Posts

  • Seaside Loco Moco at Zushi Beach A Shared Summer Memory

    ByKoichi

    Introduction Loco Moco is a Hawaiian comfort dish that combines a juicy hamburger patty, fluffy rice, a fried egg, and rich brown gravy. Originally created in Hilo, Hawaii in the late 1940s, it has since become a beloved plate lunch across the islands and beyond. In this article, I share not only Loco Moco but also the story of enjoying it with my best friend from Italy at Zushi Beach in Japan. You will learn how small moments at the seaside can create lifelong memories. I chose to feature this recipe and story because food is never just about eating. It is about sharing time, courage, and joy with people…

  • Tortilla Española – A Classic Spanish Omelette Recipe

    ByKoichi

    Introduction Tortilla Española, also known as Spanish omelette, is one of Spain’s most iconic dishes. Made with just a few humble ingredients—potatoes, eggs, and onions—this dish has been a staple since the 19th century. Originally created as a filling meal for farmers and workers, it has become a beloved comfort food throughout Spain. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make a traditional Tortilla Española step-by-step, including how to flip it like a pro. I made this dish because it’s simple, warm, and brings people together. That’s the heart of home cooking. Ingredients • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced • 5 eggs…

  • Croquetas de Jamón – Classic Spanish Ham Croquettes Made at Home

    ByKoichi

    Introduction Have you ever tasted a dish that instantly takes you to another country? I first heard about croquetas from my Italian friend Simone, who spent time in Spain. He told me they were the best thing he ever ate there. Later I found out they’re everywhere like bars, home kitchens, you name it. Croquetas de Jamón are one of Spain’s most iconic tapas. Golden on the outside, creamy inside, and packed with the rich flavor of cured ham, they’re the perfect bite with a glass of wine or a casual chat with friends. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make them from scratch step by step using Japanese…

  • Gazpacho – Spanish Cold Tomato Soup Recipe

    ByKoichi

    Introduction Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish cold soup that has become a summer staple across the world. Made from ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, garlic, and olive oil, it is refreshing, light, and full of flavor. This dish requires no cooking, which makes it perfect for hot days when turning on the stove feels like too much. Historically, gazpacho dates back to the Middle Ages in Spain, when it was originally made without tomatoes. The earliest versions were a mix of stale bread, olive oil, vinegar, and water. Tomatoes were added much later, after they were introduced to Europe from the Americas, and transformed the dish into the red gazpacho…

  • Dakdoritang | Spicy Korean Chicken Stew Packed with Comfort and Flavor

    ByKoichi

    Introduction Dakdoritang, also known as spicy Korean chicken stew, is a beloved dish in many Korean households. Made with chicken, potatoes, carrots, onions, and a bold, flavorful sauce based on gochujang and Korean chili flakes, it brings together heat and heart in one pot. It’s the kind of dish that simmers slowly and fills your home with warmth and spice. The name Dakdoritang has sparked discussion over the years. While “dak” means chicken and “tang” means soup or stew, the word “doritang” may have originated from a Japanese-Korean linguistic mix. Nowadays, many people refer to the dish as “Dakbokkeumtang” instead. Regardless of the name, it remains a staple comfort food,…

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    Visiting JAXA: What Space Food Taught Me About Earth

    ByKoichi

    Introduction When you hear the word “space food,” you might think of freeze-dried meals or something only astronauts eat. But during my visit to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), I learned that space food is about more than survival. It is about humanity, design, and even hope. In this post, I’ll share insights from the Space Dome exhibition at JAXA Tsukuba, including the “Kibo” science module replica and real examples of Japanese space food. You’ll discover how these meals are carefully engineered for zero gravity, how taste changes in orbit, and why these developments might hold clues to better living on Earth. I created this video and article to…

  • Not Just Survival: Why Space Food Is Made with Love

    ByKoichi

    Introduction Did you know that Japan has developed over 50 types of certified space food? From miso soup to onigiri, these meals go far beyond basic nutrition. In fact, they are crafted with comfort, culture, and care in mind, designed to help astronauts feel human even in zero gravity. In this post, we will dive into two unique items from JAXA certified space food: salmon and red bean onigiri, and simmered miso stew. You will learn how they are prepared, what they actually taste like, and what they can teach us about food, identity, and connection. I made this video because I believe food is more than survival. It brings…

  • Japanese Space Curry & Rice – A Real Meal from Orbit

    ByKoichi

    Introduction Did you know that Japan has developed over 50 types of certified space food, from curry and rice to miso soup and sweet treats? Among them, Japanese Space Curry stands out as one of the most iconic and heartwarming. Designed for astronauts on long missions, this curry offers not only nutrition but also comfort. In this post, we’ll explore what this space-certified curry and rice set actually tastes like, how it’s prepared, and what we can learn from it. I made this post because I’ve always been fascinated by space, and food is a powerful way to connect something distant and abstract with our everyday lives. Whether you’re a…

  • Tunisian Couscous with Spiced Chicken – A Hearty Comfort Meal

    ByKoichi

    Introduction Tunisian couscous is a North African staple made from steamed semolina granules, often served with a flavorful stew. Despite looking like grains, couscous is technically a type of pasta. This version, inspired by my Tunisian friend Faten, combines spiced chicken, tender vegetables, and light, fluffy couscous. Traditionally, couscous is steamed multiple times, but this recipe uses a simplified soak-and-steam method that still brings out the dish’s comforting aroma and texture. In this post, you’ll learn: • How to prepare couscous using a light steaming technique • The secret to keeping chicken juicy and vegetables tender • A brief look into couscous history and cultural meaning I made this dish…

  • Clean Protein Balls – Chocolate & Lemon Coconut Variations

    ByKoichi

    Introduction Looking for a clean, no-bake snack that fuels your training? These protein balls are packed with oats, nut butter, and plant-based protein. I created them while training for kickboxing. They’re simple, satisfying, and require no milk or baking. Protein balls have become a global trend, evolving from energy bites in fitness circles. This recipe offers two flavors: rich Chocolate & Nut and fresh Lemon & Coconut. Whether you’re on-the-go or just finished a workout, they’ll keep you energized. In this post and the gym video, you’ll learn: • How to make clean protein balls with two unique flavors • Tips for texture, shaping, and storage • How they performed…