Nishiki Food Markets in Central Kyoto have everything from fish to tofu (Photo: Bonson Lam)

Nishiki Ichiba Fresh Food Markets

Shop with Mrs Watanabe at the Kitchen of Kyoto

Bonson Lam   - 1分鐘閱讀時間

Since the 14th century Kyoto-ites have been shopping at the Nishiki Markets, making it one of the oldest continuously operating markets in Japan. In the days when transport was limited, vegetables dominated these markets, as Kyoto was far from the ocean. Kyoto takes vegetables to an art form in the various pickles (Kyotsukemono), such as daikon (radishes), ginger, cabbage, carrot, and eggplant, infused with the flavor of sake lees, miso or vinegar, though Kyoto is most famous for Shibazuke which is pickled with plum vinegar. These days you can get fresh fish as well, and there is a saying, "There is nothing that you can't get at Nishiki".

Bonson Lam

Bonson Lam @bonson.lam

I knew my future was destined to be with Japan the moment I flew from Sydney to experience the atmospheric laneways of Kyoto last century.  I am humbled to have met many distinguished people during this time, especially the national living treasures of Japan, such as the doll maker to the Imperia...