Japanese Food Myths, Corrected

When it comes to Japanese food and you swear by average intelligence, be warned! You may have a good number of misconceptions and notions that need to be corrected. If what you’ve heard or thought of Japanese food has discouraged you from dropping by Hana Zen Restaurant in either Pier 39 or Union Square, read on and get informed!

Misconception #1: Japanese food is the opposite of romantic.

A lot of people do not exactly have restaurants that serve Japanese cuisine on their minds when they think of places to have dinner at the water front or a quaint, intimate affair. As much as the Japanese aesthetic is naturally exotic and intimate, some people have this preconceived notion that Japanese food is not sexy at all, with its raw ingredients. They often argue, “What’s sexy about uncooked food?”

The thing is, uncooked food can be sexy and romantic! The freshness of the ingredients and the flavors, the simple but elegant preparation and presentation, and the absence of artificial ingredients definitely make Japanese food a great option for romantic cuisine. Besides, a good number of Japanese dishes are cooked as well. So, Hana Zen is definitely a great choice fora dinner by the bay venue. Not only are the tastes special and exotic, but the sights are breathtaking, too! Now, what could be more romantic than that?

Misconception #2: Japanese food is dangerous.

Well, there is an element of risk in some Japanese dishes, the most popular of which is the fugu or pufferfish. Eating pufferfish, aside from feeling weird because you are eating something that has a puffed face, is said to be highly dangerous because the fish itself has poison contained in its organs and skin. Nevertheless, it is regarded as a delicacy in Japan, but has to be prepared by an expert chef who knows to how to extricate the venom from the fish. But hey, a lot of people get the thrill from the knowledge they might end up in the hospital only minutes after eating the delicacy. Now, there certainly would be a weird ambiance in a romantic dinner with a rather morbid undertone, right?

But folks, be rest assured that fugu is an exception rather than a rule in Japanese cuisine. Just because quite a number of Japanese dishes are raw or have rather exotic ingredients does not mean you should think of having your last will and testament finalized while eating them. They have been enjoyed for centuries, and at Hana Zen, prepared to perfection.

Misconception #3: Japanese food is exorbitant.

Japanese food can indeed by a little pricey compared to other Asian food, for example, Chinese. While Chinese cuisine has capitalized on its ‘take-out’ convenience image to be more accessible to Westerners, Japanese cuisine has maintained a pronounced distance by always  being packaged as exotic and elegant.

But that does not mean that Japanese food is overly priced and elitist at all. A lot of Japanese food, especially sushi, traces its origins to simple and in fact, very humble roots. A good number of popular Japanese dishes were results of the ingenuity and resourcefulness the country’s people had to exercise when the country had to come to grips with the ravages of the 2^nd World War. Besides, Japanese restaurants like Hana Zen has branches that can be ideal sites for casual dining, like the one on Union Square. People can just enjoy the carefree atmosphere while feasting on delectable Japanese food.

We hope that we have opened your eyes to some ideas on Japanese food you might have been misinformed about. Do visit Hana Zen for excellent Japanese food set in beautiful locations.