Super pour un devoir I thank my bicycle for safely getting me to my destination everytime I dismount. As I get older I often think the sheer quantity of the most mundane of my possessions diminishes my ability to hold them all in equally high regard. For instance, I have so many pins and needles (I too enjoy sewing) that I am ashamed to say it is unlikely for me to be able to be mindful enough to appreciate this practice. This is a beautiful practice and I will make attempt to do it.
Breakfast in Japan: between tradition and new trends
Une table de petit déjeuner japonaise typique.
What is the Japanese breakfast? A healthy breakfast to start the day off right!
Whether taken with the family or alone, on the go or at a restaurant, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Slow sugars, vitamins, proteins, it is indeed supposed to contain all the nutritional contributions allowing us to start the day well. Especially in Japan, since the Japanese breakfast is considered one of the most balanced in the world! What is hiding on the plates of our Japanese friends? Japan Experience is now putting its feet in the dish.
A traditional balanced breakfast
Unlike the French breakfast, the Japanese breakfast favors slow sugars. Exit therefore croissant, pain au chocolat and other quick sugar, the traditional breakfast consists mainly of rice, miso soup and marinated vegetables, the tsukemono.
The central element around which the rest of the meal revolves , rice is often served white when not accompanied by an egg to make Tamago Kake Gohan. Its consumption then gives rhythm to the hostilities, since it is the first element of the breakfast to be touched as well as the last to be finished. Note that it can also be enjoyed with nori (Japanese seaweed), or even nattô for the more adventurous.
The correct way to put down your chopsticks in Japan
DR
Next to the rice, you will then find the proteins. Whether it takes the form of an omelet, grilled salmon or even tofu, protein is indeed inherent in Japanese breakfast. They are also served with a miso soup, recommended by nutritionists for its low salt content.
Omurice of the Inoue restaurant.
DR
The first meal of the day finally consists of tsukemono , such as daikon (white radish), cucumber, or umeboshi (candied plum). These come to energize the flavors with their harsh taste , and their nutritional virtues are perfectly adapted to the beginning of the day since they are rich in vitamins. A green tea will come to conclude the whole, served cold or hot according to the conveniences.
Quelques tsukemono (légumes marinés) pouvant être consommé lors d’un petit déjeuner japonais. Ici Aubergines et cornichons.
guide Japon
Like any traditional meal, it is interesting to note that the Japanese breakfast follows the rules of kaiseki.
Advocating elegance and finesse in gastronomy, kaiseki revisits the art and the way of setting the table. It is a real feast for the eyes as much as for the taste buds, where small portions and the harmony of shapes and colors are privileged. That's why don't be surprised if breakfast seems plentiful to you, it usually consists of a multitude of small dishes , the number of which only suits the person who prepares it.
Typical Japanese breakfast dishes
To sum up, the typical dishes of a Japanese breakfast are:
- a bowl of rice garnish with an egg,
- proteins in the form of omelets or fish,
- marinated and pickled vegetables,
- all accompanied by tea!
Cuisine gastronomique japonaise, Kaiseki ryôri
JNTO
What about a western breakfast?
Although the traditional breakfast is still very popular with the Japanese, it is not necessarily part of the habits of the younger generations who prefer a slightly more Western version.
As the preparation of certain dishes such as miso soup or fish can be time consuming, Japanese people pressed for time tend to swap rice and tsukemono for toast or cereal.
Starburcks cafe and Tully's pastry shops are now taken by storm when trains dump their first batch of daily travelers, and the traditional breakfast is now just a treat you enjoy on a morning. at the ryokan (traditional inn) or on a Sunday with the family.
And for good reason, raised to the rank of standing, it is today an emblematic element of Japanese culture.
The Starbucks Creamy Pumpkin Frappuccino
Japan Today
Have a traditional breakfast in Japan
Far from having disappeared, the traditional breakfast is still well established in Japan. And when it does not line the tables of early risers and retirees, it is in ryokan or on the menu of certain more westernized hotels that it is found.
Typical of the local culture, the traditional breakfast appeals to many travelers. If it is automatically served in the ryokan, it will nevertheless be necessary to choose the Bed & Breakfast formula in the hotels to take advantage of it. This will then take the form of a savory buffet , where you can choose the different elements that will make up your first meal of the day.
On a different note, you can also enjoy it in some family restaurant chains. Like Gasto, Jo nath an's, or Otoya, who offer several elements of the traditional breakfast on their morning cards.
Much less expensive than the Breakfast option of hotels, these Japanese breakfasts are nevertheless not very generous. A little fish, a soup and a bowl of rice, you will not have the multitude of dishes nor the quality that characterizes the '' kaiseki '' experience. That said, the option is attractive for small budgets , since it will only cost between 700 and 1,200 JPY (between 6 and 10 euros) on average per person to enjoy it happily.
Finally, be aware that konbini and supermarkets also offer breakfasts . In the form of a bento (lunch box), these contain the same elements as the traditional breakfast with omelet or grilled salmon as a garnish. If you are in a hurry, think about it!