PakistaniJalebiCrisp, golden spirals of fermented batter soaked in warm saffron-cardamom syrup. Plan on a few hours of batter resting, then about half an hour of frying and dipping.3 h 55 min·Serves 6
PakistaniBadam HalwaA rich, glossy almond halwa made from freshly ground blanched almonds, milk, ghee and saffron. It suits Eid tables, dinner parties and winter evenings.1 h·Serves 6
JapaneseOyakodonA Japanese rice bowl of tender chicken thigh and softly set egg simmered in a sweet-savoury dashi sauce. It is quick, filling and made in one pan.40 min·Serves 2
PakistaniKalakandSoft, slightly grainy milk cake made from fresh homemade chenna and condensed milk, scented with cardamom and topped with pistachios. A simple mithai for Eid, weddings or a sweet craving.1 h·Serves 12
JapaneseGyudon Beef Rice BowlThinly sliced beef and soft onions simmered in a sweet-savoury soy and dashi broth, spooned over steamed rice. A quick weekday lunch that needs one pan.40 min·Serves 4
JapaneseChicken TeriyakiPan-seared boneless chicken thighs brushed with a glossy soy, ginger and garlic glaze. It comes together in about 40 minutes and suits a weeknight dinner with rice.40 min·Serves 4
JapaneseBeef SukiyakiThinly sliced beef, tofu and vegetables simmered in a sweet-savoury soy broth in one wide pan. Cook it at the table for a relaxed, shared weeknight dinner.45 min·Serves 4
JapaneseShabu ShabuA Japanese hot pot where paper-thin beef and vegetables are swished through a light kombu broth at the table, then dipped in sesame and citrus sauces. Good for a slow, shared dinner.1 h·Serves 4
PakistaniBesan LadooRound gram flour sweets made by slowly roasting besan in ghee until nutty and golden, then shaping with sugar and cardamom. A classic for Eid, weddings and tea-time gifting.40 min·Serves 12
JapaneseYaki UdonChewy udon noodles stir-fried with chicken, cabbage and carrot in a savoury-sweet soy sauce. It is a quick one-pan lunch that comes together in about 25 minutes.27 min·Serves 3
JapaneseYakisobaJapanese stir-fried wheat noodles with chicken, cabbage and carrot in a tangy-sweet sauce. It's a fast one-pan lunch that uses noodles and vegetables you can find in most Pakistani stores.35 min·Serves 3
JapaneseChicken Shoyu RamenA clear, savoury chicken broth seasoned with soy sauce, poured over springy noodles with soy eggs and tender shredded chicken. A cosy bowl you can make with ingredients from a Pakistani supermarket.1 h 15 min·Serves 4
JapaneseSalmon TeriyakiPan-seared salmon fillets brushed with a glossy ginger-soy glaze, served over steamed rice with broccoli. It is a quick, balanced dinner that needs one pan and a handful of pantry sauces.40 min·Serves 4
JapaneseEbi TempuraLarge prawns in a thin, crisp batter of ice-cold water and flour, served with a light dipping sauce and grated radish. A good dinner when you want something crunchy but not heavy.45 min·Serves 4
JapaneseNikujagaA Japanese home-style stew of thinly sliced beef, potatoes, onion and carrot simmered in a gently sweet soy broth. It is comforting, easy on the budget and ready in under an hour.50 min·Serves 4
JapaneseOmuriceKetchup-seasoned chicken rice wrapped in a soft, silky egg omelette. It's a comforting Japanese home-style lunch that comes together in one pan in about 35 minutes.35 min·Serves 2
JapaneseOkonomiyakiThick, savoury Japanese cabbage pancakes with crisp chicken, brushed with a tangy-sweet sauce and drizzled with mayonnaise. A filling weeknight dinner from one pan and pantry basics.50 min·Serves 4
JapaneseChicken NanbanEgg-coated fried chicken thigh dipped in a sweet-sour soy and vinegar sauce, then topped with creamy egg tartar sauce. A Miyazaki-style dinner that is soft, tangy and rich.50 min·Serves 4
JapaneseKitsune UdonA warm bowl of thick udon noodles in a light kombu-and-soy broth, topped with sweet simmered tofu pouches. It is gentle, filling and ready in about 30 minutes.35 min·Serves 2
JapaneseHambagu SteakJuicy Japanese-style minced beef patties, seared and simmered in a glossy ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. A comforting weeknight dinner that goes well with plain rice.50 min·Serves 4
JapaneseMizutaki Chicken Hot PotA gentle Japanese hot pot of bone-in chicken simmered in a clear, savoury broth with cabbage, tofu and mushrooms, then dipped in ponzu. Easy to share at the table.1 h 25 min·Serves 4
JapaneseChicken KaraageJapanese fried chicken thighs marinated in soy, ginger and garlic, coated in a thin starch crust and fried twice. The result is a crackling outside with a juicy centre.1 h 5 min·Serves 4
JapaneseTendon Tempura Rice BowlCrisp prawn and vegetable tempura piled over hot rice and brushed with a sweet-savoury soy glaze. It is a filling lunch bowl that makes a little frying go a long way.50 min·Serves 2
JapaneseZaru SobaChilled buckwheat noodles served on a bamboo-style tray with a light dashi dipping sauce. It is a cooling, quick lunch for hot days that needs no oil and very little cooking.30 min·Serves 2