Dear Japanese Food Lovers,
Hello from Aiko at isfor WA, Oxford!
As the summer heat arrives in Japan, so does a season filled with vibrant festivals, fireworks, and flavourful seasonal foods. From cold noodle dishes like sōmen and zaru soba to refreshing sweets such as kakigōri (shaved ice), summer cuisine in Japan is all about keeping cool and enjoying light, delicious flavours.
Street festivals (matsuri) offer more than just entertainment – they’re a feast for the senses. You’ll find stalls selling classics like yakisoba (fried noodles), takoyaki (octopus balls), and grilled corn, filling the air with the aromas of summer.
These seasonal favourites aren’t just tasty – they’re tied to memories, community, and tradition. Whether it’s enjoying chilled tofu at home, or catching goldfish while munching on taiyaki, Japanese summer food is as much about the experience as it is about the flavour.
One of my fondest summer memories is from a local bon odori (summer dancing) festival in my neighbourhood, where I had the chance to climb up onto the raised platform and play the taiko drum. The rhythm, the lanterns, and the warm night air—it’s an experience I’ll never forget.
By the way, did you know you can easily make mentsuyu (Japanese noodle dipping sauce) at home? It’s simpler than you might think – and I’ll be sharing the recipe in my cookery classes too!
Happy Cooking!
Aiko
isfor WA
