As a child, Anoma van der Veere had to eat what was served, including fish, even though it was not at the top of his favorites list. That seemingly simple lesson took on a deeper meaning later when he tried to understand Japan as a correspondent. His conclusion: you only truly get to know a country by looking at what is on your plate.
Together with food historian Katarzyna Cwiertka, he dives into the stories behind Japanese cuisine. It becomes clear that food is much more than just tradition – it tells something about history, identity, and the way a culture expresses itself.
Along the way, he meets ramen chefs, sea urchin farmers, and tea masters. For everyone who wants to go to Japan or just wants to hold onto the taste for a little longer.
