Stolen heart

Spending our lunar new year out of the country is a norm in my family. Our travel destination this year was Japan, and we managed to cover quite a few cities and towns- Kyoto, Osaka, Odaiba, Shizuoka, and Tokyo.

Before we left, I already knew how much I would love Japan and was eagerly anticipating my first visit. All I can say is that, Japan has left me wanting more. The convenience of the cities, cleanliness, the people, THE FOOD!! I did not expect to like this country so much.

I had Japanese cuisine for breakfast, lunch, dinner the whole trip and when I came back, I still wanted more. I liked it so much that I even went to the extent of making them at home.

It's only been 2 days since we got back and I'm already trawling the web for good and easy Japanese cooking sites (Just One Cook Book is an excellent site!).

Toasting sesame seeds

My first attempt at Tamago-yaki, pretty easy! I used the recipe from Just One Cookbook, but would definitely add more mirin next time as I prefer them a little sweeter.

I also made Salmon Fish Head Miso Soup (doesn't look appetizing but I assure you was DELICIOUS!), a Coral, Rocket & Baby Tomatoes Salad with Citrus Sauce and Tamagoyaki. So simple yet hearty.

I've also always been interested in making bentos for lunch but never made the effort. This morning I actually got up earlier and made my sister and I each a set of the below:

Would love to make more bentos to take to work, and will be sharing them along the way.

Please do share if you have any links to easy cooking/bento making tips!