Nori: The History of Japanese Seaweed (From Imperial Currency to Near-Extinction)
Discover the fascinating history of nori, the Japanese seaweed that went from Imperial currency to near-extinction, and the British scientist who saved it.
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 everythingāfrom cold noodles and cooling foods to ancient forest rituals. Read more at Midori.
5 Easy Ways to Enjoy Japanese Snacks as a Vegan š” š
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.
åę„ć®åŗ (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: Japanās Year-End Celebration šæ
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 šæ
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 ā 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.Ā But if youāre still learning Japanese, starting a conversation can…
The Quiet Wisdom Behind Keeping Your Stomach Warm
The Quiet Wisdom Behind Keeping Your Stomach Warm In Japan, warmth is more than a feeling ā itās a quiet part of how people take care of themselves every day.From…
3 Ways to Cook with Japanese Tea (That Arenāt in a Teacup) šµ āØ
3 Ways to Cook with Japanese Tea(That Arenāt in a Teacup) šµ āØ 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 Didnāt Know You Needed
Japanese Food Hacks You Didnāt 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 āTeājakuā?
The Sake Etiquette You Might Not Know: What Is āTeājakuā? In Japanese drinking culture, thereās 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 Japanās 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 shouldnāt boil miso?
Did you know you shouldnāt boil miso? Miso soup might seem like a simple dish, but thereās one small detail that makes a big difference: youāre not meant to boil…
Try This: Make Your Own Dango at Home š”
Try This: Make Your Own Dango at Home š” August in Japan means one thing: summer festivals are everywhere!! š 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 soā¦ perfect?Soft, slightly sticky, full of subtle flavourā¦ almost comforting in a way thatās…
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 ā Marine Day: Japanās Quiet Celebration of the Sea
Umi no Hi ā Marine Day: Japanās 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, itās all about the essentials. We use a handful of…
ODEN š² Japanās cosiest winter comfort food
ODEN š² Japanās 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)? šš„
Why Do Japanese People Eat Soup So Hot (and Loud)? šš„ If you’ve ever watched someone in Japan eat ramen, you might notice two things: 1. The bowl is still…
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 itās…
Eating Out in Japan – Essential Phrases for Restaurants
Eating Out in Japan – Essential Phrases for Restaurants Japanās food culture is rich, diverse, and an essential part of the countryās 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 Thereās something magical about a mumās cooking. Itās not just about the ingredients or the recipe ā itās about…
A Quiet Celebration: Motherās Day Traditions in Japan
A Quiet Celebration: Motherās Day Traditions in Japan There are many ways to say āthank youā to a mother.Sometimes itās 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 Whatās Different? š
Autumn in Australia vs. Japan Whatās Different? š 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 Japanās most beloved snacks, and theyāre a lot easier to make than…
Japanese Words That Sound Likeā¦ Well, Sound! (Part 2)
Japanese Words That Sound Likeā¦ Well, Sound! (Part 2) In Part 1, (linkar o part 1) we explored sounds related to food and daily life. Now, letās 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 Likeā¦ Well, sound!
Japanese Words That Sound Likeā¦ 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…