Jordan Daily – The Embassy of Japan, in partnership with the Jordan Tourism Board and the Jordan Japan Friendship Association, hosted a series of culinary events in early September to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Kurisu Junichi, a fourth-generation owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant “Honke Tankuma” in Kyoto, Japan, was invited to Amman to demonstrate his culinary expertise and promote cultural exchange between the two nations.
(Photos / Embassy of Japan)
As part of his visit, Kurisu gave a lecture and workshop at the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, where aspiring Jordanian chefs learned about the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine, including the concept of “umami,” a key element in Japanese cooking. He also guided students in preparing a Japanese-style version of Maqlouba, blending Jordanian and Japanese culinary traditions.
A cooking exchange event at Iraq Al Amir brought together local Jordanian women and Japanese chefs to share techniques and cultural insights from their respective culinary traditions. This collaborative session aimed to foster mutual understanding and strengthen cultural ties between Jordan and Japan.
The celebration also featured an exclusive dinner at Daimeh Eatery, with a collaborative menu designed by both Japanese and Jordanian chefs. Japanese Ambassador Okuyama Jiro highlighted the importance of collaboration through cuisine in his speech, emphasizing the strong bonds of friendship and trust between the two countries.
The culinary events underscored a shared commitment to cultural exchange and marked a significant milestone in the seven-decade relationship between Japan and Jordan.
