New Delhi, Feb 05 Japanese Ambassador to India, Suzuki hosted “An Evening with Japanese Food 2020” at his residence, to promote Japanese food in India.
The Embassy of Japan in India has been working actively to raise awareness of Japanese food and Sake (Rice Wine) in India. This time, Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador, Chef Ogawa Hirotoshi, and Indian Master Chef, Chef Pankaj Bhadouria, presented lectures followed by demonstrations on Japanese cuisine.
Chef Ogawa made sushi with fish imported from Japan. In 2018, Japan and India agreed on the sanitary certificate of fish imported from Japan into India. A Japanese fish wholesaler, J’s Corporation, also exhibited their products at the event.
Chef Pankaj served a special salad using apples imported from Japan for the first time. Last December, the Indian government approved a trial shipment of Japanese apples into India. Japanese apples exporters, Aomori Trading and Japan Agriculture/Kowa India, also showcased those apples at the event.
In addition, Japanese chain restaurants are coming into India. The biggest curry chain restaurant in Japan, “Coco Ichibanya”, and a Japanese style BBQ restaurant, “Pepper Lunch”, also offered a preview of their food before their official launch in India.
In addition, to promote Japanese agricultural and food products and Japanese cuisine around the world, the Japanese government is certifying “Japanese Food Supporters”. At the event, four newly certified Japanese restaurants (Premium Ichizen, Tokyo Table (Kuuraku), Sushi & Moreand Makoto Udon) participated in the event.
Furthermore, the event featured special exhibitions by Japanese companies showcasing Japanese products such as sake, food and beverages, as well as kitchen appliances and food related services. They are:Ozeki/Kyoto Beverage, Gassan Shuzo/Project Sake, Katokichibei Shoten/Rad Elan, Beam Suntory, Itoen/Kyoto Beverage, Daawat Kameda and Tiger India.
We are very optimistic that these activities will help us to popularise Japanese food in India, besides further promoting Japan-India interaction through our food cultures, ambassador said