Curry became part of Japanese cuisine through a bit of cultural exchange and adaptation during the late 19th century. Here’s how it happened:
British Influence: Japan opened up to the West during the Meiji Restoration (starting in 1868). Around this time, the British Navy was influential in introducing curry to Japan. The British had adapted Indian curry into a milder, stew-like dish.
Japanese Navy Adoption: The Japanese Navy started serving curry as a nutritious, easy-to-make meal for sailors to prevent vitamin deficiencies like beriberi. It became a staple because it was filling and practical.
Adaptation to Local Taste: Japanese cooks modified the recipe to suit local flavors, making it less spicy and thicker, often served with rice (creating the classic “curry rice” or kare raisu).
Popularization: Over time, curry spread to schools, homes, and restaurants, becoming one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods.
So, curry in Japan is actually a British-inspired, Japanese-adapted version of Indian curry, a tasty example of cultural fusion.
Curry became part of Japanese cuisine through a bit of cultural exchange and adaptation during the late 19th century. Here’s how it happened:
ReplyDeleteBritish Influence: Japan opened up to the West during the Meiji Restoration (starting in 1868). Around this time, the British Navy was influential in introducing curry to Japan. The British had adapted Indian curry into a milder, stew-like dish.
Japanese Navy Adoption: The Japanese Navy started serving curry as a nutritious, easy-to-make meal for sailors to prevent vitamin deficiencies like beriberi. It became a staple because it was filling and practical.
Adaptation to Local Taste: Japanese cooks modified the recipe to suit local flavors, making it less spicy and thicker, often served with rice (creating the classic “curry rice” or kare raisu).
Popularization: Over time, curry spread to schools, homes, and restaurants, becoming one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods.
So, curry in Japan is actually a British-inspired, Japanese-adapted version of Indian curry, a tasty example of cultural fusion.