The Art Of Japanese Cookware: A Guide To The Ultimate Kitchen Set

Japanese cookware sets are known for their durability and design. They are a great addition to your kitchen if you want to cook Japanese food and elevate your dining experience. Japanese cookware ranges from tools used for prep, such as fish bone tweezers, to tools used for plating and adding finishing touches, such as plating chopsticks and torch burners. You can find everything from rice cookers and chopsticks to knives and woks.

Japanese Knives

There are two main types of Japanese knives: Japanese-style knives and Western-style knives. Japanese-style knives are typically thinner and sharper with a more acute cutting angle, ideal for precise slicing and delicate tasks. They are single-bevelled (sharpened on one side) and are meant to be held in the right hand. This style is preferred by professional Japanese chefs, particularly for sushi. Western-style knives, on the other hand, have a double bevel edge, sharpened on both sides, making them more versatile and easier to maintain. They are favoured by home cooks for their ability to handle a wider range of cutting techniques and their thin, acute blades.

When it comes to specific types of Japanese knives, there is a knife for every task in the kitchen. Here are some of the most common types:

• Yanagiba: A long, thin knife used for slicing fish and is a favourite among sushi chefs.
• Deba: A heavy knife used for filleting and cutting fish. There are two types: Ko Deba, a smaller knife for smaller fish, and Yo Deba, a larger knife for bigger fish.
• Usuba: A knife with a thick spine and a blunt tip used for cutting vegetables.
• Nakiri: A knife similar to the Usuba but with a thinner blade and a sharp tip. It is also used for cutting vegetables.
• Santoku: An all-purpose knife that can be used for slicing, dicing, and mincing.
• Gyuto: The Japanese equivalent of a chef's knife, used for a variety of tasks such as slicing, dicing, and chopping.
• Petty: A small utility knife used for peeling, trimming, and other small tasks.
• Honesuki: A boning knife used for removing bones from meat and fish.
• Sujihiki: A slicing knife used for carving meat and filleting fish.

When it comes to purchasing Japanese knives, there are a variety of brands and sellers to choose from. Websites like Globalkitchen Japan, MTC Kitchen, Japanese Chef Knives, Yoshihiro Cutlery, SharpEdge, Kamikoto, Kikuichi, and Japanese Knife Imports offer a wide range of Japanese knives for all your culinary needs. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, you're sure to find the perfect Japanese knife to elevate your cooking experience.

Japanese Teaware

Teapots

Japanese teapots are known as kyusu. They are typically made from clay or porcelain and come in a variety of colours, including black, brown, light brown, red, turquoise, white, and champagne. Some kyusu have built-in metal strainers, while others are handleless.

Tea Bowls

Matcha bowls are known as chawan. They are made from a variety of materials, including bamboo, ceramic, clay, porcelain, and wood. Chawan also come in a variety of colours, including black, brown, grey, red, turquoise, and white, and feature a range of designs, such as bamboo forests, cranes, flowers, and dragons.

Tea Cups

Japanese tea cups are known as yunomi. They are typically made from porcelain and come in a variety of colours, including blue, champagne, turquoise, and white. Yunomi usually have a capacity of around 70-120cc.

Accessories

Japanese tea accessories include whisks (known as chasen), whisk holders (naoshi), tea scoops (chashaku), and water coolers (yuzamashi).

Japanese Cookware Accessories

Rice Cookers and Rice-Related Accessories

Rice is a staple in Japanese cuisine, and having a dedicated rice cooker can make preparing this grain a breeze. Rice cookers can be found in various styles, from electric models to traditional donabe pots. A donabe is a handcrafted earthenware pot used for cooking rice and other hot pot dishes over an open flame. For those who prefer a more modern approach, electric rice cookers like those offered by Zojirushi can cook and keep rice warm at an ideal serving temperature.

Additionally, a rice paddle, or shamoji, is a must-have accessory for serving rice. Look for one with a textured surface to prevent sticking and a thin edge for smooth cutting.

Chopsticks and Cooking Chopsticks

Chopsticks are an essential part of the Japanese dining experience. For a more sustainable and stylish option, opt for a pair of lacquered bamboo chopsticks, which typically come with a matching travel case. When it comes to cooking, longer cooking chopsticks with anti-slip tips are ideal for preparing dishes and serving at the table. Bunny print saibashi, for example, are both functional and a great conversation starter.

Tamagoyaki Pans and Accessories

Tamagoyaki, or Japanese rolled omelette, is a popular dish that requires a specific type of pan. A tamagoyaki pan is typically rectangular and non-stick, designed to give the omelette its distinctive shape. Some pans come as part of a set, including accessories like spatulas, knives, and bamboo mats.

Teapots and Tea Accessories

The Japanese tea ceremony is a revered tradition, and the right accessories are essential for preparing and serving tea. A cast-iron teapot, or tetsubin, is a traditional option for steeping tea. For a more modern approach, electric water boilers like those offered by Tiger can provide hot water at the touch of a button.

To enhance the tea-drinking experience, consider investing in a set of high-quality tea cups, such as those made from Tokoname clay, which is known for adding depth to the taste of Japanese tea. Don't forget a tea timer to ensure the perfect brew every time!

Japanese-Style Knives

Japanese knives are renowned for their quality and precision. A Yanagi sushi knife, for example, is a must-have for slicing fish with expertise. Other specialised knives include the Honesuki/Garasuki boning knife, Sujihiki slicing knife, Petty paring knife, and Yo-Deba fish knife.

Other Accessories

Other accessories to consider include mortar and pestle sets (Suribachi and Surikogi), bento boxes, sake sets, and woks.

When it comes to Japanese cookware accessories, the options are diverse and tailored to specific culinary tasks. These accessories will not only enhance the functionality of your Japanese cookware set but also add a touch of cultural authenticity to your cooking and dining experience.

