Kyoto Palace

Become Educated About the History and Traditions of Japanese Food

Japanese cuisine is wonderfully diverse, with numerous ingredients, cooking methods, and meal principles. This cuisine is so diverse that diners at Japanese restaurants may have a hard time figuring out what to order. Check out these sites to learn about the Japanese culture and make your next experience at Kyoto even better:

Learn about the role that rice plays in Japanese meals when you read this article from Japan-Guide.com.

Check out this slideshow from AskMen.com to learn 10 essential rules to Japanese sushi etiquette.

If you are new to eating sushi, make sure to check out this article from The Huffington Post for a look at sushi and the etiquette that diners should follow when eating it.

Wasabi may not be everyone’s favorite condiment, but did you know that it might help reduce your risk of heart disease? Yahoo! Voices has an article on the many health benefits of wasabi.

Visit LIVESTRONG.com to find out how you can eat healthy at a Japanese restaurant. It’s easier than you might realize!

For delicious Japanese cuisine in Campbell, stop by Kyoto Palace for happy hour or make a reservation for dinner by calling (408) 426-8499.

Kyoto Palace Review: "EVERYTHING there is good!"

The Role of Rice in Japanese Cooking

Rice has been a staple of Japanese agriculture and diets for over 2,000 years. Today, few authentic Japanese meals do not contain rice in some form or another. Here are four examples of ways that the Japanese use rice in their cuisine:

Sushi

While some types of sushi consist merely of pieces of raw fish, the most popular form of sushi consists of short-grain white rice wrapped around fresh ingredients in a roll. The rice used for this is of a variety that becomes very sticky when cooked. It is usually flavored with vinegar, and sesame seeds are sometimes added as well for a nutty undertone.

Rice Balls

Also known as onigiri, these portable treats are made of sticky white rice molded into balls or triangles. Each piece is seasoned with salt, filled with various ingredients, and wrapped with sheets of seaweed for a quick lunch on the go. It is often taken on picnics or for a quick lunch at home or work.

Okayu

Okayu is a creamy rice porridge that is very easy to digest. For this reason, it is often served as a satisfying cure-all for those who are sick, much like chicken soup in America. It can be served as a sweet dish with ginger and honey, or as a savory dish with meat and vegetables.

Sake

This famous Japanese wine is created by taking polished grains of rice and fermenting them to produce alcohol. The alcohol content and flavor varies greatly, depending on the degree to which the grains were polished and the length of fermentation. Because it is made from rice, sake is often served in place of rice rather than with it.

We use rice extensively in our cooking here at Kyoto Palace. From delicious sushi rolls and fried rice to classic steamed rice and fine sakes, our menu has something for everyone. We are conveniently located 15 minutes from San Jose in Campbell. Give us a call at (408) 426-8499 if you have any questions about our menu or to make reservations.

Premium Sake: Three Basic Types

No Japanese meal is complete without a glass of sake, the famous rice wine that has been enjoyed for centuries. Like most other types of alcoholic beverages, sake is a complex drink that can be broken down into different categories.

In this video, a sake expert showcases the 3 levels of premium sake available. He discusses the similarities and difference between each, including the amount of rice milling involved, aromas, and flavors.

We serve a variety of authentic sakes here at Kyoto Palace in Campbell. With so many options available, you are sure to find the perfect sake pairing for our steaks, seafood, sushi, and other offerings. Call us at (408) 426-8499 to make reservations for your next occasion.

What You Need to Know About Sushi Etiquette

Many lovers of sushi are surprised to learn that there is a certain etiquette to eating this time-honored Japanese delicacy. An understanding of this etiquette can help you get the most out of your next sushi-bar experience. Read on to learn about three rules to sushi etiquette to get you started:

Say “Itadakimasu” Before Eating

It is difficult to properly translate this expression into English, as it is a means of both expressing gratitude and indicating that you are about to start eating, but “itadakimasu” basically means “let’s eat.” The phrase is traditionally said before starting your meal and is considered proper etiquette and a sign of good manners.

Use Ginger and Wasabi Appropriately

Many people believe that the sliced, pickled ginger that is served with their rolls is a topping, much like lettuce served alongside a hamburger. However, this is a common misconception–the ginger is meant to cleanse your palate in between trying different rolls. Draping the slices over each piece of sushi will overpower the delicate flavor of the ingredients, and the tasting experience will be ruined. Similarly, wasabi should be used sparingly, if at all. Most sushi chefs add just the right amount of spice to their rolls before serving anyway, making the green horseradish sauce unnecessary in many cases.

Eat Small Pieces in One Bite

All the ingredients in a given piece of sushi are supposed to be tasted together, to allow each flavor to meld together and create a unique flavor profile. If you take each piece of sushi in multiple bites, you are sure to miss out on some of the flavors. Large pieces or temaki can be eaten in two bites, but most sushi pieces should be eaten in one.

Happy Hour at Kyoto Palace is the perfect time to brush up on your sushi etiquette. Our sushi rolls are handcrafted by expert sushi chefs, using only the freshest seafood and vegetables. If you would like to make a reservation at our Campbell Japanese restaurant and steakhouse, call us today at (408) 426-8499.