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The Ultimate Guide to Eating Sushi: Do’s and Don’ts for Beginners

Table of Contents Introduction Understanding Sushi Types of Sushi Common Ingredients Before You Begin Choosing the Right Sushi Restaurant Reservations and Timing Dress Code The Sushi Bar Experience Seating Etiquette Interacting with the Sushi Chef Essential Sushi Etiquette Chopstick Do’s and Don’ts Proper Hand Usage Eating Order Soy Sauce and Wasabi Usage Ginger: Its Purpose […]

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How Home Cooking Can Save the Planet

In today’s fast-paced world, where convenience often trumps consciousness, a quiet revolution is taking place in kitchens across the globe. Home cooking, once considered a daily chore, is emerging as a powerful tool in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. This resurgence of culinary creativity within our own four walls is not just […]

tataki sushi seared tuna cutting

How To: Cutting Tuna Fillets for Tataki (Seared Tuna Slices)

Thinking of making tataki, seared tuna slices? Tuna is an excellent choice for that due to its incredible nutritional profile and ability to be consumed raw safely. This rich, oily fish is packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and an array of vitamins and minerals. Fresh tuna is an excellent source of niacin, […]

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Beginning Your Journey With Japanese Kitchen Knives: Individual Knives vs. Sets

The world of Japanese kitchen knives is a captivating realm where centuries-old traditions intersect with modern culinary innovation. As you embark on this journey, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to invest in an individual knife or a complete set. This choice can seem daunting, especially for those new to the intricacies […]

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How The World’s Most Expensive Japanese Swords Are Made

In the annals of Japanese history, few traditions command as much reverence as the forging of Ni-honto, the legendary Japanese swords that have captured the imagination of warriors, scholars and collectors alike. These extraordinary blades, born from the exacting processes of firing and folding rare steel, are not mere weapons; they are living embodiments of […]

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The Art of Japanese Knife Sharpening: Traditional Techniques and Modern Tools

In the world of Japanese kitchen knives, sharpening is an art form deeply rooted in tradition and precision. These finely crafted blades, forged with meticulous care and expertise, demand an equally thoughtful approach to maintaining their razor-sharp edges. From the ancient techniques of the samurai swordsmiths to the modern tools of today, the art of […]

How A Professional Sharpener Sharpens Japanese Kitchen Knife Sakai Kyuba Gyuto (Chef's Knife)

The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Sharpening Japanese Knives with Whetstones

If you’ve invested in a set of premium Japanese kitchen knives, you know firsthand the joy of slicing through ingredients with precision and ease. However, maintaining that razor-sharp edge is crucial to ensure your knives continue performing at their best. Enter the art of whetstone sharpening – a traditional technique that has been passed down […]

Japanese Knife Grading System: A Comprehensive Guide by oishya japanese kitchen knives team

Decoding the Japanese Knife Grading System: A Comprehensive Guide

For those starting their journey into the world of Japanese kitchen knives, one aspect that can seem incredibly daunting is understanding the grading system. Unlike their western counterparts, Japanese knives adhere to a unique grading scale that takes into account multiple factors such as steel composition, heat treatment processes, and craftsmanship. This intricate grading system […]

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How to sterilise jars

In the vibrant tapestry of our shared love for the culinary arts, we’re excited to unveil a kitchen secret that’s been a game-changer for many – the meticulous art of jar sterilisation. Knowing your prowess in the kitchen, we’re eager to walk you through the nuanced steps of this culinary journey. The foundation – why […]

Japanese knives: how to spot the real deal vs. a knock-off?

So, you’ve decided to upgrade your kitchenware, moved to a new house, or perhaps you’ve heard that Japanese knives make the perfect, personal gift? You’re in for a treat! Japanese knives are not just tools; they’re a gateway to a world of culinary craftsmanship, precision, and tradition. Whether you’re a passionate home cook, an adventurous […]

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When to Replace Your Trusty Cooking Knives: A Comprehensive Guide

Cooking knives are the unsung heroes of the kitchen, tirelessly assisting us in preparing delicious meals day in and day out. As they become an integral part of our culinary adventures, it’s essential to recognize when it’s time to bid farewell to our faithful companions and invest in new blades. Knowing when to replace your […]

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Low-Waste Ideas for the Kitchen, Grocery Store, and Beyond: A Cut Above the Rest

“We don’t need a handful of people doing zero-waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.” Anne-Marie Bonneau In the UK, it is estimated that approximately 9.5 million tonnes of food is wasted every year. The average UK household throws away around £700 worth of food annually, which is equivalent to 4.5 million […]

how to clean brass utensils chopsticks

How To Clean Brass Utensils – The Easy Way

How to make your brass utensils look better than when you bought them? That’s easy. Make a magic paste and remove de-colorisation in a couple of minutes. Ingredients: Mix together 1/2 cup of vinegar, 2-3 tbs of flour, 1-2 tbs of bicarbonate soda, 1-2 tbs of salt and stir well. Pour the paste onto your […]

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How To Look After Japanese Knives With Chef Olivia Burt

