Hiyayakko

Hiyayakko, consumed mostly on hot summer days, is a block of soft tofu that is served cold and topped with finely minced scallions, fresh ginger, and flavorful dried flakes of bonito, a type of oily fish from the mackerel family. The dish is often dipped in soy sauce for an extra boost of flavor.

In the Tofu Hyakuchin, a popular Japanese recipe book, it is said that hiyayakko is so famous that it needs no introduction or recipe. It is not hard to see why hiyayakko is a quintessential summer dish in Japan - it is easy to prepare, doesn't require the oven or the stove, and it provides a great example of how to appreciate all the delicate flavors of fresh tofu.