Dining with the Chef

Discover Chef Saito's take on Japan's popular mochi-wrapped ice cream, and learn traditional mochi recipes that bring this classic treat to life.

Cook Japanese dishes using canned tuna! Chef Saito shows you a warm rice bowl topped with tuna, fried tofu and egg, plus a refreshing tuna salad enhanced with the aroma of yuzu.

Join Harry Sugiyama and chef Kuwakino for a fresh, fast master class in Veggie-full Japanese cooking, where rice takes center stage. Let's get cooking!

Chef Saito teaches you how to cook two classic Japanese squid dishes: simmered squid and stir-fried squid. By following his techniques, you can easily enjoy simple yet flavorful squid dishes at home.

Join Harry Sugiyama and Chef Kuwakino for a fresh, fast master class in Niigata's soul food! Experience timeless traditions reborn with a fresh, creative twist. Let's get cooking!

A twist on a regular steak. Chef Saito introduces a dish infused with the aroma of Japanese cedar, creating a distinctly Japanese flavor that delights the palate.

Chef Saito introduces a dish often served on special occasions: fukusa-sushi. It's a visually appealing sushi, made by wrapping colorful ingredients and vinegared rice in a thin omelet.

Chef Saito introduces two classic Japanese dishes often served in Japanese homes: pork ginger and sunomono. You can enjoy the taste of Japanese home cooking, wherever you are!

Chef Rika introduces a unique, healthy style of Japanese ramen. Have a go at making soupless miso pork ramen, topped with miso-seasoned ground pork and plenty of vegetables.

Bring home the taste of Japan with Chef Rika's Gyudon Beef Bowl, a comforting classic. Tender beef and sweet onion is simmered in an umami-rich sauce, and served over steaming rice.

Discover the essence of kombu, a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine. Chef Saito demonstrates how to craft umami-rich dashi, plus crispy and flavorful fried chicken, wrapped in kombu.

Prepare swordfish in a classic Japanese style: yuan-yaki. Chef Saito shares marinating techniques and introduces a comforting ochazuke as a delicious variation.

Chef Rika shares modern Japanese flavors: a juicy chicken tsukune rice burger, and sweet-and-savory bell pepper kimpira—fresh twists on classic dishes that you'll want to try at home.

From the southern islands of Okinawa comes a beloved comfort food. Chef Rika shows how to make soki soba—a warm, delicious bowl of island flavor with tender pork ribs and savory bonito broth.

Join Harry Sugiyama and Chef Kuwakino for a showcase of Niigata's natural bounty. Simple techniques bring out the fresh flavors of sansai—Japan's wild mountain vegetables.

Join Harry Sugiyama and Chef Kuwakino for a masterclass on Niigata's traditional cuisine, featuring simple, delicious dishes that perfectly complement the region's celebrated rice.

Join Harry Sugiyama and Chef Hayashi for a new approach to making dashi, using ingredients available anywhere. You'll also learn to make oyakodon, a classic Japanese comfort food.

Join Harry Sugiyama and Chef Hayashi to learn about a unique, time-honored sushi style featuring yam and eggs instead of rice. They introduce the traditional method, and a simplified version.

Beat the summer heat with Japanese home cooking! Chef Saito makes juicy chicken wings, glazed with mirin and soy sauce, and serves them with a refreshing zucchini salad. Easy, tasty, and satisfying.

Discover the rich flavors of sanga-yaki, a traditional fisherman's dish made with freshly minced horse mackerel. Chef Saito also makes a delicate fish ball soup. Both dishes are ideal with rice.

Chef Rika shares a gorgeous, yet easy-to-make platter that's perfect for a house party: hand-rolled sushi. Following her simple techniques, you can create your own tasty sushi at home.

Celebrate autumn with a Japanese favorite, takikomi gohan! Made with seasonal salmon and mushrooms, this colourful and bountiful mixed rice captures the beauty of the autumn mountains.