Mikasa Japanese Yoshoku Restaurant

"Yoshoku" refers to a style of cuisine that originated from Western dishes but uniquely developed in Japan.

For a long time, Japan had minimal contact with Western countries, but around the 1860s, Western culture began to influence Japan, including its cuisine. As Western dishes were introduced, they were adapted to better suit Japanese tastes, giving rise to a fusion style called "Wayo Setchu Ryori" (Japanese-Western fusion cuisine), which later became known as Yoshoku.

Although the word Yoshoku translates to "Western cuisine" in Japanese, it has evolved to include unique adaptations not found in authentic Western dishes.

One of the most representative examples is curry rice. Around the 1870s, the Japanese Navy adopted the British-style curry, a stew with curry spices served over rice, which was popular in the British Navy. It eventually spread to the general public and became a staple dish. Another well-known Yoshoku dish is omurice, a fusion of the traditional French omelette (omelette) and rice, making it a popular comfort food in Japan.