Hello! はじめまして!

I'm Sara, a half-Japanese ("hapa") home cook focusing on washoku, or literally "food of Japan". This photo of me was taken at Shizuku by Chef Naoko in Portland with a life-changing koji chicken bento. I was never as obsessed with Japanese food until this very moment, when I discovered how just one ingredient, koji - an edible mold - could transform a dish. I was in awe. I was hooked. I was in love.

Ever since then, I've been on a journey to not only find the most authentic  Japanese spots outside of Japan, but also share with others what Japanese food is beyond just ramen and sushi.