YouTube Japanese Cookery for the Obscure and Adventurous

With the explosion of the internet and less focus on books as a medium for communication, users can find a wide collection of cooking recipes in the blink of an eye thanks to Google’s high speed searches. Taste.com is one of the bigger sites out there, and there is little information available as to their history. Although many popular YouTube channels provide recipes you may recognize from home, such as the savoury but humorous FoodWishes to the sugar-craving overload of Divascancook, I would like to highlight two popular channels for Japanese and Asian cooking to those who are sick of their routine home menu.

If one was to describe the perfect cookbook, it would include, excellent photography (so you can easily decide what to prepare), a decent explanation as to nutrition and ingredients, with an ingredients list and cooking time on the short side. These YouTubers have done a wonderful job of creating effective lighting, video composition and editing. They are pleasing to the eye and a joy to watch, thanks to their charming personalities. The videos also don’t last much longer than 5 minutes, so you don’t have to retreat and get coffee while you wait for the them to load.

Cooking with Dog began it’s YouTube debut in 2007, and to the internet’s knowledge it has always lived on YouTube. The name may be strange, and the show is a little unconventional – the main chef is a woman whom speaks Japanese (don’t worry, there are subtitles), while a Dog sits and watch – is he the host of the show, the elusive strong-accented narrator? For those who are daring enough, why not give a crack at some traditionally Japanese mochi ice cream or tofu dango? There are twists on familiar favourites too, like a tofu cheesecake and pinapple ice cream. For those who are prepared to spend a little bit more time in the kitchen, Cooking with Dog could be what you’re after.

Ochikeron is the creator of the YouTube Channel, Create, Eat, Happy :), which was originally part of her blog. She has been cooking for a hobby since 2003, created her blog in 2007, and from 2011 has been sharing her recipies on YouTube. Her videos are generally shorter and she likes to take shortcuts at times, but it does not sacrifice the quality of the food. Her video on Ramen Noodles from Ponyo had been featured on YouTube’s front page for a few days once it came out, and her strawberry shortcake looks to die for. For a mix of both basic, familiar and non-familiar recipes, Ochikeron has a variety of easy-to-make dishes for anyone interested in Eastern cuisine.

For those who are sick of 2 minute noodles, the regular routines of pasta, salads or whatever else they survive on week to week, Cooking with Dog and Ochikeron are a starting place for anyone wanting to enter the world of YouTube cooking from a unconventional angle. So take out that shopping list and get cracking!

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