When most people hear “ramen,” they often think of rich, heavy bowls like tonkotsu ramen —the famous pork bone broth that’s thick, creamy, and full of emulsified fat.Others may imagine tsukemen ramen, where cold noodles are dipped into a highly concentrated broth served separately. But the truth is, everyday ramen […]
Soup and Salad
Simple Spinach Gomae with Chinese Sesame Paste
If you love the earthy, nutty flavor of classic Japanese gomae but want to try something a little deeper and bolder, this version made with Chinese sesame paste might become your new favorite. It’s a simple side dish that brings together blanched spinach and a creamy, savory-sweet sesame dressing with […]
Authentic Miso Soup (With Optional Add-ins)
Authentic Miso Soup (With Optional Add-ins) Warm, deeply savory, and nourishing, this authentic miso soup brings the heart of Japanese home cooking to your kitchen. Made with a real dashi broth, this version goes beyond shortcuts and gives you a foundation that’s rich in umami and endlessly customizable. This isn’t […]
Chinese Ginger Chicken & Red Date Tonic Soup (中式姜雞紅棗滋補湯)
A Gently Simmered Broth with Restorative Ingredients This soup is built for balance, not boldness. It’s slow-simmered with bone-in chicken, ginger, red dates, goji berries, and often lotus seeds or ginseng. These ingredients aren’t just for flavor — they’re chosen for how they support the body. Ginger and red dates […]
Korean-Style Carrot & Eggplant Salads (Баклажаны с морковью по-корейски) – A Taste of the Soviet Bazaar
The Story of Korean-Style Carrot and Eggplant Salads: A Dish of Nostalgia and History This is not just a recipe—it’s a memory, a taste of home for many, and a dish that carries with it an entire history of resilience, migration, and cultural fusion. If you grew up in the […]
Hearty Pot Roast Beef and Barley Soup
You know those recipes that stick with you—not just because they’re delicious, but because they’re tied to people and memories? That’s exactly what this Hearty Beef and Barley Soup is for me. It’s inspired by my dear friend Diana’s incredible pot roast soup, a comforting, soul-warming dish that’s been living […]
The Perfect Greek Quinoa Salad: Fresh, Flavorful, and Balanced
If you’re looking for a salad that’s fresh, vibrant, and satisfying, this Greek Quinoa Salad hits all the right notes. It’s packed with crisp vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta, and a perfectly balanced dressing that ties everything together. This isn’t just another quinoa salad—it’s a recipe you’ll come back to […]
The Best Borscht – Rich and Vibrant Pork Rib Russian Borscht with Roasted Beets
If you think you’ve had good borscht before, prepare to have your expectations completely reset. This Pork Rib Borscht with Roasted Beets is not your average bowl of soup—it’s a rich, deeply flavorful, and vibrant dish that feels both rustic and elevated. Every spoonful delivers bold, complex flavors and a […]