Ep 17. Land of the Rising Bun

In Eat St. season 4 episode 17, viewers are taken on a journey to the "Land of the Rising Bun," where they will explore some of the most delicious and innovative bun-based dishes in Japan. Host James Cunningham leads the way as he travels to three different locations in search of Japanese cuisine that is both traditional and totally unique.

The first stop on this culinary adventure is a street cart in Osaka, where James discovers a dish that has been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries. Takoyaki, or grilled octopus balls, are a beloved street food in Japan, and James gets to see how they are made from start to finish. The dough is poured into a special Takoyaki pan, which has small indentations for the octopus pieces. The cook expertly flips each ball over until they are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. James tries one and is blown away by how delicious and satisfying they are.

Next, James heads to Tokyo to try a French-Japanese fusion dish that is like nothing else in the world. A chef at the trendy restaurant Aux Bacchanales shows James how to make a "Parisian-style" sandwich, which is made with a soft, sweet bun filled with rich foie gras and savory grilled eel. The combination of flavors is intense and complex, and James is amazed by how well they work together.

Finally, James travels to the city of Sapporo to try a ramen bun, a specialty that is only found in this part of Japan. The bun is made from the same dough as ramen noodles, but it is shaped like a small bun and filled with a rich pork and miso filling. The result is a hearty, flavorful sandwich that is the perfect lunchtime treat. James also gets to try a traditional Hokkaido-style miso ramen to round out his visit to Sapporo.

Throughout the episode, James meets with chefs and food experts who share their passion for Japanese cuisine and show him the tricks and techniques behind each dish. He also gets to explore the vibrant culinary scene and culture of Japan, tasting some of the best street food and restaurant dishes the country has to offer.

Overall, "Land of the Rising Bun" is a mouth-watering episode of Eat St. that offers viewers a glimpse into the rich and diverse culinary world of Japan. From the traditional to the avant-garde, these bun-based dishes are a testament to the creativity and innovation of Japanese cuisine, and viewers will undoubtedly be inspired to try some of these amazing foods for themselves.