Indiana State Fair Features Japanese Food
Corn dogs, deep-fried Twinkies and cotton candy are traditional treats at the Indiana State Fair, open through August 22, 2010, in Indianapolis. But, there’s something decidedly new this year that Road Trips Foodies shouldn’t miss! The innovative “Bridges to Japan” exhibit (an in-depth exploration of Japan and its connections with Indiana sponsored by the Japan-America Society of Indiana) includes food sales!
The Japanese food corner “Nihon Shokudo,” offers a variety of dishes (none priced higher than $5), including Japanese pork cutlets, Japanese fried noodles, green tea ice cream, and sushi (including a new “deep-fried sushi” specialty).
Items on the menu in the “Bridges to Japan” food corner include:
* Kushi Katsu – Lightly panko-breaded pork kebabs. Also contains small green peppers with an optional lightly-flavored miso sauce.
* Katsu Curry – A very popular dish in Japan made by placing a lightly panko- breaded pork cutlet on top of white rice, and covering it with Japanese-style curry sauce.
* Deep-Fried Sushi – Shrimp tempura sushi rolls with a light curry seasoning. Deep fried and topped with spicy mayonnaise.
* Gyudon – Finely sliced paper-thin beef and onions on top of white rice.
* Yakisoba – A staple dish at festivals in Japan, yakisoba is made by grilling soba noodles, carrots, cabbage, and onions in a savory yakisoba sauce.
* Kakiage – Deep fried shrimp and vegetable tempura on udon noodles.
* Yakitori – Chicken kebabs grilled in a tasty yakitori sauce.
* Gyoza – Japanese style vegetable dumplings
* Miso Soup – A traditional soup consisting of a stock called “dashi” mixed in with softened miso paste.
* Edamame – Boiled soy beans seasoned with salt. A popular finger food in Japan.
The Indiana State Fair takes place at the state fairgrounds, 1202 East 38th Street, Indianapolis.
(Graphic courtesy of Japan-America Society of Indiana)
