Michiru is, above all else, a well-to-do, shy, country girl. She has just moved from the countryside of Japan to Tokyo! After accepting a job transfer, she realized that she probably could not live on her own and decided that she would rather live in a share house. After making it there, she meets Nao, the alcoholic, Kae, the chef, and Makoto, the straight-laced younger sister. What do these women all have in common? They all love to drink! While Osake wa Fuufu ni Natte kara is off air, Takunomi is here to make fans fall in love with drinking all over again, as long as you are of age. While it is a thinly veiled semi-pro-alcoholism anime, there is still a lot to laugh at as well as enjoy as it comes across our screens. Today, we are looking at a delicious dish that appeared in the very first episode, hiyayakko or chilled tofu!

Hiyayakko actually has another name called Yakkoudoufu. Both mean the same thing and this dish is actually a reference to the vests that samurai used to wear during the Edo period. This dish is so well-known and well-liked, that often at Izakaya (Japanese pubs) this will be given as an otoshimono/tsukemono (something placed on your table and included in the seating charge you are charged) as a warmup snack. It is loved across all of Japan and has other popular uses. People on diets will often consume this due to the low-calorie content as well as this is considered a very traditional Japanese snack/side dish. You cannot go wrong with Hiyayakko. The dish however, is not just chilled tofu. No one really does that. Rather, the most common one is tofu topped with finely chopped green onions (scallions), katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), and then soy sauce or ponzu sauce. While the standard version is delicious, one can also enjoy it with things like ooba (perilla leaves), grated yuzu, daikon, ginger, karashi and more. However, in Takunomi, they top it with okra. Now, if you are from the South in the US, you know that okra comes in two forms: in gumbo or fried. However, Japan, with its love of unique textures, actually prefers it a bit slimy and sticky akin to the consistency of natto. Another reason that it is so loved is that it is diet friendly as well as it does fill you up easily. Best of all, this is very refreshing and an excellent dish to beat the heat of summer! That is just what is served up in Takunomi and today, we are going to cover this unique setup. So, sit down, relax, and get ready to try something uniquely Japanese and very different all at the same time.

Hiyayakko is something that makes a refreshing snack in the summer as well as a diet-friendly dish. New year, new body? Then tune into this excellent dish and you have the potential to cut that flab even faster. Either way, you know that Michiru loved it in Takunomi, so why not give it a try for yourself? You may find that you actually enjoyed it greatly. Thank you so much for tuning in this week and be sure to come back next week when more will be served up! Is there anything that you would like to see broken down? Be sure to let us know below if you have a request! Till next time.