Japanese cultures have evolved greatly over time with influences from all over the world

The culture is not only about dedicated cultural members practicing traditions, but it brings some amazing food to the table.

Here are seven fun facts about Japanese food 

via GIPHY

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1. Japanese cuisine is one of the ONLY three national food traditions recognized by the UN for its cultural significance

(The other two being French and Mexican.)

And if you are looking for a new place in town to fully experience Japanese dining, Iazakaya is the place you are looking for. It has authentic Japanese food and is all the while super upbeat, casual (and slightly edgy!), so it is really the perfect place to enjoy a cultural meal while hanging out with friends.

2. Omakase is a Japanese tradition of letting a Chef choose your order

Izakaya brings this tradition to Dubai every Monday from 6pm to midnight. Completely immerse in a very vibrant Japanese setting and allow the culinary team to dexterously craft your dining experience.

Cost

AED 300 per person for the Omakase-Regular Menu 
AED 450 per person for the Omakase-Premium Menu

3. The blade of a professional sushi Chef’s knives must be re-sharpened every day

This is especially important when working with sashimi (raw and thinly sliced fish).

Not unlike a samurai.

4. Mochitsuki is all about preparing the rice to make mochi

Mochi is a traditional Japanese soft and sticky rice cake made of Mochigome rice and it is a MUST TRY, sweet-tooth or not.

Mochitsuki is an important traditional event of the Japanese New Year, and what better way to celebrate? 

Mochitsuki takes place at the end of the year (around December 25 – 28) where rice is ponded into paste and moulded into shapes. 

Specific tools such as Usu (traditional mortar), Usudai (usu pedestal), and Kine (wooden mallets) are used on this occasion.

It is serious business, peeps.

And Izakaya has some of the YUMMIEST mochi you can ever get your hands on.

5. Sushi Masters strongly believe that food isn’t just eaten with the mouth but also the eyes

This is why sushi always look so delicious.

Just look at this Izakaya selection.

6. It doesn’t look like a lot of food but it is!

Though the individual servings are small, traditional Japanese meals (called kaiseki) include several courses which add up to a lot of food. 

Want to give it a try? The Sushi and Bubbly Tuesdays promotion at Izakaya is a great way to do so. 

You will be getting unlimited sushi and free-flowing bubbly.

Deets

Available on Tuesdays from 6pm until 12 midnight

AED 175 per person, including unlimited sushi

AED 298 per person including unlimited sushi and 2 hours of free-flowing Belaire Rare bubbly

7. A Teishoku is a type of Japanese set meal, where all of the dishes in the course are served together as a set

Teishoku dining is based on the ichiju-issai (or “one soup, one side”) traditional meals offered at Zen temples, which included a main, soup, rice, and pickles. 

Try a modern spin on this traditional meal at Izakaya every Wednesday.

It is artistically presented on a wooden plank and there are lots of amazing selections to choose from.

Special Teishoku set menu starting from AED 175 per person.