As sellers of quality Japanese knives we often get asked how to look after Japanese knives by our customers. We have written various articles on the subject, which you can find in the “Equipment care” section of our Journal. Yet, this time around we asked Chef Olivia Burt to share some tips as to how […]

Chef Olivia Burt with Sakai Kyuba knife set in natural brown

The Claw Grip With Chef Olivia Burt

The claw grip technique is one of the most important cutting skills to learn in the kitchen. It is very simple to learn and extremely helpful to improve your cutting skills and ensure you are safe in the kitchen. It is a fundamental aspect for being safe around knives. It goes without saying that you […]

Chef Olivia Burt holding Sakai Kyuba Santoku knife in natural brown

How To Hold A Knife – By Chef Olivia Burt

The first and most important knife skill you need to learn is how to hold your knife properly. Holding the knife properly will give you more control over the knife which makes it easier to cut and slice food. This strong grip is what allows chefs to chop with great speed as they know the […]

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Everything You Need To Know Before Throwing A Cooking Party

This blog post will talk you through everything you need to know before throwing a cooking party. If you are anywhere near as big of a foodie as us you love cooking parties. Yes, cooking parties, not dinner parties, we are talking about gathering your family and friends to cook together. Whether this is your […]

Mother and daughter cooking together

How To Overcome Cooking Fatigue

As restaurants remain closed due to the covid-19 pandemic we are spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Many people are now dealing with what has been named cooking fatigue. So here are 7 ways to help you overcome cooking fatigue. 1. Cooking class Another great way to overcome cooking fatigue is to learn […]

Woman holding a Charcuterie board

How To Make A Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards have become increasingly popular nowadays. Not only are they delicious and enjoyed by many, they also make for the perfect Instagram post. With a variety of cured meats, cheese, nuts, spreads, fruit and crackers, there is something in it for everyone to enjoy! What Is Charcuterie? Charcuterie is the art of preparing and […]

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Cooking steak like a pro (and mistakes you should avoid)

Mastering the art of cooking steak is a pursuit that many aspiring home chefs embark upon. There’s something inherently satisfying about achieving that perfect sear, locking in the juicy tenderness, and savoring each delectable bite. However, this culinary quest is not without its challenges, as even the most seasoned cooks can stumble along the way. […]

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How To Organise Your Fridge: Zero Waste

How many times has finding space for your groceries in the fridge felt like making a complicated jigsaw puzzle? If your answer is more than once, then you need to change how you organise your fridge. Cleaning and organising your fridge can help you prevent food waste and save you a lot of time and […]

how to host a dinner party

How to Host An Unforgettable Dinner Party

It is no secret that hosting a dinner party can be very stressful. It involves countless tasks: setting the table, cooking a delicious meal, cleaning the house, etc. However, a dinner party should be enjoyed by both the guests and hosts. This is why we have come up with a guide on how to host […]

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How To Cut Onions Without Crying

It is a known fact around the world that cutting onions will make you cry. But have you ever stopped and asked yourself why this happens? Why do onions make you cry? Onions are mainly made out of water and have some vitamins and sugar compounds. But they also have compounds contain sulphur. This is […]

Japanese knife with cut pomegranate

How To Cut A Pomegranate Using A Knife

How do you cut a pomegranate using a knife without making a mess? Pomegranate is a beautiful fruit, with shiny red “jewels” called arils inside, containing sweet, juicy nectar that surrounds a white seed in the middle. They are a very tricky fruit to cut. The juice from any broken seeds can stain your clothes, […]

How To Make A Sourdough Bread

How To Make Sourdough Bread From Scratch (And Grow Your Own Starter)

Today’s post is a step by step guide on how to make sourdough bread from scratch. With a recipe for sourdough bread and growing your own starter. Making the sourdough bread This recipe makes 2 loaves  Preparation time: over 2 hours Cooking time: 30 mins to 1 hour Ingredients: 500g strong white flour, plus extra […]

how to use chopsticks like a japanese

How To Use Chopsticks Like A Pro

Learning to eat with chopsticks is inevitable if you’re planning to travel to Japan, North, or Southeast Asia. You don’t even need to look that far. With the trendy sushi restaurants all over Europe and America, you’ve probably seen people comfortably eating with the sticks, at least to the level of food landing in their […]

filleting fish with deba japanese style

How To Fillet A Fish With A Japanese Knife (+ Video)

In today’s article, we’d like to show you a step-by-step guide on the simplest way to fillet a fish using Japanese style knife – Deba. Learn what the best tools for the job are. What will you need: Filleting knife – A knife with a flexible blade allows you to move easily between the flesh and […]

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How to Prepare Wagyu, The Most Expensive Steak Ever, At Home

The hardest part about making the world’s most insanely rich, ridiculously indulgent Wagyu steak at home? Paying for it. What makes Wagyu so expensive and desired at our plates? This gourmet meat features intense marbling, rich flavours, and health benefits that are magnitudes beyond other selections of beef. Wagyu beef is uniquely healthy. The ratio of […]