Ingredient appreciation — what makes Tempura special

What sets Tempura apart is the handling of dashi stock. In lesser versions this is treated as a background note. Here it's central and the clean and umami-forward result shows it. I've started buying it to cook with at home after this experience.

Japanese cuisine philosophy of shokunin craftsmanship shapes how even simple dishes are prepared. The an intimate Tokyo counter restaurant atmosphere was right for this kind of food. I had cold Sapporo beer as recommended and it matched well. If you want to understand what makes this cuisine distinctive, Tempura is the place to start.