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Local Delicacies: Ochazuke [Jan. 27th Sat.]
- 60 minutes lesson
- The first 5 explorers per lesson
- 2,200 yen per lesson for an unforgettable exploration
Lesson Preview
“Ochazuke,” a convenient and easily enjoyed dish, remains popular across generations. The basic ochazuke involves placing ingredients on top of rice and pouring hot tea or hot water over it. In recent years, there have been variations where the broth is used instead.
The roots of ochazuke can be traced back to the Heian period (8-12th century). During the Edo period (17-19th century), ochazuke, a dish of cold rice topped with pickles and tea and stirred over rice, became popular as a quick meal in between work. It was a kind of fast food in Edo, so to speak.
However, during that time, the tea consumed by common people was reddish black, with little or no taste or aroma. The development of the method for producing sencha, with its beautiful light green color, rich flavor, and delightful aroma, is credited by NAGATANI Soushichiro.
In Kyoto, “ochazuke” is called “bubuzuke,” and when someone says, “How do you like bubuzuke?” it is a well-known story that is implicitly a request to go home.
The simple flavor where the ingredients come to life is the essence of ochazuke, but “tai (sea bream) chazuke, where tea is used as the broth, is truly exceptional.
Lesson Dialogue Preview
Mizuki: Hello, everyone! Do you know anything about ochazuke ?
Anisa: My Japanese roommate used to eat ochazuke when he got hungry during late-night study sessions.
Mizuki: I see. Ochazuke is considered the ultimate fast food for Japanese people because it’s easy to make.
Mark: What kind of ochazuke is popular?
Mizuki: Umechazuke and sakechazuke are common, but you can use any ingredients, like leftovers from dinner.
Anisa: Well then, I’ll add cilantro and make it Thai-style.
Mizuki: Might be good!
Mark: I'll try pouring my favorite Japanese sake instead of tea!
Mizuki: In izakayas and such, people often order ochazuke as a finishing touch. Having ochazuke after drinking alcohol is exceptional. Mark, who eats by pouring sake on it, you drink again.
