Super Sushi Ramen Express: One Family's Journey Through the Belly of Japan

Written by Michael Booth

Narrated by Ralph Lister

Japan is arguably the preeminent food nation on earth, a Mecca for the world's greatest chefs, with more Michelin stars than any other country. The Japanese go to extraordinary lengths and expense to eat food that is marked both by its exquisite preparation and exotic content. Their creativity, dedication, and courage in the face of dishes such as cod sperm and octopus ice cream is only now beginning to be fully appreciated in the sushi and ramen-saturated West. Food and travel writer Michael Booth takes the culinary pulse of contemporary Japan, learning fascinating tips and recipes that few westerners have been privy to before. Accompanied by two fussy eaters under the age of six, he and his wife travel the length of the country, from bear-infested, beer-loving Hokkaido to snake-infested, seaweed-loving Okinawa. Along the way, they dine with-and score a surprising victory over-sumo wrestlers; share a seaside lunch with free-diving, female abalone hunters; and meet the greatest chefs working in Japan today. Less happily, they witness a mass fugu slaughter, are traumatized by an encounter with giant crabs, and attempt a calamitous cooking demonstration for the lunching ladies of Kyoto.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Highbridge Company
• Release date: Sep 6, 2016
• ISBN: 9781681683096

Michael Booth

Michael Booth is a journalist, broadcaster, and keynote speaker. He is the author of several works of non-fiction, including the award-winning, international best-seller, The Almost Nearly Perfect People and Super Sushi Ramen Express. He is a correspondent for Monocle magazine and Monocle M24 radio, as well as other international publications. His works have been adapted by BBC radio in the UK and NHK TV in Japan, and translated into over twenty languages.

Reviews for Super Sushi Ramen Express

[reader1009-863136 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

nonfiction (Japanese food culture; travel). Sometimes interesting, but a little dry (and there were other folks waiting to read it).

[ashleytylerjohn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Going to Japan and wanted to get a sense of what it would feel like. And that's the absent star, right there--I certainly got a sense of what it felt like for Mr. Booth, but he had inside access, was treated to a dinner at the finest restaurant in Tokyo, etc. My vacation will likely not follow the same trajectory! That said, it was always engaging, and I learned a great deal, and it's always a thrill to read something on Japanese cookery that isn't a cook book.

(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). I feel a lot of readers automatically render any book they enjoy 5, but I grade on a curve!

[brangwinn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh, no! Mr. Booth has put another country on my list to experience through food. I’ve been to Japan once and was so impressed with the basic tourist food we had, but now I want to go try all the different variations of the foods. I enjoyed the added perspective of traveling with two boys under the age of 7 because it gives a different perspective to a country.