not Know: What Is ‘Te‑jaku’?
The Sake Etiquette You Might Not Know: What Is ‘Te‑jaku’? In Japanese drinking culture, there’s a quiet rule that carries a lot of meaning: never pour sake for yourself. This…
Quirky Japanese Food Facts That Might Surprise You
Quirky Japanese Food Facts That Might Surprise You Japan’s food culture is playful, surprising and full of little stories that make it way more fun than just sushi or ramen….
Did you know you shouldn’t boil miso?
Did you know you shouldn’t boil miso? Miso soup might seem like a simple dish, but there’s one small detail that makes a big difference: you’re not meant to boil…
Try This: Make Your Own Dango at Home 🍡
Try This: Make Your Own Dango at Home 🍡 August in Japan means one thing: summer festivals are everywhere!! 🎇 From colourful yukata and paper lanterns to the smell of…
Why Japanese Gohan Hits Different
Why Japanese Gohan Hits Different Have you ever wondered why the rice in Japanese dishes feels so… perfect?Soft, slightly sticky, full of subtle flavour… almost comforting in a way that’s…
HOW TO ASK FOR PLANT-BASED OPTIONS IN JAPAN
HOW TO ASK FOR PLANT-BASED OPTIONS IN JAPAN Travelling to Japan and want to stick to your plant-based lifestyle? Sometimes it can be tricky to find vegan or plant-based options…
Umi no Hi – Marine Day: Japan’s Quiet Celebration of the Sea
Umi no Hi – Marine Day: Japan’s Quiet Celebration of the Sea Did you know Japan has a national holiday dedicated entirely to the ocean?Every July, the country celebrates Umi…
Japanese Essentials We Use Everyday
Japanese Essentials We Use Everyday What makes Japanese food taste so comforting, balanced and packed with flavour? At Izakaya Midori, it’s all about the essentials. We use a handful of…
ODEN 🍲 Japan’s cosiest winter comfort food
ODEN 🍲 Japan’s cosiest winter comfort food If winter had a flavour in Japan, it would definitely be Oden. But wait, what exactly is it?Think of a big simmering pot…
Why Do Japanese People Eat Soup So Hot (and Loud)? 🍜🔥
Why Do Japanese People Eat Soup So Hot (and Loud)? 🍜🔥 If you’ve ever watched someone in Japan eat ramen, you might notice two things: 1. The bowl is still…
Mushrooming with Flavour
Mushrooming with FlavourA Fun Guide to Japanese Mushrooms When it comes to Japanese cuisine, there’s one group of ingredients that always manages to sneak onto your plate and steal the…
How Traditional Japanese Ingredients Can Support Your Immunity 🌿
How Traditional Japanese Ingredients Can Support Your Immunity 🌿 With winter in full swing on the Gold Coast, this is the time we all start craving warmth, comfort and a…
What to Drink at Midori: The Art of Perfect Pairings with Japanese Flavours
What to Drink at Midori: The Art of Perfect Pairings with Japanese Flavours At Izakaya Midori, the experience goes far beyond what’s on your plate. Every detail, from the ingredients…
What’s Your Midori Mood? Let Your Taste Follow Your Vibe
What’s Your Midori Mood? Let Your Taste Follow Your Vibe Ever wake up knowing exactly what you feel like eating… without even knowing what you want yet? We get it.Sometimes…
Izakaya Midori: where Japanese soul meets plant-based flavour with authenticity and quality
Izakaya Midori: where Japanese soul meets plant-based flavour with authenticity and quality When you think of Japanese cuisine, your mind might go straight to sashimi, seafood, and plenty of raw…
IT ALL STARTS WITH THE PERFECT BASE
IT ALL STARTS WITH THE PERFECT BASE At our kitchen, everything begins with the perfect foundation. The very first step can set the tone for the entire dish. Whether it’s…
Eating Out in Japan – Essential Phrases for Restaurants
Eating Out in Japan – Essential Phrases for Restaurants Japan’s food culture is rich, diverse, and an essential part of the country’s unique charm. Whether you’re visiting a traditional izakaya,…
A Taste of Home: The Flavours That Remind Us of Mum
A Taste of Home: The Flavours That Remind Us of Mum There’s something magical about a mum’s cooking. It’s not just about the ingredients or the recipe — it’s about…
A Quiet Celebration: Mother’s Day Traditions in Japan
A Quiet Celebration: Mother’s Day Traditions in Japan There are many ways to say “thank you” to a mother.Sometimes it’s a hug.Other times, a warm meal.Or even a simple moment…
Konjac – A Hidden Gem in Japanese Cuisine
Konjac – A Hidden Gem in Japanese Cuisine We love introducing our guests to the unique ingredients of Japanese cuisine, especially those that are still unfamiliar to many in Australia….
