This brought back lovely memories of my childhood in Tokyo in the 60's, when the yaki imo man would herald his arrival by singing "Yaki imo, yaki imo!" through a megaphone. The cart he pulled had a charcoal brazier on it, and he would pull the sweet potatoes from the coals with tongs and wrap them in newspaper. They were our favorite treat, and hard to come by because we had find the money and then run down our long driveway to catch up to him. Toward the end of our time in Tokyo he started using a battery-powered megaphone, but otherwise nothing changed
Thank you Hope! I am glad it brought back good memories. I've only been in Tokyo for three years and it's with the benefit of Google translate and lots of English on signage around. I plan to resume language lessons soon but I can only imagine what it must have been like in the '60s. Would be cool to profile one of the yaki imo drivers... Just subscribed to your newsletter! Look forward to reading more of your work.
Thank you Chihiro! The hot and humid summer months are just beginning so no yaki imo trucks for now but I'm already looking forward to the fall to see what new-to-me yaki imo treats I can find. As for the summer, Kakigori might be my all time favorite Japanese dessert - and if I find out yaki imo flavored Kakigōri is a thing? I.might.die. 🍠 🍧
Yes! I've been waiting for this since the mention of the yaki imo truck song in a previous piece. Effortless weaving of food, memory, and culture -- from Grandmother's Thanksgiving sweet potato soufflé to "perfectly roasted sweet potatoes beautifully gift-wrapped in a box". I love sweet potatoes, and reading this makes me realize there is so much more to explore.
Z! All your colors, sights, smells and textures transported me! I’m adding roasted sweet potato to the long list of delicacies to try in Japan! Can’t wait to read the next post ♥️
Absolutely gorgeous, Zakia, and so good to hear your voice again through your writing. Sweet potatoes never featured big in Australia, but I was introduced to them when living in London. Roasted sweet potatoes remind me of easy meals with my first born. Good memories.
Hi Brooke! It's good to hear from you! Easy meals with newborns definitely = good memories :-) I realize I know nothing about food in Australia. What's a must try food from back home?
When I think of Oz, I think of meat pies, fresh seafood (especially prawns) and juicy, sweet mangoes. You’ll have to pop down there one day. You’re in the neighborhood 😉
This brought back lovely memories of my childhood in Tokyo in the 60's, when the yaki imo man would herald his arrival by singing "Yaki imo, yaki imo!" through a megaphone. The cart he pulled had a charcoal brazier on it, and he would pull the sweet potatoes from the coals with tongs and wrap them in newspaper. They were our favorite treat, and hard to come by because we had find the money and then run down our long driveway to catch up to him. Toward the end of our time in Tokyo he started using a battery-powered megaphone, but otherwise nothing changed
Thank you Hope! I am glad it brought back good memories. I've only been in Tokyo for three years and it's with the benefit of Google translate and lots of English on signage around. I plan to resume language lessons soon but I can only imagine what it must have been like in the '60s. Would be cool to profile one of the yaki imo drivers... Just subscribed to your newsletter! Look forward to reading more of your work.
Such an evocative description of yaki imo in all of its iterations! I miss Japan so much.
Thank you Chihiro! The hot and humid summer months are just beginning so no yaki imo trucks for now but I'm already looking forward to the fall to see what new-to-me yaki imo treats I can find. As for the summer, Kakigori might be my all time favorite Japanese dessert - and if I find out yaki imo flavored Kakigōri is a thing? I.might.die. 🍠 🍧
A great read and just gorgeous. Really excited about you writing! XO
Yes! I've been waiting for this since the mention of the yaki imo truck song in a previous piece. Effortless weaving of food, memory, and culture -- from Grandmother's Thanksgiving sweet potato soufflé to "perfectly roasted sweet potatoes beautifully gift-wrapped in a box". I love sweet potatoes, and reading this makes me realize there is so much more to explore.
Really touching and full of great taste information. Makes me want to tour Japan even more - particularly for sweet potatoes.
Z! All your colors, sights, smells and textures transported me! I’m adding roasted sweet potato to the long list of delicacies to try in Japan! Can’t wait to read the next post ♥️
Hi Zakia!!
I just learned about your blog from Veronica. What cool information you’re sharing!
I hope you are doing well and the kids are happy & having fun!!
Best, Terrie
Hi Zakia!!
I just learned about your blog from Veronica. What cool information you’re sharing!
I hope you are doing well and the kids are happy & having fun!!
Best, Terrie
Hi Terrie! Thank you! Everyone is good! Hoping the same of you and yours! I miss book club :)
I love this so much!
awwww thanks Steph! Crying in H Mart is still top of mind!
I love learning more about Japan, even living just down the street from you! Okay, you have to share, what was your grandma’s nickname for you?
I can't share the nickname 'cause like the sweet potato pie recipe - it's a family secret ;-)
Absolutely gorgeous, Zakia, and so good to hear your voice again through your writing. Sweet potatoes never featured big in Australia, but I was introduced to them when living in London. Roasted sweet potatoes remind me of easy meals with my first born. Good memories.
Hi Brooke! It's good to hear from you! Easy meals with newborns definitely = good memories :-) I realize I know nothing about food in Australia. What's a must try food from back home?
When I think of Oz, I think of meat pies, fresh seafood (especially prawns) and juicy, sweet mangoes. You’ll have to pop down there one day. You’re in the neighborhood 😉
So lovely to hear about your sweet potato history at home and abroad! I would like to visit in Autumn and eat roasted Beni haruka with you!
I can't wait for that to happen Veronica!