Food difficult to find in Japan

[Maciamo]

What kind of food can't you find in Japan ? This is an interesting question since everyone of us has different eating habits and comes from a different part of the world. My question is naturally addressed to those who have been to/lived in Japan.

Here is a list of items that I used to be readily available in my local supermarket in several European countries (Benelux, France, Germany, UK...) where I've lived, but that I can't find in Tokyo, though I can't say I really miss or even ate regularily all of them.

Meat

quantities of sausages (e.g. black pudding)
ham of every description
lamb/mutton
rabbit
deer
turkey
ostrich/emu
kangaroo
antelope
(the last 3 are fairly recent in Europe, but getting more common since the "mad cow disease" as a substitute to beef)

Vegetables

endives
curly endives (kind of lettuce)
Belgian endives (look like short, thick and bitter leeks)
red/purple cabbage
sauerkraut
several kinds of potatoes (which of course aren't the same for chips, mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes or BBQ potatoes)

Fruits

so many kinds of plums (purple, yellow, red, green, small, big, long, round...)
several kinds of apples
gooseberries, currants...

Other

several kinds of cheese, biscuits, chocolate and drinks, though I can usually find the best of them in Meidi-ya or in big department stores.

I've noticed a big difference between Japanese and European supermarkets. In Europe, there is almost inevitably a butcher and cheese counter where customers can choose how they want their meat or cheese cut and in what quantity. In Tokyo, I've only seen this in some department stores, but never in a supermarket, where everything is pre-cut/sliced/minced/grated and packed, ready to pick. The advantage is that it's quicker (no queue, no need to wait for it to be cut and weighed) and cheaper for the supermarket (but surely more costly for the consumers). The inconvenient is the lack of customised service and also the lack of freshness for most cheeses (packed grated cheese is never as good as the one just grated in front of you !).

[thomas]

I remember last time I have been to Japan I was desperately looking for black bread. Is there a place to buy rye-bread etc. in Tokyo?

[neko_girl22]

I can't find good cheese , only the plastic stuff. I think if I tried hard enough I could find it, but I'e heard it's very expensive.
I hate plastic cheese!

[Maciamo]

=> Nzueda

Of course, that must be hard to find cheese in Kagoshima. In Tokyo that's not that bad as most big department stores have a quite large array (at least 2 or 3 times more expensive than in Europe...). In supermarkets that also only under plastic.

[tasuki]

Originally posted by Maciamo
ostrich/emu
kangaroo
antelope
(the last 3 are fairly recent in Europe, but getting more common since the "mad cow disease" as a substitute to beef)

I don't know about Europe, but accounting for the exoticism of these meats, I'm not sure that Tokyo or Japan is really an exception as I'm not sure where I could find that we're I'm from...

Vegetables

red/purple cabbage
sauerkraut
several kinds of potatoes (which of course aren't the same for chips, mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes or BBQ potatoes)

Yes, but Japan is not a potatoe-based culture. I think we've argued this point before... Whereas the average North-American eats potatoes as a side-dish at least once a day, Japanese eat rice. There's no need for them to import potatoes, I think.

Other

I've noticed a big difference between Japanese and European supermarkets. In Europe, there is almost inevitably a butcher and cheese counter where customers can choose how they want their meat or cheese cut and in what quantity. In Tokyo, I've only seen this in some department stores, but never in a supermarket, where everything is pre-cut/sliced/minced/grated and packed, ready to pick. The advantage is that it's quicker (no queue, no need to wait for it to be cut and weighed) and cheaper for the supermarket (but surely more costly for the consumers). The inconvenient is the lack of customised service and also the lack of freshness for most cheeses (packed grated cheese is never as good as the one just grated in front of you !).

You should drop by my super... Although the cheese and meat selections are not up to what I would call "parr", there are not one but two meat counters... on top of the precut stuff... But I basically agree with you that from a European point of view (or the point of view of North Americans that have been used to eating more than potatoes, beef, pork, and chicken...), the variety and selection can appear rather mediocre, but I think that stems from Japan's lack of opening to the world and it's import policies. As long as they don't change, you're not likely to fin "Tomme de Savoie" in the cheese section of a supermarket... But then again, if I really wanted to eat those, I wouldn't have come here, even if I miss them now and again...

