Kakiage is a type of tempura made by combining a variety of thinly sliced vegetables and sometimes seafood into a light, crispy fritter. You’ll often find kakiage sold at grocery store delis in Japan or served as a topping at udon restaurants—it’s a favorite for many! If you’re in the US, you might recognize it as Trader Joe’s Vegetable Bird’s Nests. Making tempura at home can feel a little intimidating, but once you learn how to prepare the batter properly and follow a few k

Ebi Fry (エビフライ)This is hands down my favorite shrimp dish! 🍤 Nagoya, where I grew up, is actually quite famous for its Ebi Fry. It became well-known nationwide after a popular Japanese comedian joked about how people in the Nagoya/Aichi area pronounce “Ebi Fry.” If you ever visit Nagoya, definitely try Ebi Fry at Maruha Shokudou, which is famous for its jumbo Ebi Fry, or at any yoshoku (Japanese-style Western food) restaurant. Most Tonkatsu restaurants also serve it! Another