From a Small House in Rural Thailand Japanese Cuisine Made in Thailand Today’s Special: Neko Meshi （猫飯） – Cat Rice
From a Small House in Rural Thailand
Japanese Cuisine Made in Thailand
Hello from Rural Thailand!
Greetings from my little wooden house surrounded by rice paddies and coconut trees! Today, I’m excited to share one of my favorite comfort foods from Japanese culture – the humble yet soul-warming Neko Meshi （literally “Cat Rice"）. You might know it from the beloved drama series “Midnight Diner," where it appears as the epitome of simple, nostalgic Japanese home cooking.
Living here in rural Thailand, I’ve discovered that the essence of good food transcends borders. Just like how a simple bowl of rice with fish sauce can warm a Thai heart, Neko Meshi does the same for Japanese souls. The beauty lies in its simplicity – just rice, bonito flakes, and soy sauce, yet it carries the weight of childhood memories and late-night comfort.
What Exactly is Neko Meshi?
The Origins
The name “Neko Meshi" （Cat Rice） comes from the idea that it’s so simple, even a cat could eat it. Historically, it was what busy mothers would quickly prepare for their children, or what students would make in their tiny apartments. It’s the Japanese equivalent of “bachelor food" – humble, quick, but surprisingly satisfying.
Cultural Significance
In Japanese culture, Neko Meshi represents mottainai – the regret of waste. It uses simple ingredients to create something meaningful. The dish embodies the Japanese philosophy that even the simplest meal can be prepared with care and eaten with gratitude.
See How It’s Done: Midnight Diner Style
This beautiful video shows the traditional preparation method featured in the famous “Midnight Diner" series.
The Complete Neko Meshi Recipe
Ingredients （Serves 1）
Shopping in Thailand
Bonito Flakes: Look for “กะซึโบะ" （ka-zeu-bo） in Japanese grocery stores in Bangkok, or order online. Makro sometimes carries them.
Soy Sauce: While Japanese soy sauce is best, good Thai soy sauce （ซีอิ๊วขาว） works in a pinch.
Rice: Thai jasmine rice works beautifully, though it’s not traditional. The key is making it fresh and fluffy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Rice Base
Start with a bowl of piping hot, freshly cooked rice. This is crucial – cold rice just won’t give you the same comfort experience. If your rice has cooled, give it a quick 30-second zap in the microwave. In my Thai kitchen, I often use the rice cooker that’s perpetually warm with jasmine rice.
The Secret Butter Addition
Here’s where the magic happens – nestle a small pat of butter right in the center of your hot rice, letting it slowly melt and create a rich, creamy base. This isn’t traditional in all regions, but it adds an incredible depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the bonito flakes.
Shower with Bonito Flakes
Generously sprinkle the katsuobushi over your rice. Don’t be shy – you want enough to create a beautiful, dancing layer on top. Watch as the delicate flakes curl and move from the steam of the hot rice. It’s like a little culinary dance that never gets old.
The Final Touch
Drizzle soy sauce around the edges and center of your bowl. Start with less – you can always add more. If you have mirin, add just a tiny bit for that subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness. Mix gently, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
Eat Immediately
This is crucial – Neko Meshi is best enjoyed immediately while the rice is hot and the bonito flakes are still doing their little dance. Take your first bite mindfully, appreciating the simple harmony of flavors.
Regional Variations & Personal Touches
Kanto Style
In Tokyo and surrounding areas, they prefer a simpler approach with just soy sauce, no butter. The focus is on the pure taste of rice and bonito.
Kansai Style
Osaka folks sometimes add a touch of sugar or mirin, creating a slightly sweeter version that balances the umami beautifully.
My Thai Twist
Sometimes I add a tiny pinch of Thai white pepper or a drop of fish sauce for extra umami – don’t tell the purists!
Why Neko Meshi Matters
Living in rural Thailand has taught me to appreciate the profound beauty in simple foods. Just as a bowl of plain rice can satisfy after a long day in the fields, Neko Meshi serves the same purpose in Japanese culture. It’s not just food – it’s comfort, it’s home, it’s the taste of being cared for.
In the famous “Midnight Diner" series, Neko Meshi appears as the ultimate comfort food for those seeking solace in the late hours. The show beautifully captures how this simple dish can evoke powerful memories and emotions. For the character who orders it, it’s not just rice with bonito flakes – it’s a connection to childhood, to simpler times, to feelings of being loved and protected.
What I love most about making Neko Meshi here in Thailand is how it bridges cultures. My Thai neighbors are curious about this “strange" Japanese dish, but once they try it, they understand. Good food, like good music, speaks a universal language.
Pro Tips from My Thai Kitchen
Temperature Matters
The rice must be hot enough to make the bonito flakes dance. In Thailand’s humidity, rice cools quickly, so timing is everything.
Finding Balance
Start with less soy sauce than you think you need. The saltiness should enhance, not overpower the delicate fish flavor.
Timing is Everything
Mix and eat immediately. Letting it sit makes the bonito flakes soggy and loses that magical texture contrast.
Ingredient Storage
Store bonito flakes in an airtight container. Thailand’s humidity can make them lose their delicate texture quickly.
From My Kitchen to Yours
Whether you’re in a bustling Tokyo apartment, a cozy American kitchen, or like me, in a small wooden house surrounded by Thai rice paddies, Neko Meshi has the power to transport you. It’s proof that the best foods aren’t always the most complex ones.
So next time you’re feeling homesick, stressed, or just need a warm hug in a bowl, remember this simple recipe. Sometimes the most profound comfort comes from the simplest ingredients, prepared with love and eaten with gratitude.
Happy cooking, and may your Neko Meshi bring you the same comfort it brings me!