What to Do on Rainy Days – Fun Indoors for the Whole Family
What to Do on Rainy Days – Fun Indoors for the Whole Family Rainy days during the holidays can feel like a bit of a letdown, especially when outdoor plans…
Autumn in Australia vs. Japan What’s Different? 🍁
Autumn in Australia vs. Japan What’s Different? 🍁 Autumn has arrived in Gold Coast! While we enjoy the cooler breeze and golden afternoons, have you ever wondered what autumn is…
Onigiri in 3 Simple Steps
Onigiri in 3 Simple StepsEasy, Fun, and Totally Plant-Based Onigiri, those delightful little rice balls, are one of Japan’s most beloved snacks, and they’re a lot easier to make than…
Japanese Words That Sound Like… Well, Sound! (Part 2)
Japanese Words That Sound Like… Well, Sound! (Part 2) In Part 1, (linkar o part 1) we explored sounds related to food and daily life. Now, let’s dive into even…
Why do the Japanese sit on the floor to eat?
Why do the Japanese sit on the floor to eat? Even today, many Japanese people prefer to sit on the floor for their meals, which might seem a bit unusual…
Japanese Words That Sound Like… Well, sound!
Japanese Words That Sound Like… Well, sound! Did you know that Japanese has a huge collection of words that mimic sounds? These words, called onomatopoeia, are used every day in…
Gyoza: A Crispy Tale You Need to Know!
Gyoza: A Crispy Tale You Need to Know! Today, let’s explore gyoza, a beloved dish in Japanese cuisine, with roots that actually trace back to China. It consists of thin…
UMAMI – The fifth taste
UMAMI – The fifth taste What is Umami? Understanding the Fifth Taste When we think about flavours, we typically recall the four basic tastes that the human palate can perceive:…
Tsukemono – A Fresh Twist on Preserving for Everyday Life
Tsukemono – A Fresh Twist on Preserving for Everyday Life Tsukemono is an easy, delicious, and healthy way to preserve a variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. It adds a…
Valentine’s Day in Japan – The Sweetest Traditions
Valentine’s Day in Japan – The Sweetest Traditions While many of us in the West associate Valentine’s Day with roses, romantic dinners, and gifts, Japan has its own unique way…
Shinrin-Yoku: The Japanese Art of Forest Bathing and How It Can Benefit You 🌲✨
Shinrin-Yoku: The Japanese Art of Forest Bathing and How It Can Benefit You 🌲✨ If you’ve ever felt the calming effects of being in nature, you might have unknowingly practiced…
4 Reasons Tofu’s Your New Best Friend
4 Reasons Tofu’s Your New Best Friend Tofu is a superfood packed with health benefits! If you haven’t jumped on the tofu train yet, here are four great reasons to…
A Catch-Up With Friends over Japanese Delights
A Catch-Up With Friends over Japanese Delights In a world where we’re always on the go and days fly by in the blink of an eye, there’s nothing quite like…
Kuchisabishii: The Japanese Concept of “Lonely Mouth” and How to Satisfy It
Kuchisabishii: The Japanese Concept of “Lonely Mouth” and How to Satisfy It Have you ever found yourself not exactly hungry, but still craving a bite of something delicious? You’re not…
5 Japanese Habits to Kickstart Your Year with Positive Energy
5 Japanese Habits to Kickstart Your Year with Positive Energy As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to adopt some habits from Japan that can help you live…
How Do You Say ‘Happy New Year’ in Japan? Find Out!
How Do You Say ‘Happy New Year’ in Japan? Find Out! The New Year in Japan is a time for reflection, renewal, and honoring deep-rooted traditions.Ever wondered how the Japanese…
Ichigo Ichie. One Moment, One Chance
Ichigo IchieOne Moment, One Chance. The Japanese Secret to Enjoying Every Moment Ever feel like life’s rushing by, and you’re just ticking things off your to-do list without really soaking…
We’re Awarded OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice Award!
We’re Awarded OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice Award! We’ve got some exciting news to share! 🎉 Izakaya Midori has been honoured with the Diners’ Choice Award from OpenTable! 🥇This is such an…
Japan’s New Year Traditions You Need to Know!
Japan’s New Year Traditions You Need to Know! New Year in Japan is packed with traditions, good vibes, and incredible food. If you’re thinking of making 2025 something special, why…
Omotenashi: The Japanese Art of Welcoming with Heart (and Some Fascinating Facts You’ll Love)
Omotenashi: The Japanese Art of Welcoming with Heart (and Some Fascinating Facts You’ll Love) In Japan, hospitality is about making people feel genuinely cared for and at ease. You’ve probably…
Why Sushi Platters Are the Perfect Choice for Your Christmas Feast
Why Sushi Platters Are the Perfect Choice for Your Christmas Feast The holiday season is all about good company, good food, and creating memorable moments. But between the shopping, decorating,…
Did you know?
The word ‘izakaya’ made its way into the English language in 1987. It’s a compound word made up of “i” (meaning ‘to stay’) and “sakaya” (meaning ‘sake
10 Things That Happen When You Overdo It with Wasabi
10 Things That Happen When You Overdo It with Wasabi 1️⃣ The initial shockYou take that first bite, and suddenly, you’re questioning whether you were truly ready for this explosion…
KINTSUGI – Breaking It to Make It
KINTSUGI Breaking It to Make It Have you ever heard of kintsugi? It’s the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with golden lacquer – and trust us, it’s way…
Taste the Tales – Japan’s Edible Flora You Never Knew Had Stories!
