Itameshi

Saizeriya's Spaghetti %22TARAKO%22 sauce (2015-10-06)

Itameshi (イタめし) is a term used in Japan to refer to Italian cuisine that has been adapted to fit Japanese tastes and ingredients. The word "Itameshi" is a portmanteau of "Italia" (Italy) and "meshi" (a casual word for food or meal in Japanese), highlighting the fusion of Italian and Japanese culinary traditions. This culinary phenomenon reflects the broader trend of globalization in food culture, where traditional dishes from one country are reinterpreted by another, leading to the creation of new, hybrid cuisines.

History

The introduction of Italian cuisine to Japan can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but it was not until the post-World War II era that Itameshi began to gain popularity. The economic boom in Japan during the 1960s and 1970s brought about a greater openness to Western culture and cuisine, paving the way for Italian restaurants to flourish. Initially, Italian food in Japan closely mirrored traditional recipes. However, over time, chefs began to incorporate local ingredients and adapt dishes to suit the Japanese palate, giving birth to Itameshi.

Characteristics

Itameshi is characterized by its innovative use of Japanese ingredients in Italian dishes. For example, spaghetti might be served with seafood commonly found in Japan, such as squid or shrimp, and seasoned with soy sauce instead of traditional Italian sauces. Another popular Itameshi dish is pizza topped with mayonnaise, corn, and other toppings that are uncommon in Italy but popular in Japan.

One of the hallmarks of Itameshi is its emphasis on umami, a taste that is deeply ingrained in Japanese cuisine. Chefs achieve this by incorporating ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, kombu (edible kelp), and bonito flakes into Italian dishes, thereby enhancing their flavor profile with a distinct Japanese twist.

Popular Itameshi Dishes

• Spaghetti Napolitan: A dish made with spaghetti, ketchup or a tomato-based sauce, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and sometimes bacon or sausage. It is considered one of the quintessential Itameshi dishes.
• Risotto with Japanese Ingredients: Risotto prepared with traditional Japanese ingredients such as shiitake mushrooms, edamame, or sea urchin (uni), offering a unique blend of Italian technique and Japanese flavors.
• Japanese-style Pizza: Pizza that features toppings like teriyaki chicken, mayonnaise, potato, and other ingredients that are not typically found on pizzas in Italy.

Cultural Significance

Itameshi not only represents the fusion of Italian and Japanese culinary traditions but also signifies the broader acceptance and integration of foreign cultures within Japan. It reflects the Japanese ability to respect and preserve the essence of foreign cuisines while simultaneously adapting them to fit local tastes and ingredients. Itameshi has contributed to the diversification of Japan's food scene, making it more inclusive and representative of global culinary trends.

See Also

• Japanese cuisine
• Italian cuisine
• Fusion cuisine
• Globalization of food