Episode 1: Hokkaido
In the first of a new series, host Adam Liaw discovers the delights of sea urchin, pond smelt and boutique cheesecake on Japan's wintry, northern-most island, Hokkaido.
Recipes
Hairy crab and sea urchin nori roll with orange ankake sauce
Hokkaido king crab with three-spoon vinegar
Smoked hairy crab with brown rice and salmon roe
Episode 2: Tohoku
Adam Liaw goes to sea with the Japanese fishermen who caught the "million dollar tuna", and then meets the soy sauce maker who saved most of his staff from the 2011 tsunami.
Recipes
Nyuto Onsen Yamato potato stew (potato miso nabe)
Miso soup and charcoal-grilled rice balls
Miso-glazed grilled rice sticks (miso kiritanpo)
Episode 3: Hokuriku
In his wife's hometown, Adam Liaw uncovers the secrets to superb sake, samples some of the world's best sushi and prepares a classic Japanese dish with his mother-in-law.
Recipes
Japanese meat and potatoes (nikujaga)
Hand-rolled sushi (temaki zushi)
Japanese sautéed and braised burdock root (burdock kinpira)
Episode 4: Nagoya
Adam Liaw discovers and devours some of the finest miso, Nagoya chicken and Wagyu beef in Japan, before meeting a 74-year-old who free-dives for precious abalone.
Recipes
Wagyu steak with wasabi and tosa joyu
Episode 5: Tokyo
In the vast urban sprawl of Tokyo, Adam Liaw explores a food culture that not only sustains the "salaryman" workers in style, but retains the culinary traditions of the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
Recipes
Japanese triple-fried chicken (kara-age)
Cherry blossom pancakes (sakura mochi)
Japanese raw wagyu beef bowl (yukke gyudon)
Episode 6: Tokyo – Part II
Adam Liaw explores the restaurants of food-crazy Tokyo to find food as diverse as yakitori made from the reproductive organs of chickens to a degustation delight called "soil 2013".
Recipes
Tofu hamburger with grated daikon and ponzu
Hida wagyu beef rump in charcoal
Wasabi semi-gel with wild herbs (winter springs)
Episode 7: Kyoto
In Kyoto, traditional Japanese culture is thriving (as is the food scene), so when Adam Liaw takes us on a journey of discovery, we meet a tea master, a Maiko and Michelin star chef who turns risotto into sushi.
Recipes
Salmon and rice with green tea and pickled vegetables (salmon ochazuke with asazuke)
Wagashi sweet white bean paste (shiro-an)
Episode 8: Osaka
Adam Liaw explores Japan's high-energy financial centre, Osaka, and finds the world's best fast food, a sumo wrestler turned chef and soba noodles to die for.
Recipes
Osaka-style cabbage pancakes (okonomiyaki)
Episode 9: Kyushu and Shikoku
In Japan's southern islands, Kyushu and Shikoku, Adam Liaw finds a vibrant, warm culture where old ladies use iPads to harvest the forests, organic farmers grow fruit for their pigs, and the cuisine is as fascinating as its people.
Recipes
Nagasaki-style braised pork belly (pork kakuni)
Japanese sponge cake (castella)
Japanese prawn fritters with shiso and salted plum (prawn shinjo-age)
Episode 10: Okinawa
In this, the final episode of Adam Liaw's culinary expedition through Japan, we meet the people of Okinawa and discover an eclectic cuisine derived from Chinese, American, Thai, Japanese and Korean influences, and learn the secret to long life.
Recipes
Bitter gourd and Spam stir-fry (goya champuru)
SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only. Read more about SBS Food
Have a story or comment? Contact Us
