A Taste of Ainu Food Culture by Japen House

Discover the characteristics and ingredients of Ainu food culture  from the Saru River region and sample one of Ainu cookery’s signature  dishes by joining one of a series of special talks, demonstrations and  tasting sessions led by members of the Biratori Ainu Culture  Preservation Association.

During each event in this series, Oikawa  Naomi and Nagano Tamaki introduce the ingredients and principles of  Ainu food culture and demonstrate how to make ohaw, a  soup made by simmering meat or fish in a base of wild seasonal  vegetables. Guests then have the opportunity to try the dish themselves.  

On 24 and 26 February, guests can choose between a sample portion of cepohaw (ohaw with salmon) or vegan kinaohaw (ohaw with wild vegetables) and on 25 February, between yukohaw (ohaw with venison) and vegan kinaohaw. Please choose which type of ohaw you would like to sample at the point of booking.

The cuisine of the Ainu, an indigenous people of northern Japan, is  distinct from other parts of the Japanese archipelago. Its key  ingredients are local game and fish obtained through fishing and hunting  such as salmon and deer, seasonal wild plants foraged in the mountains  as well as various millets and root vegetables obtained through farming.  Imbued with a strong respect for the sustainable use of resources and  the environment, an important principle of Ainu food culture is only to  take what you need and, when harvesting mountain vegetables, always to  ensure that the roots remain.

Following a period of decline in  Ainu culinary traditions, as a result of assimilationist policies and  drastic changes in agriculture since the late 19th century, there has  been in recent years a resurgence of interest in the traditions,  ingredients and techniques of Ainu cuisine. Vital to this revitalization  are organizations like the Biratori Ainu Culture Preservation  Association which aim to preserve Ainu food traditions for future  generations by leading Ainu cooking workshops and compiling Ainu recipes  and adapting them to contemporary tastes.

Please note that filming and photography may take place at this event. Photos and footage  of the event may then be used to promote Japan House London, helping  more people to discover what we offer. If you have any concerns, please  email info@japanhouselondon.uk or contact a member of the team on site.

Tickets for the event are non-refundable. Please read our Terms and Conditions for Event Tickets before purchasing your ticket.

The exhibition Ainu Stories: Contemporary Lives by the Saru River is on display in the Gallery at Japan House London until 21 April, 2024.

🎟Ticket: eventbrite page

⭐️Event Organiser: Japan House London

💡Price: SOLD OUT join waitlist at eventbrite page

🗓Date: 24 February – 26 February 2024