Vegetable ekiben on the Tokaido shinkansen

Just a quick postcard from my current trip to Japan. I had to jot this down right now while the exquisite flavours swirl in my belly and the remnants of enjoyment are in my mouth. I am on the fast train between Tokyo and Osaka known as the Tokaido shinkansen.

I wasn’t aware that vegetable could have as many flavours and textures as was contained within this little box!

Spicy and sweet plums

Umami and earthy mushroom

Licorice flavoured something

Salty and briny pickled cucumbers

Fluffy and creamy tofu

Sweet and chalky chestnuts

Salty and sweet sticky rice

Zingy and zesty ginger

Edamame reminiscent of crunchy green undergrowth

Sweet and spicy stewed fruits – reminded briefly of Christmas

A thousand years of collective memories and traditions all packed into a little container. It all sang in harmony together like a humble orchestra played for one.

Oishi!!!