2019.12.03Japan’s Soul Winter Food

When it comes to winter food, the first thing that comes to mind is oden. When the BER months start, convenience stores and food carts start rolling out these simmering oden pots. Because of its warm and amazingly savory flavor, it’s loved by both locals and travelers during the cold season. It’s a kind of Japanese comfort food that you’ll surely love to eat during the winter.

Oden (おでん) is a type of nabemono (Japanese one-pot dishes), consisting of several ingredients such as boiled eggs, daikon, konjac, and processed fishcakes stewed in a light, soy-flavored dashi broth. Oden is a bit of an acquired taste, but most people appreciate the savory flavors of a good long-simmered broth and the contrasting flavors and textures of the various fish cakes. This traditional weather snack is also served in some fancy restaurants and izakayas but it is best known today as a convenience store staple. It is also a good accompaniment for beer or sake.

Oden has many types of soup stocks and interesting wide variety of ingredients which differ depending on the region you’re in, but the dish is delicious in every way. Try many kinds of oden and find your favorites!

By Monica Tamayao/ Staff Writer