Comedian from Japan talks about Japanese cuisine in Malaysia!

Mr. Yuichiro Kinjo is a talented comedian from Osaka, Japan who is currently living in Malaysia. He is the only Japanese comedian that do comedy in many language, even in malay language. As for this time, let hear from him about Japanese cuisine is all about!

1. What is the most delicious Japanese food for you?

When I go back to Japan the first food that I eat is Takoyaki because I am from the Kansai region in Osaka which is popular for its takoyaki. Since I was a little kid I was always eating Takoyaki. Right now, I love Takoyaki more than ever!1. What is the most delicious Japanese food for you? When I go back to Japan the first food that I eat is Takoyaki because I am from the Kansai region in Osaka which is popular for its takoyaki. Since I was a little kid I was always eating Takoyaki. Right now, I love Takoyaki more than ever!

2. What the differences between Malaysian cuisine and Japanese cuisine?

The first thing I noticed between Japanese cuisine and Malaysian cuisine is the spices. The spices are different. Before I came to Malaysia I was weak towards spicy food but now I have a habit of eating spicy food. In Japanese cuisine, eating raw food is part of the culture but for Malaysians, eating raw food is not usually seen. The only raw food to eat in Malaysia is fruit, of which Malaysia has many tropical varieties.

3. What kind of Japanese snacks that you like?

I like Umaibou! Umaibou is a puffed corn snack that comes in a variety of flavours. When I was little, I didn’t have much money, so the only thing that I could buy and enjoy were these cheap snacks. One packet of Umaibou will cost 10 Yen, which is around RM0.40.

4. If you have the chance to work in Japan food industry, what kind of food you would like to make?

If I could open a Japanese restaurant or stall, I want to open a Takoyaki stall. A Takoyaki stall that serves Takoyaki for Malaysians. As we know, Gindaco has opened its franchise in Kuala Lumpur and I find that they grasped the Malaysian audience very well. Takoyaki is a great quick and easy snack which can be eaten right away. Malaysians really love fried foods, and there is no doubt that they would enjoy Takoyaki. The overall look and service of Gindaco is what sets them apart from other Takoyaki stalls in the market.

5. What is your favourite home cooked food?

I love home cooked food and I can’t choose a favourite dish. My most memorable childhood dishes were curry rice, gyoza, grilled ginger, and miso soup. I even love the taste of plain freshly cooked rice. I have a funny story about my mother cooking gyoza. My mother was cooking gyoza and the smoke came into my room as I left my room door open. I noticed the smell of the gyoza and smoke was getting stronger and stronger. Soon after everyone realized that it was not the gyoza that was burnt, but actually the house was on fire. At that time, I said to my mother that I wanted to stay because I really wanted to eat gyoza, but then my mother grabbed my hand and we ran from our burning house.

6. Which Japanese restaurant in Malaysia do you like the most?

If I crave for something quick and tasty, I would always go to Hanamaru Udon in Mid Valley because the restaurant is nearby my home.

7. What is Japanese cuisine to you?

For me, Japanese cuisine brings the meaning and importance of the presentation for each dish. After being in Malaysia, I find that the importance of presentation here differs from Japan. Japanese cuisine looks at the importance of not only taste but colour as well, which is very vibrant and it keeps you craving for more. This is the culture of Japanese food which I find very unique.