Winter is firmly here and in the land of the rising sun, that means oden.

Oden is a broth made of dashi (fish flakes / powder) and soy sauce, with chunks of vegetables marinading in it. It often comes with daikon (Japanese radish), boiled pheasant eggs, processed fish cakes, and in Gunma it also has a healthy portion of konnyaku (a gelatinous, speckled grey slab made from a type of potato called devil’s tongue). Ingredients vary around the country and can include carrots, tofu, and potatoes. Oden sometimes comes with a dollup of tangy mustard, called karashi.

It’s definately food for cold weather, and it’s really filling. You can buy it at convenience stores and at street festivals- often served from a giant, bubbling pot. Our local izekaiya (bar) serves it as a complimentary starter – see photo.