This inspiring collection of genuine, home-style Japanese cooking includes over 100 recipes that have not only been passed down in Maori Murota’s family, but it also includes many delicious original recipes.

Featuring step-by-step photographs and easy-to-follow instructions, there are many iconic Japanese dishes to make from scratch, such as ramen noodles and sushi rice, as well as recipes to make your own miso paste, natto, anko and Japanese curry.

Written by the internationally bestselling author of Tokyo Cult Recipes, Maori shares many cultural insights and information along with her practical culinary experience. This book ignites the joy of creating meals from scratch as well as demystifying Japanese food, and fulfils one of Murota’s aims of making Japanese cooking more accessible for everyone.

As well as meat and fish recipes, there are chapters on fermenting and preserving, vegetarian recipes, tea and sweets. The Roast Lemongrass Chicken (stuffed with mushrooms and chestnut rice) is unbelievably delicious. If you are interested in Japanese culture and food, this book with its fusion of old and new, so typical of modern Japanese cooking, is exceptional. This is a perfect gift for yourself!

Reviewed by Karen Williams