Assari vs Kotteri in Japanese Cuisine

In Japanese cuisine, there are two terms that are commonly used to describe the taste of dishes: あっさり (assari) and こってり (kotteri). These words have distinct meanings and are often used by food enthusiasts and chefs to describe the flavour profile of various dishes.

Especially, あっさり and こってり are used as indicators of richness for ramen.

あっさり assari – Light and Refreshing

When it comes to describing a dish as あっさり, it means that it has a light and refreshing taste. This term is often used to describe dishes that are not heavy on the palate and have a delicate flavour. あっさり dishes usually have a clean and simple taste, with a subtle balance of flavours. These dishes are typically low in oil, salt, and other heavy ingredients, making them perfect for those who prefer a lighter dining experience. Examples of あっさりdishes include clear soups, lightly seasoned salads, and steamed vegetables.

Examples of あっさり assari

このラーメンなら、あっさりしてて朝から食べられる。

/kono ramen naɾa assaɾi ʃitete asakaɾa tabeɾaɾeɾu/

This ramen is light and healthy (assari), so I can eat it for breakfast

こってり kotteri – Rich and Hearty

On the other hand, こってり refers to dishes that are rich, hearty, and full of flavour. When a dish is described as こってり, it means that it is indulgent and has a thick and heavy taste. These dishes often contain ingredients like fatty meats, rich broths, and generous amounts of seasoning. こってりdishes are known for their bold and robust flavours that linger on the palate. Some popular examples of こってり dishes include ramen with a rich pork-based broth, deep-fried dishes like tempura, and dishes with thick sauces like tonkatsu.

Examples of こってり kotteri

そうそう、このこってりが欲しかったんだよ。

/soː soː kono kotteɾiga hoʃikattan dajo/

Yes, yes, I wanted something rich and hearty (kotteri) like this.

A harmony of あっさり assari and こってり kotteri

While あっさりand こってり represents two opposite ends of the flavour spectrum, Japanese cuisine is all about balance. It is common to have a combination of both types of dishes in a traditional Japanese meal. The contrast between あっさり and こってり creates a harmonious dining experience, allowing diners to enjoy a variety of flavours and textures. The lighter dishes cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing break from the richness of the こってり dishes, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Understanding あっさり assari and こってりkotteri helps your trip to Japan

Understanding the difference between あっさりand こってり is essential for anyone interested in Japanese cuisine. These terms exemplify the diverse range of flavours and tastes that can be found in Japanese dishes. Whether you prefer the light and refreshing flavours of あっさりor the rich and hearty taste of こってり, Japanese cuisine offers a wide array of options to satisfy every palate. So the next time you visit a Japanese restaurant or try your hand at cooking Japanese food, keep these terms in mind to enhance your dining experience.