[Maciamo]

Originally posted by tasuki

Yes, but Japan is not a potatoe-based culture. I think we've argued this point before... Whereas the average North-American eats potatoes as a side-dish at least once a day, Japanese eat rice. There's no need for them to import potatoes, I think.

I am not sure you understand why I am posting this thread. I was not criticising Japan at all, just comparing from a completely neutral point of view. I actually don't like potatoes (or bread) that much. I surely prefer pasta or rice to them.

Nevertheless, I don't quite agree with what you say. Of course Japan isn't Germany, but inside Europe, several countries are not much more potato-eater than Japan (Italy being a good example). In England, considering that nowadays the vast majorities of restaurants are Asian (Indian, Chinese...), rice has become an important part of the everyday diet. After comes pasta and then potatoes. That however is a modern phenomenon, but potatoes weren't consumed in Europe before the 17th or 18th century, so Europe is not "traditionally" a potato-based culture (I'd say wheat and barley based).

Modern Japanese eat a lot of potatoes, but not the way Germans would. It's mainly in the form of chips (=french fries) in fast-food restaurants, in imported dishes such a "gratin" or French restaurants, and otherwise they eat "sweet potatoes" (satsuma-imo), which is more established in Japan than in Western countries (I had never eaten them before coming to Japan).

But once again, I am not criticising Japan. There would be so many Japanese ingredients almost unfindable in Europe (daikon, goya, all the seaweed varieties, nashi, ume, several kinds of fish and seafood, and so on).

[tasuki]

I wasn't criticising what you were saying either... Comparing Japanese eating habits with North American or even European eating habits is an unfair comparison, in my opinion. I agree with what you say about Europe (not being European, it's difficult for me to disagree). But to reverse the point of view, I think that some foods are difficult to find in Japan the same way most fishes and ingredients used regularily here would be difficult if not impossible to find in most North American supermarkets (again, I won't talk about Europe). Simply put, I miss a lot of food now (namely good cheese), but then when I leave Japan, I'm going to miss a lot of food, too--just different food (namely good ramen).

[Iron Chef]

Hot dogs!!! (real ones) and good 'ol mac 'n' cheese. Pretty much anything one might consider "dorm life" fare I guess. Oh, and spaghetti sauce that's NOT in a can. Also, a good traditional pizza that isn't the end result of some pseudo experiment by someone trying to emulate and incorporate American and Japanese food (think "tuna and rice pizza"...). Only Iron Chef Morimoto can pull that kind of nouveau cuisine off imho. 8-p


*edits* Ok, I do have to give props to Mos Burger for their hot dogs as that was the closest thing I ever found that tasted like what you can get at home.

[fdKen]

HHmmm,

But has anyone seen a good aussie meat pie?

I am not sure if I can go 14 days without one when we visit!

Cheers

[Maciamo]

Originally posted by Iron Chef
Oh, and spaghetti sauce that's NOT in a can. Also, a good traditional pizza that isn't the end result of some pseudo experiment by someone trying to emulate and incorporate American and Japanese food (think "tuna and rice pizza"...).

Eeh ? Japanese pasta and pizza are excellent. How do you usually make your sauce ? I've never seen canned sauce used in Japanese Italian restaurants. All ingredients are fresh. In Tokyo there are lots of Italian restaurants held by Italians that serve the reaa thing and even the others use real imported Italian pasta and cheese (vegetables, meat or seafood are as good if not better in Japan). Of course you won't find Roman-style pizza (those long rectangular ones with a thick crust) in Japan, but even in Italy, that's mostly in Rome, and in the rest of Europe, you won't find them either.

For American-style pizza, there is Domino Pizza and Pizza Hut in Japan too (though not very widespread).

I am interested in raw ingredients, not finished producst, as with a recipe anybody can make them. But if you can't find a ingredient, there is nothing you can do...

