Why Is There a Tiny Drawer in My Stove? (The “Fish Grill” Mystery)

Where is the Oven?
If you move into a Japanese apartment, you will notice something missing in the kitchen. There is no giant oven to roast a turkey. Instead, right under the gas burners, there is a small, narrow drawer with a grate inside. Tourists often mistake it for a broiler or a toaster.

So How Do You Bake Cake?
If there is no built-in oven, how do people bake birthday cakes? They use a “Microwave Oven Combo” (Denshi-renji). In Japan, the microwave is a high-tech machine that can heat up bento, toast bread, and bake a sponge cake. It saves space in Japan’s tiny kitchens.

Kitchen & Table Mysteries (Related Articles)
The fish grill is a unique kitchen tool, but the food on the table has its own secrets. Here are two more Japanese food mysteries.

1. Milk with Sushi? In Japanese schools, there is a strict rule called “Kyushoku” (School Lunch). No matter what the menu is—Curry, Noodles, or even Sushi—it always comes with a carton of milk to ensure kids get Calcium.
👉 Why is there no pizza option? Check out: “Why Do Japanese Kids Drink Milk with Sushi? (The ‘Kyushoku’ Mystery)”

Why Do Japanese Kids Drink Milk with Sushi? (The “Kyushoku” Mystery)

2. Is Tonkatsu Japanese? You might think Pork Cutlet is traditional Japanese food, but it is actually “Yoshoku” (Western food). The word “Katsu” comes from the French word “Cotelette”.
👉 Why is it served with cabbage? Check out: “Why Is Japan’s Famous Pork Cutlet Actually French? (The ‘Katsu’ History)”

Why Is Japan’s Famous Pork Cutlet Actually French? (The “Katsu” History)

.

.