Japanese Tableware

One popular style of Japanese tableware is Hasami porcelain, which features clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. Hasami porcelain tableware typically comes in natural, black, or grey colours, with some pieces featuring a striped design. Other popular tableware styles from Japan include Kutani ware, which is known for its high quality and bright, colourful designs, and Arita ware, which features intricate patterns and gold details.

For a modern take on Japanese tableware, brands such as WAZA Tokyo offer sleek and simple designs in their tableware sets. The Shima White and Seto Blue 4-piece dinnerware sets from WAZA Tokyo feature a mix of plates, bowls, mugs, and cups in a modern ceramic design. The brand also offers more unique tableware sets, such as the Beni 3-piece set and the Mashiko 2-piece lunch set, which feature handmade pottery and earth-toned colours.

Traditional Japanese tableware is also known for its use of lacquerware, which is often decorated with intricate patterns and designs. Lacquerware is a technique where multiple layers of lacquer are applied to wood, creating a durable and waterproof finish. Japanese lacquerware can range from simple designs, such as the Yatsuyanagi Checkered Akita Cherry Bark Plates, to more intricate patterns, such as the Tasei Kiln Lustrous Pink Sakura Arita Ware Candy Box.

Japanese Cookbooks

Washoku: Recipes from the Japanese Home Kitchen

This cookbook by Elizabeth Andoh showcases "Washoku" or "food of Japan," offering a diverse range of dishes and cuisines, both modern and ancient. The recipes are compatible with various diets, including vegetarian, vegan, paleo, and keto, and cover a wide range of flavours and ingredients.

Japanese Soul Cooking: Ramen, Tonkatsu, Tempura, and More from the Streets and Kitchens of Tokyo and Beyond

This cookbook by Tadashi Ono and Harris Salat takes you on a culinary journey through Tokyo and beyond, exploring the rich and diverse food culture of Japan. It features over 100 recipes, including well-known dishes like ramen, tonkatsu, and tempura, as well as those rarely found outside of restaurants.

Japan: The Cookbook

Written by Nancy Singleton Hachisu, this comprehensive cookbook covers over 400 recipes, encompassing a wide range of common and uncommon Japanese dishes. Whether you're looking for home-style meals or restaurant specialties, this book is a great resource for exploring the breadth of Japanese cuisine.

The Just Bento Cookbook: Everyday Lunches to Go

If you're looking for quick and easy Japanese lunches, "The Just Bento Cookbook" is a great choice. It offers everyday lunch recipes that are perfect for those on the go. With over 1,500 ratings on Goodreads, it's a popular choice for those seeking convenient and tasty Japanese meal options.

Japanese Home Cooking: Simple Meals, Authentic Flavors

This cookbook is perfect for beginners, as it starts with helping you build a Japanese pantry and then guides you through combining flavours and ingredients. With over 100 recipes, it covers snacks, meals, drinks, and pantry fillers, making it a great resource for those who want to explore the simplicity and authenticity of Japanese home cooking.

Tokyo Stories: A Japanese Cookbook

"Tokyo Stories" takes readers on a culinary tour of Tokyo, from basement eateries to modern cuisine in high-rise buildings. It offers a range of authentic and achievable recipes for cooks of all skill levels, providing a delightful exploration of the city's rich food culture.

Atsuko's Japanese Kitchen: Home-cooked Comfort Food Made Simple

This cookbook delivers on its promise of comfort food, offering over 75 recipes filled with savoury umami flavours and a unique blend of rare and modern ingredients. It's perfect for beginners who want to replicate their favourite Japanese dishes in the comfort of their own homes.

Ramen Obsession: The Ultimate Bible for Mastering Japanese Ramen

With over 130 recipes, this cookbook takes you on a global ramen journey, from traditional Japan to unique creations in the US. It's a great choice for those who want to leave instant ramen behind and learn how to make delicious bowls of ramen from scratch.

Let's Make Ramen!: A Comic Book Cookbook

This playful fusion of a graphic novel and a cookbook makes ramen accessible and fun for beginners. The illustrations not only guide you through achieving the perfect bowl of ramen aesthetically but also entertain you along the way, making it a unique and enjoyable cooking experience.

Preserving the Japanese Way: Traditions of Salting, Fermenting, and Pickling for the Modern Kitchen

Authored by Nancy Singleton Hachisu, this cookbook explores the art of preserving, fermenting, and pickling in Japanese cuisine. It includes several dozen methods for making traditional pickles, cured fish and meats, and fermented vegetables, as well as creative recipes like the "Sour Plum Cordial Cocktail."

Japanese Vegetarian and Vegan Cookbooks

Japanese cuisine offers many vegan and vegetarian options, and these cookbooks showcase how to create delicious plant-based spins on classic Japanese dishes.

"Vegan JapanEasy" by Tim Anderson teaches how to make simple substitutions to create vegan versions of Japanese classics, focusing on replicating the unique blend of spices, herbs, and pastes in vegan cooking.

"Japan: The World Vegetarian" highlights tofu and other classic vegetarian dishes, offering over 70 recipes to expand your meat-free cooking skills and knowledge of delicate Japanese herbs and spices.

The Japanese Sake Bible: Everything You Need To Know About Great Sake

Sake is Japan's national drink, and this book is the perfect guide to learning about its history, ingredients, and service. With over 300 photos, it's an ideal gift for those stepping into the complex and fascinating world of sake.

These cookbooks provide a wonderful introduction to Japanese cuisine, offering a mix of traditional and modern recipes, techniques, and inspiration. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, these books will surely enhance your culinary skills and appreciation for Japanese food.

Frequently asked questions