If nothing else, Phoenix can be said to be an interesting city. Full of diversity, one should never be surprised by what they see or experience in Arizona's capital. Among this mix is a notable Asian community that does provide access to delicious foods through various restaurants and (even better) many markets. So even if one has never been outside of Phoenix, there is no excuse to miss out on trying different Asian cuisines. This column will focus on Japanese dishes, but a few other cultural dishes will occasionally be described in detail. Living in Tokyo, Japan exposes one to practically any country's specialty.
Many Americans seem to immediately associate Asian food with fish and rice. While both are certainly staples over there, they do have many dishes that feature neither fish nor rice. It is very possible to take a week-long vacation in Tokyo and never eat any fish (avoiding rice is a bit more difficult, but can also be done!). The Japanese also love beef, chicken, and pork, and some of the best Korean dishes revolve around pork and cabbage. While it is great being able to go out to restaurants that serve these meals, most can also be easily prepared at home!
One thing to remember is to not be overwhelmed or intimidated by what you see when you venture out to the Asian markets around Phoenix. Yes, there are strange things you probably have never seen. Yes, there are sometimes very odd smells. Yes, some things are not very appetizing. But if you keep a closed mindset that you can't or won't try anything new, you close yourself off to a whole world of amazing food.
Besides providing recipes and tips on preparing Asian cuisine, this column will also give a few reviews of the different markets located around Phoenix. If you have any questions or suggestions, please send them to codyjmcd@yahoo.com. Issho ni tabemono no bouken e ikou! (let's go on a food adventure together!)
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