Sesame tofu, one of the representative vegetarian dishes, looks like tofu at first glance, but is it different from tofu?

What is Shojin Ryori?

What kind of food is Shojin Ryori?

Shojin ryori is a cuisine with a long history that has deeply influenced Japanese cuisine. It is said that Shojin ryori was introduced to Japan when Buddhism was introduced from China. Shojin ryori prohibits the use of animal ingredients such as meat, fish, and eggs, as well as harsh vegetables called gokun (leeks, garlic, green onions, etc.). Therefore, many dishes use vegetables, tofu, etc. as the main ingredients.

The charm of Shojin ryori

Shojin ryori is not only based on recipes handed down from generation to generation as a temple meal, but I find it fascinating that it uses all kinds of ingredients and tools carefully, and puts heart and soul into creating a variety of shapes and flavors. Because it is both healthy and delicious, it is now often incorporated into menus not only at temples but also at restaurants and homes.

sesame tofu

Rich nutrition in a small grain

A dish called ``sesame tofu'' is a typical vegetarian dish, and sesame seeds are rich in protein, calcium, various vitamins, and the antioxidant sesamin, which has been valued as a rich source of nutrients. At first glance, many people may think that it is tofu with sesame seeds in it.

Sesame tofu does not contain soybeans, the main ingredient in tofu.

Sesame tofu actually contains no soybeans at all. The main ingredients are sesame seeds and arrowroot powder. A dish made by grinding sesame seeds and mixing them with arrowroot powder. It's eaten with wasabi soy sauce and other sauces, so it's more like a dessert than a dish, just like a Japanese-style pudding. It is called sesame tofu because it looks like tofu. If people in the past had known words like jelly and pudding, sesame tofu might have had a different name.

``Sesame tofu'' that won't fool you

Do you know how to cook sesame tofu? Although it looks simple, it actually takes a lot of time and effort, and is full of the spirit of Shojin Ryori. We take the time to grind the sesame seeds until the flavor is as fresh as possible and the texture is smooth. In modern society, it is possible to reduce costs by using convenient substitutes such as crushed sesame seeds and inexpensive potato starch, but for those who still want to taste the most delicious food, chefs are using traditional methods and selection of ingredients. is faithfully followed.

Famous store introduction

Japanese cuisine Uoichi

This sesame tofu is the specialty dish of the Japanese restaurant "Japanese Cuisine Uoichi" in Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture. The owner, Mr. Tsukamoto, has further refined the manufacturing method by combining the methods he learned at a Zen temple with the essence he learned at a restaurant.

Famous dish “Sesame tofu”

Start with raw sesame seeds and take your time to carefully grind them. The texture is like a rich pudding. To maintain its texture, it is only served on the same day. Due to the high price of arrowroot powder and the fact that it can only be made in small quantities, this is a valuable dish that can only be reserved with a designated kaiseki meal. Why not enjoy it with Shizuoka's local ingredients?

An inn with delicious food

``Japanese Restaurant Uoichi'' is a long-established restaurant located in Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture with a view of Mt. Fuji, but it can also be used as an inn. With a history of 150 years, it is family-run and offers a sense of Japanese tradition and family comfort. 15 minutes by car from Shizuoka Airport. 3 minutes walk from JR Rokugo Station. The location is very easy to access.

Japanese Cuisine Uoichi

5-1-18 Doetsu, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture 427-0019

Located in Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture, where you can see Mt. Fuji, you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine. With a history of 150 ye...