Examples of Hard-to-Find Ingredients and Seasonings

  • Specific Spices and Herbs: Even if a spice is common in Japan, it might be difficult to find those frequently used in specific foreign cuisines.
  • Ethnic Ingredients: Ingredients used in Asian, African, Central, and South American dishes are often not found in regular supermarkets.
  • Ingredients Restricted by Religion: Halal food for Muslims and Kosher food for Jewish people are only available at specialized stores.

How to Find Ingredients

  • Import Food Stores: Major cities have import food stores specializing in overseas ingredients and seasonings.
  • Online Shopping: You can purchase a variety of international ingredients and seasonings through online shops like Rakuten: https://www.rakuten.co.jp/ and Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/.
  • Foreign Communities: You can exchange information and share ingredients with people from the same country through SNS and local international exchange associations.

Differences in Taste

Japanese flavors can differ significantly from those of other countries. For example:

  • Spiciness: The spiciness in Japan mainly comes from chili peppers and chili oil. Extremely spicy dishes using habanero or chili peppers are less common.
  • Sweetness: Japanese sweetness often comes from sugar and mirin (sweet rice wine). Maple syrup and agave syrup can be harder to find.
  • Saltiness: Japanese cuisine often uses soy sauce and miso, which might be a concern for those watching their salt intake.

Tips for Adjusting to the Flavors

  • Cooking at Home: Cooking for yourself allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking.
  • Bringing Seasonings: Bringing seasonings from your home country can be a helpful solution.
  • Searching for Recipes: Try searching for recipes from your home country online.

Tips for Food Life

  • Try Japanese Ingredients: Japan has many delicious seasonal ingredients. Feel free to try a variety of them.
  • Utilize Local Supermarkets: Local supermarkets might carry unexpected ingredients and seasonings.
  • Participate in Cooking Classes for Foreigners: These classes introduce dishes using Japanese ingredients and your home country’s cuisine.

Conclusion

Food life in Japan might be challenging at first, but with some effort, you can have a fulfilling culinary experience. Be sure to try various ingredients and stores to find the food that suits you.

Supermarket for Foreign Residents

Foods Marketing International Co., Ltd.

  • Address: Daiko Building, 2-24-2 Higashi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0011, Japan
  • Business Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
  • Phone Number: +81 3-5468-2317
  • Website: https://www.fmi.org/

This supermarket offers a wide variety of ingredients and seasonings for foreign residents. It also has staff who can speak both Japanese and English, so you can shop with ease.