Taste the Tales Japan’s Edible Flora You Never Knew Had Stories! Japan is famous for its beautiful scenery, delicious food, and…edible plants with stories to tell? Yep, some of the…
Elevate Your Dining Experience with the Perfect Tea Pairings
Elevate Your Dining Experience with the Perfect Tea Pairings Enjoying Japanese cuisine is truly an art form, and one of the best ways to enhance this experience is by selecting…
Celebrate Spring in the Japanese Way
Celebrate Spring in the Japanese Way Fresh Food and Fun Traditions! With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to dive into one of Japan’s most beautiful and flavourful…
The Secrets Behind Japanese Knife Skills (and why they matter)
The Secrets Behind Japanese Knife Skills (and why they matter) In Japanese cuisine, the knife is an extension of the chef’s hand, with a skill set that’s been honed over…
Okonomiyaki: A Japanese Classic with a Creative Twist!
Okonomiyaki: A Japanese Classic with a Creative Twist! When you think of Japanese cuisine, sushi or ramen might be the first things that pop into your mind. But there’s a…
Tiramisu – A Sweet Romance
G’day dessert lovers!Ready to dive into a tale of sweetness that’s stolen hearts around the globe?Let’s chat about the love affair between Japan and Tiramisu. The Global Heart-ThrobTiramisu, which translates…
Ramen Tales – From Hokkaido’s Kitchen to Your Bowl
Ramen TalesFrom Hokkaido’s Kitchen to Your Bowl Let’s take a little trip to Hokkaido, where one bold chef decided that ramen needed a spicy twist! Back in the day, ramen…
A quick update for our wonderful guests
Hello, dear guests! At Midori Izakaya, our aim is to provide you with a top-notch dining experience every time you visit. To ensure everything is just right, we’d like to…
Ramune! The Fun-Filled Japanese Drink You Need to Try!
RamuneThe Fun-Filled Japanese Drink You Need to Try! Have you ever spotted a bottle of Ramune and wondered about that curious glass marble inside? Let’s dive into the world of…
Experience the Charm of Small Things Wine: A Perfect Pairing with Your Meal
At Izakaya Midori, we’re always on the lookout for unique and delightful ways to enhance your dining experience. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our special partnership with Small Things…
いらっしゃいませ！Irashaimase!
Heard “Irashaimase!” at a Japanese restaurant? That warm welcome is just the beginning. Let’s see what makes dining in Japan so special! “Irashaimase” (いらっしゃいませ) is a traditional Japanese greeting used…
The art of Japanese cuisine presentation
Beauty and meaning in every dishJapanese cuisine goes beyond mere meals; it’s a visual experience reflecting centuries of tradition, aesthetics, and philosophy. Renowned for its meticulous attention to detail, Japanese…
Fun facts about Japanese Cuisine
Fun facts about Japanese Cuisine If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine or just love trying new things, you’re in for a treat! Japan’s food culture is packed with interesting…
Japanese Curry
Japanese CurryA Warm and Aromatic Deligh Japanese curry is one of those dishes that warms the heart and delights the senses. With its rich history and unique blend of flavours,…
The magic of Matcha
The magic of MatchaExploring the traditional Japanese green tea Matcha, a vibrant and nutrient-rich powdered green tea, has been captivating the world with its unique flavour and numerous health benefits….
A Guide to Miso and its Place in Japanese Culture
A Guide to Miso and its Place in Japanese CultureIn the world of Japanese cuisine, few ingredients hold as much significance as miso. Originating from Japan, miso is atraditional fermented…
Japanese White Rice vs. Brown Rice
Japanese White Rice vs. Brown RiceExploring the Differences in Taste and TextureAt the heart of Japanese cuisine, rice plays a central role not just as a side dish, but as…
Take a leap into green!
Have you ever considered adopting a plant-based diet but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the benefits…
Greeting & Trading hours in December 2021 due to new restriction
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the wonderful amazing lovely customers who support us and love us and bring us a lot of brilliant vibes in…
New Sushi Platter
We have festive range & catering service which include this Midori Rock n Roll sharing platter, great ideal for your home parties or next X’mas gathering!
We are an official sponsor of BRISBANE VEGAN EXPO
18th & 19th Sep 2021 Brisbane Vegan Expo Home
Midori Stall at the Brisbane vegan market
Next Brisbane Market is on 19th Dec (Sun)!! @brisbaneveganmarket Brisbane Vegan Market / Upstair Toombul Shopping center 9:00 – 15:00🌱
Midori stall at the QLD vegan market
First Gold Coast Vegan Market of 2022 is on 30th Jan (Sun)!! @qldveganmarket Broadwater Parklands / Gold Coast Vegan market 9:00 – 15:00🌱