Tempura: The Catholic Fast That Became JapaneseHow a Lenten meal became a cornerstone of Japanese food.

From the show

Food History Unpacked

Discover the surprising European origins of tempura, a dish synonymous with Japanese cuisine. We trace its journey from a meal prepared by 16th-century Portuguese missionaries during periods of religious fasting to its evolution into a national delicacy. This culinary history reveals a fascinating intersection of global trade, cultural exchange, and religious practice, forever changing Japan's food landscape.