What is Tamago Kake Gohan ? | Commentary by Japanese webmaster | Common in Japan #42

What is ‘TKG’ ??

I want to know it !

I wrote this article to clear your question about ‘Tamago Kake Gohan’ , as popular Japanese cuisine.

I would like to explain about the topic with mainly two parts.

Basic knowledge of Tamago Kake Gohan in Japan
Deep Diving with answering questions
- History
- Safeness
- Special products
- Arrangements, etc

In first part, you can get basic information about Tamago Kake Gohan in Japan.

And next, I would like to introduce more details, with style of answering questions. You can get information with cherry pick style, in stead of reading long article.

I hope you will have proper information about Tamago Kake Gohan in Japan, after reading this page.

This Article is written by

SHINTA+

Japanese Blog Writer | Born and raised in Japan. Lived, worked, visited in 21 countries in total. Introducing Japanese culture, based on experiences both domestic and international.

Table of contents

What is ‘Tamago Kake Gohan’ ?
Deep Diving into Tamago Kake Gohan in Japan
Postscript

What is ‘Tamago Kake Gohan’ ?

‘Tamago Kake Gohan’ is a traditional food in Japan.

‘Tamago’ means egg and ‘Gohan’ does rice. ‘Kake’ is ‘on’. So it means ‘egg on the rice’. There’s famous abbreviation, ‘TKG’. Japanese call ‘Tamago Kake Gohan’ as ‘TKG’ affectionately.

As the process of cooking is very simple, it’s very popular in Japan.

What is Tamago Kake Gohan

Traditional cuisine in Japan
In short, people call ‘TKG’
Ingredients
- Raw or soft boiled egg
- White rice
- Soy sauce
Mixed up above ingredients, that’s all

Deep Diving into Tamago Kake Gohan in Japan

I would like to introduce more information about Tamago Kake Gohan in Japan, in this paragraph with Q & A style, so that you can access information easily.

Please kindly open items what you want to know.

SHINTA+

I hope you can clear your question in this part.

What is the history ?

It is said that Mr. Ginko Kishida was the first person in Japan, who ate ‘Tamaso Kake Gohan’ in 1872.

Japanese started to eat egg from 16th century, after having communication with European countries. In 1950’s, as the price of eggs was down and sanitation was improved, ‘Tamago Kake Gohan’ was getting very popular in Japan.

Japanese started to eat egg in 16th century
In 1872, Mr. Ginko Ishida ate Tamago Kake Gohan
Getting popular in 20th century
- Price of egg dropped
- Strict control of hygiene

Reference : Yodoran webpage

Is raw egg safe in Japan ?

Yes, Raw egg is safe, unless something very unusual happens.

Japanese government office, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) strictly guide hygiene management to the farmers.

As a results, Salmonella contamination is controlled in very low level by Japanese egg farmings. And we can eat raw egg safely in Japan.

Sauce : MAFF webpage

Are there any special products ?

There are many of products exclusive use for Tamago Kake Gohan, in Japanese market.

Soy Sauce
Egg
Rice Bowl
Tool to beat an egg, etc

The top quality Tamago Kake Gohan will be available, with these items.

Author’s research

Where can I eat it ?

Basically, Japanese eat Tamago Kake Gohan at home. And it’s very difficult to find Tamago Kake Gohan in menu of the restaurant.

In case the meal is provided with buffet style, we will have a chance to eat Tamago Kake Gohan. For example, in breakfast in Japanese hotels, raw egg or soft bolied egg are available in most of cases.

Author’s research

Are there any arrangements ?

Yes, there are many of arrangements for Tamago Kake Gohan. With adding some more ingredients, we can enjoy Tamago Kake Gohan more.

Popular Toppings for Tamago Kake Gohan