Karen vanBarneveld
Karen vanBarneveld
Tempura's Path from Portugal to Japanese Perfection
Tempura's Path from Portugal to Japanese Perfection
Tempura's Path from Portugal to Japanese Perfection
Sunday 20th March 2022
Explore the fascinating story of tempura's origins from Portugal to Japan in this special episode of What The Food? Join Miles and Andy for a culinary journey.
64 minutes
informative
engaging
historical
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celebratory
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Karen vanBarneveld
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Get the buttons here!Tempura's Journey: From Portugal to Japan
Episode Overview
- Tempura originated from Peixinhos de Horta, a Portuguese dish.
- Portuguese sailors introduced frying techniques to Japan.
- Cultural exchange enriched Japanese cuisine in the 16th century.
- Tempura became a staple in Japanese culinary culture.
- Episode marks the 20th anniversary of What The Food?
Unlike most countries on Earth, there had never really been a tradition in Japan of frying food.
In the 20th episode of What The Food?, hosts Miles and Andy delve into the intriguing origins of tempura, a beloved Japanese dish known for its crispy texture and delicate flavors. The episode starts with a personal note from Miles, who shares that the podcast will be taking a short break due to Andy's upcoming wedding, emphasizing their commitment to quality content. Despite the brief hiatus, the hosts promise to return with more fascinating stories on May 2nd.
The episode unfolds by tracing tempura's journey from its humble beginnings as Peixinhos de Horta, a Portuguese dish of fried green beans, to its establishment as a culinary icon in Japan. The story begins in the 16th century when Portuguese sailors, navigating the seas in search of trade opportunities, found themselves shipwrecked on the Japanese island of Tanigashima. These sailors brought with them not only goods but also culinary techniques unfamiliar to the Japanese, particularly the art of frying food.
As the hosts narrate, the Japanese quickly adopted and adapted these techniques, transforming the simple fried green beans into what is now known as tempura. This dish gained popularity for its unique texture and taste, eventually becoming a staple in Japanese cuisine. The discussion highlights how tempura evolved over centuries, influenced by cultural exchanges between the West and the East.
Miles and Andy's engaging storytelling is peppered with humorous anecdotes and insightful historical tidbits, making the episode both informative and entertaining. They touch on how tempura's popularity spread from Kyoto to Tokyo, and how it became associated with the rich culinary tradition of Japan. As the episode concludes, the hosts express gratitude to their listeners and encourage them to share the podcast with friends and family.
They also invite suggestions for future topics, promising to explore more intriguing culinary histories in upcoming episodes. Overall, this episode of What The Food? provides a captivating look at how a simple dish can bridge cultures and centuries, reminding us of the rich tapestry of global culinary history.