If you’ve been keeping up with the amazing 3-D latte art trends going on in Japan’s barista world right now, then you might want to take a look at their savoury counterparts popping up in grated radish form. Instead of swimming in cups of coffee, these adorable home-made creations are taking dips in winter hot pots and stews. Join us as we take a look at some of the cutest critters on offer, from Ghibli characters to sleeping cats, and see just how easy it is to cook up some edible cuteness at home.
People in Japan like to ward off the winter cold with delicious hotpot dishes, known as nabe. With different flavours depending on the type of stock used, common ingredients include cabbage, tofu, mushrooms and leeks. Another popular hotpot dish involves layers of cabbage and bacon which fit perfectly in the pot and look surprisingly beautiful in their uniformity.
The long Japanese white radish known as daikon is often added for its fresh flavour. Traditionally, the radish was simply grated into a bowl and popped into the pot with the other ingredients. Now, home cooks are squeezing out the excess water from the grated daikon and moulding it into all sorts of shapes. While polar bears and simple elephant shapes are a good choice for beginners to the art form, many people are taking things to the next level with some awesome designs.
Adding some nori seaweed brings a panda to life.
While a dash of soy sauce creates the perfect shade of brown for this bear’s fur.
Use the same technique to create a Ghibli hotpot!
Or a beautiful sleeping cat, whose colours appear to come from a little drizzled soup stock.
Adding mashed broccoli to the daikon mix adds natural colour for some green-based inspirations!
The heat seems a bit much for beloved Japanese character Doraemon! Looks like he’s reaching into his magic pocket for a way out of the predicament…
This unique alpaca shows anything is possible with grated radish and a bit of imagination!
Add bunnies, dinosaurs and famous characters to your repertoire for some dinnertime fun.
You don’t have to limit the radish fun to hotpot dishes! These chicks with corn beaks can take up residence on beef patties, grilled fish pieces or served up next to slices of sashimi. Give them a try at home!
Source: Imatopi
Images: raku2525raku smilelx_xl sako_dandan Hinazou319 Kimimaro0802 mayoeriko h63a8c higekita1 Yoshigarden Yoneemon Kimimaro0802 usako_0824 Coruta2011 RyoK1217 Komememo Wanko_daikichi
In Japan, capybaras not only bathe in hot springs, they swim in your soup
New book teaches you to make grated radish animals: Healthier than latte art, just as cute
Grated white radish cat spices up traditional Japanese home cooking
Japanese mom cooking – A super easy recipe for daikon, Japan’s giant radishes【SoraKitchen】
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Tried-and-tested ways to learn Japanese while having fun!
Japan’s master knife maker returns with a razor-sharp blade made out of plastic wrap【Video】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
We stress-test Uniqlo’s “Impressive Jacket and Pants” to see if they live up to their names
Chiikawa Bakery launches a limited-time menu of sunburned characters and refreshing drinks
RocketNews24’s six top tips for learning Japanese
“3 bottles available” – Life’s Good when you can mail your fridge to ask if there’s any beer left
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Leave a Reply