Japanese Curry 101 with Rina Sawayama (Feat. Emmymade in Japan) | Curry Shop

Summary

In this video, the host explores the rich culture of Japanese curry in New York City's East Village with her friend Rina Sayama, a Japan-born artist. They visit Suki, a new curry rice spot, to savor dishes like classic chicken katsu curry and curry ramen. The video offers insights into Japanese curry's origins, its sweetness and depth of flavor, and its significance in Japanese households. Rina shares personal anecdotes about how food connects to her culture and the misconceptions surrounding Japanese cuisine and Asian women.

Takeaways

• 🍛 Japanese curry is a popular comfort food in Japan, often made at home with instant curry roux blocks.
• 🌐 The dish has its roots in anglo-indian cuisine, introduced to Japan in the mid to late 1800s.
• 🏡 Japanese curry is typically sweeter and less spicy than Indian curry, with a thicker sauce.
• 🍖 The chicken katsu curry features a breaded, deep-fried chicken cutlet served with the curry.
• 🍲 Curry ramen is a variation where the curry sauce is combined with a broth, often featuring noodles.
• 🧀 Yaki curry rice is a baked version with cheese on top, offering a mix of savory and sweet flavors.
• 🍢 Japanese fried chicken, or katsu, is a popular dish, especially during Christmas.
• 🍙 The concept of 'mottainai', or not wanting to waste, influences Japanese cuisine, including the use of leftovers.
• 🎎 Rina Sayama shares her personal connection to Japanese curry, highlighting its role as a symbol of love in her family.
• 🗼 There are misconceptions about Japanese food being expensive, but it can be affordable and found in various settings like convenience stores.
• 👘 Stereotypes about Asian women being 'kawaii' can be misleading and objectifying, as discussed by Rina.

Q & A

What is the focus of the video script?

The video script focuses on exploring Japanese curry culture, specifically in New York City, and the experience of eating at a new curry rice spot called Suki in the East Village.

Who is Rina Sayama and what is her background?

Rina Sayama is a friend of the host, born in Japan and raised in London. She is a critically acclaimed singer, model, and artist, and most importantly to the script, a self-proclaimed curry enthusiast.

What is the significance of food in Rina's cultural background?

Food is significant in Rina's cultural background as it represents love and connection to her heritage. As an immigrant, she mentions that food is a way her family showed love, even if it wasn't expressed in other ways.

What are the key ingredients in Japanese curry according to the script?

Japanese curry typically includes ingredients like honey, apples, and a variety of spices. It is often made with instant curry roux blocks for convenience and can be customized with additions like fresh apples, honey, coconut milk, or even cheese.

How is Japanese curry different from Indian curry as described in the script?

Japanese curry is described as being thicker, having a gravy-like consistency, and being sweeter compared to Indian curry, which is characterized by heavy, savory spices.

What is the traditional accompaniment to Japanese curry?

The traditional accompaniment to Japanese curry is plain white rice.

What is the significance of chicken katsu in Japanese cuisine as mentioned in the script?

Chicken katsu is significant in Japanese cuisine as it is a popular dish that is also associated with Christmas in Japan, where KFC is often pre-ordered months in advance.

What is the concept of 'mottainai' in Japanese culture as discussed in the script?

The concept of 'mottainai' refers to the Japanese philosophy of not wanting to waste anything. It is reflected in Japanese cooking practices where leftovers are used creatively in dishes like curry udon or ramen.

What is the difference between curry udon and curry ramen according to the script?

Curry udon typically uses thicker noodles that are believed to pair better with curry, while curry ramen uses thinner noodles that capture more broth, making it a perfect vessel for the curry sauce.

What is Yaki curry rice and how is it different from other curries mentioned in the script?

Yaki curry rice is a baked curry dish topped with a thick layer of melted cheddar, mozzarella, and Colby cheese, and sometimes truffle oil. It is distinct for its use of cheese and baking method.

What are some misconceptions about Japanese food and culture mentioned in the script?

Some misconceptions include the belief that Japanese food is always expensive, and the stereotype of Japanese women being 'kawaii' in a way that is infantilizing and objectifying.