Beyond White and Red: Other Miso Types You Should Know
Think there’s only white and red miso? Discover Yellow, Awase, Barley, and Hatcho miso in our complete guide. Learn how to use these different types of miso at home.
How to eat sushi without overthinking it
Worried about sushi etiquette? Don’t be. Learn how to eat sushi without the stress. Chopsticks or hands? Soy sauce rules? We explain the simple truth.
Sushi names made simple: a quick guide for anyone who gets confused
Confused by Maki, Nigiri, and Uramaki? Read our quick guide to sushi names. Learn the differences, understand the menu, and order with confidence.
Your Miso Guide (Or: Why You Should Grab a Jar Next Time You’re at the Shops)
Confused by the miso aisle? Discover how to use miso at home with our simple guide. Learn the difference between white and red miso, plus 5 easy recipes.
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.
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…