At Quest Taste Japan, in partnership with Central Takeya, the distributor of Takeya Miso, and our local culinary ally, IKOMAI, we embarked on a flavorful journey to introduce the Philippines to the world of umami. Our quest unfolded in the bustling heart of Makati, Manila, and here’s a glimpse into the fascinating story of Takeya Miso’s venture into the Philippines.
Unearthing Miso in Manila
Our adventure began with a quest to explore the world of miso in Manila. We took to the streets, chatting with locals, shopkeepers, and food enthusiasts to understand the miso scene in the Philippines. We probed into miso prices, demand, and the extent of knowledge about this umami-rich delight.
In the Philippines and many other parts of the world, miso often sits unnoticed on supermarket shelves, relegated to the role of a mere miso soup ingredient. But there’s so much more to this flavorful paste.
Eager to dive deeper, we embarked on the challenge of creating miso ramen, a beloved dish in the Philippines. However, it turned out that the robust umami flavor of miso didn’t entirely match local taste preferences. This culinary puzzle led us to ponder how to introduce Japan’s miso culture in a more suitable way.
The Miso Magic – “Nama-Miso”
Now, brace yourself for an enchanting miso revelation. Takeya Miso’s claim to fame lies in its “nama-miso” or raw miso. Unlike conventional miso, it skips the heat treatment, allowing the friendly microorganisms to thrive within. It’s like having a lively microbial entourage in your miso—a true party in your pantry! Without delving too deep into the intricacies of miso, heating it is usually a necessary step to deactivate enzymes when preparing miso soup. However, this process comes at a cost—it affects the aroma and limits its versatility in other dishes. Takeya Miso? It’s a rule-breaker, defying convention like a culinary rebel.
The Crown Jewel – “Special Brew Miso”
And now, for the grand finale! Takeya Miso’s “Special Brew Miso” takes the spotlight. It’s a flavor that’ll tickle your taste buds and keep you coming back for more, even after half a century! While it might appear like your average Shinshu miso, there are not many producers left who craft miso like this. That’s precisely why we wear our “Guardians of Legit Shinshu Miso” badge with immense pride.
The Culinary Collaboration
But wait, there’s more to this delectable tale! The master chefs at IKOMAI are gearing up for an immersive journey into the world of miso. They’re diving deep into its nuances, learning its quirks, and brainstorming ideas for dishes that’ll make Filipino taste buds dance with joy. We’re talking about blending local flavors with fusion concepts, all while whipping up a storm right in the heart of Makati, Manila.
In this dynamic culinary partnership, Quest Taste Japan and IKOMAI have come together to create dishes tailored to local tastes and culinary customs. We’re continuously experimenting, tasting, and perfecting our recipes to ensure top-notch quality. Excitingly, we’ve already unveiled the “Prawn Bisque Miso Ramen” and “Miso Bouillabaisse” at IKOMAI, both enriched with the magic of Takeya Miso. The response has been nothing short of spectacular! Stay tuned for more delightful details in the upcoming chapters of our journey with Takeya Miso!
