Tempura

Though it is now considered uniquely Japanese, tempura – deep-fried large prawns and vegetables – was actually introduced to Japan in the second half of the sixteenth century by the Portuguese. It was probably rather leaden fare compared to the sophisticated and feather-light crisp batter of today’s tempura.

If you want to eat the very best, go to specialist restaurants where you sit at a bar and the chef fries the food in front of you, putting it into individual bamboo baske