Food From Netflix's The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House (Episode 4)

Episode 4 of The Makanai, “Wish”, is a character-heavy episode with less emphasis on cooking and a larger focus on the forces that drive the hearts of the characters. And while their hearts may yearn silently, Kiyo continues to help them express their emotions through her resonant cooking.

There are a few throwbacks to previous episodes in this episode, including the scene where Kiyo is shopping for eggplants in the market. Previously in episode one, Kiyo talks about the local kamonasu, a large round Kyoto variety of eggplant. However, in this episode (since the season has changed), the seller recommends regular eggplant since they are both delicious at this time of year.  Another throwback references episode three when Kiyo discusses nukazuke. In this episode, we see her yet again making more nukazuke -- perhaps it has become a favorite in the house?

There are two key recipes in this episode and both revolve around Sumire and her relationships. In the first recipe, we first see Kiyo and Sumire at a cafe eating delicious and fluffy matcha pancakes. They remark how Kenta would be jealous, and quickly think up the idea to send him some homemade sweets. Fast forward to their return to the Maiko house, we see them carefully measuring flour, then beating eggs and mixing the wet and dry ingredients together. Finally, they pour the batter into individual molds. It turns out they are making delicious little cakes known as madeleines, which are quite easy to make and send along to someone you are missing.

Made by Kiyo, the second key recipe is instrumental in getting Sumire’s father to agree to let Sumire stay. While Sumire’s father is sitting at the bar drinking with the other patrons, Kiyo brings out a dish of fried and simmered eggplant called Nasubi no Agebitashi (茄子の揚げ浸し). To make this dish, long eggplants are scored before being pan-fried on both sides. While this recipe can also be prepared by deep frying, Kiyo opts instead for a shallow pan fry. After frying and letting the excess oil drip off, she simmers the eggplant in a soup made of soy sauce, dashi, mirin, sugar, and sake. Simmering the eggplant allows the flavors of the soup to penetrate the eggplant more deeply, though it also possible to simply pour over the soup for a quicker method. When Mother tries the eggplant, she remarks that it makes her feel nostalgic. Kiyo takes this opportunity to bring out the comforting dish to Sumire’s father. Upon eating food made by Sumire’s childhood friend, he too is struck by intense nostalgia and begins to cry.

While it is hard to say what drove Sumire’s father to change his mind, it is impossible to deny the way that the emotions of the Maiko House members are expressed through the food that Kiyo prepares for them. Kiyo prepares each dish with care and love, never shirking from preparing dishes that sate not only their hunger but the wishes of their hearts.

About the author: 

Michael Bugajski

Michael is originally from Chicago, IL in the United States, but has lived in Japan for seven years in Niigata and Hokkaido. He is an avid home chef, baker, and coffee enthusiast, but his one true love is ramen.  Ever in pursuit of the perfect bowl of noodles, you can always find him by listening for the tell-tale slurp of ramen being enjoyed!