Otherwise, I could add "onion jam" (confiture d'onion) which is eaten with foie gras. I've looked in every big depaato in Tokyo and could't find any.

[halx]

Originally posted by Maciamo
What kind of food can't you find in Japan ?

Couldn't find Smacks (Kellogs) here in Nagoya although many other cereal products from this company are sold here.

[Enfour]

I can't find low fat philly cheese or cheese spread!!

[Maciamo]

=> Enfour

What do you mean by cheese spread ? There are many kinds. I can find French "Boursin" (fine herbs) or "Kiri" (with the red cow) as well as the American Philadelphia (delicious on crepes with tomatoes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese ) as well as others. What are you looking for ?

[Enfour]

I can find Philadelphia cream cheese but not low fat Philadelphia cream cheese.

Boursin is regularly in my refreigerator.. it is fantastic..

Re: Pizza

I love how you can find Italian restaurants in Japan, but try and get a pizza and you'll find something you've never heard of.

So I'm watching this weekly program that showcases the best places to eat in Japan, and they're usually pretty nice places. But they showcase this "Japanese style" pizza and I'm like, what??? So they're going through the pizza styles and such, and I'm thinking to myself, "there's only one way to make traditional authentic pizza." What are they talking about, "Japanese style pizza" ?! I know a lot of American dishes aren't suited for Japanese tastes, but ya can't change pizaa! That's like teaching someone how to play cricket and telling them it's baseball. It just doesn't work! lol...

[Iron Chef]

I agree wholeheartedly. 8-)

[budd]

somebody create a bad washing mashine topic!!! ugh
that drives me crazy!
i eat mcdonalds over there anyway

[Maciamo]

Originally posted by Jian

I love how you can find Italian restaurants in Japan, but try and get a pizza and you'll find something you've never heard of.

Hmm... What do you call your pizza in the States ? Not Donatello, Michelangello and Rafaello I hope.
I've never had this kind of problem in Japan because justly they use the original Italian names like "margherita, marinara, capricciosa, quattro formaggi", etc.
There are 2 kinds of Italian restaurants in Japan : real Italian imitation and Japanese-style. They are about 50-50. The latter is more common in chains with well-lit rooms, may be cheaper and serve things like mini-pizza and pasta with "tarako" (cod roe), "natto" or seaweed or chicken in cream sauce. IMO, bot are good, though different.

But they showcase this "Japanese style" pizza and I'm like, what??? So they're going through the pizza styles and such, and I'm thinking to myself, "there's only one way to make traditional authentic pizza." What are they talking about, "Japanese style pizza" ?! I know a lot of American dishes aren't suited for Japanese tastes, but ya can't change pizaa! That's like teaching someone how to play cricket and telling them it's baseball. It just doesn't work! lol...

It's high time you realised that the world is not equal to "USA". Pizza and pasta are Italian dishes, later imported by the numerous Italian emigrants to America (especially NYC). In Europe, you can find both the Italian-style and American-style (at Pizza Hut, except in Italy where everybody frowns upon it ). Still, Italian restaurants are far more popular than the American version, no matter which country. So that's only natural that Japanese should have also chosen the Italian-style, developed their own style (which is praiseful) and shunned American pizza altogether. What about you try them and enjoy them while you are not in the States...

[SalaryMan]

I live in Nagano .. and for those that know nagano , also know the population of brazilian people here. The brazilians own some pretty damn nice shops! one which isnt far from me called "esquina brazil" or something .. has a butchers section where they DO cut the meat or mince it for you fresh! man I love that store .. shame it's so expensive now. But yea ... most meats in japan are pre-sliced and the sliced ham you buy here usualy isnt 100% ham. Theres another store run by a japanese person called "meet the meet" or "ミート　ザ　ミート" this place sells the usual yakiniku meats blah blah .. but then there's this section which sells the weird stuff : Pigeon , veal , Horse ect ect... interesting to look at but I would never buy any of it. As for lamb ... I rarely see this in stores here without a sauce of some kind .. the only one I do see is in a clear / red packaging and comes with a very very strong sauce... women in japan do not like or .. are not allowed to eat this.

[kirei_na_me]

Not allowed? Ummmm...I don't think it's that backward...

[neko_girl22]

I think lamb is just waay too expensive and most (men and women) don't really like lamb - they feel the taste is too strong.
I miss my good ol Kiwi roast lamb! (with mint sauce and roast potatoes and yams... yummm *drool*)

[torakris]

Except for the antelope and some of the fruits, I have found everything else on your list in the Tokyo/Yokohama area.

Nissin World Delicatessen in Azabu juban is the place you want to get to.
About 4 to 5 varieties of duck, including whole birds, just legs or just breasts, about 7 different cuts of veal, an entire case of just lamb, kangaroo, ostrich, pigeon, rabbit, you name it is there, cornish hens at \375 a piece, the prices can't be beat. If you can't find it in the cases ask at the meat counter you can get almost anything to order. Fresh hams from Italy or Spain, check out the deli and take your pick from the pancetta, proscuitto (a couple varities of each) sliced to order.
I wish the fresh fruit section was larger, but you can alway find artichokes, leeks, beets, celeriac, endive, etc.
The cheese section is decent but I prefer National Azabu supermarket for the cheeses. National Azabu also has a better fruit selection and great vegetables, the only place I have ever found poblanos and fresh morels.

In the Yokohama area, the basement of World Porters (Minato Mirai area) also has various meats including kangaroo and ostrich, I even saw alligator there once. Decent vegetable selection as well.
Not sure if they have them in Tokyo but Precce supermarket (Grandberry Mall) has wonderful selections of fruits and vegetables, I shop there for fennel, rhubarb and savoy cabbage.

keep looking, the stuff is out there!

Nissin homepage:
http://www.nissinham.co.jp/nwd/index.html

Originally posted by Maciamo
What kind of food can't you find in Japan ? This is an interesting question since everyone of us has different eating habits and comes from a different part of the world. My question is naturally addressed to those who have been to/lived in Japan.

Here is a list of items that I used to be readily available in my local supermarket in several European countries (Benelux, France, Germany, UK...) where I've lived, but that I can't find in Tokyo, though I can't say I really miss or even ate regularily all of them.

Meat

quantities of sausages (e.g. black pudding)
ham of every description
lamb/mutton
rabbit
deer
turkey
ostrich/emu
kangaroo
antelope
(the last 3 are fairly recent in Europe, but getting more common since the "mad cow disease" as a substitute to beef)

Vegetables

endives
curly endives (kind of lettuce)
Belgian endives (look like short, thick and bitter leeks)
red/purple cabbage
sauerkraut
several kinds of potatoes (which of course aren't the same for chips, mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes or BBQ potatoes)

Fruits

so many kinds of plums (purple, yellow, red, green, small, big, long, round...)
several kinds of apples
gooseberries, currants...

Other

several kinds of cheese, biscuits, chocolate and drinks, though I can usually find the best of them in Meidi-ya or in big department stores.

I've noticed a big difference between Japanese and European supermarkets. In Europe, there is almost inevitably a butcher and cheese counter where customers can choose how they want their meat or cheese cut and in what quantity. In Tokyo, I've only seen this in some department stores, but never in a supermarket, where everything is pre-cut/sliced/minced/grated and packed, ready to pick. The advantage is that it's quicker (no queue, no need to wait for it to be cut and weighed) and cheaper for the supermarket (but surely more costly for the consumers). The inconvenient is the lack of customised service and also the lack of freshness for most cheeses (packed grated cheese is never as good as the one just grated in front of you !).

[torakris]

You can shop National Azabu online:

http://store.yahoo.co.jp/national/index.html

[torakris]

and here is a list of precce stores:

http://www.tokyu-store.co.jp/precce/tenpo_s_m.html

[SalaryMan]

Another thing I have only ever found once here is HARD CHEESE! ... I used to love eating some really strong vintage mature cheese directly from france .. but since I came to japan all them years ago I can't find any ... actually I found it once in a department store called "diamond city" in Itami-shi but I'll be damned if Im about to pay in excess of 5000円 for a small amount. Japan seems to love soft cheeses like camembert .