JAPANESE RESTAURANT CHALLENGE!! EP.1 | Sorted Food

AD | This week the boys are in Japan immersing themselves in as much food, drink and Japanese culture to learn as much as they can before attempting to complete the biggest challenge they’ve ever taken on - serving a restaurant full of locals a full meal and sake pairing!
Massive thank you to JFOODO for sponsoring the series and putting the trip together. To find out more about Sake, head here:
foodandsake.com/
If you want to find out which restaurants we visited, there's a handy map with all the details here for you: goo.gl/maps/hursEKuLnMHkU6WYA
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[@avidbingereader]

The boys used to make fun of Ben going to Japan and now they're Ben

[@SortedFood]

LOL

[@organicgrains]

In all fairness, they make fun of Ben for everything.

[@dedjderaladin298]

We're all Ben down here.

[@Sunny-ot1vo]

@@SortedFood ... I read this is Jamie's voice xD

[@mackt6482]

Where is the lie?

[@kyleking6101]

Jamie nodding and smiling at the stall keeper is just so pure, his joy of getting wagyu beef on a stick

[@SortedFood]

We know right, that nod of acknowledgement.

[@burakkozluca8367]

@@SortedFood :)

[@melanieswang9475]

I appreciate James's honesty when admitting that he didn't like Japanese food that much, but he was still very adventurous and open-minded when trying everything. The best type of tourist, in my opinion! That being said,... Thailand next, boys?? 🙏

[@SortedFood]

It's good to be honest!

[@LeilaniLovesElephants]

I (Hawaiian-Chinese) dated a British girl and the first thing I asked her was: do I have to eat an English breakfast? She said, only around my parents. Result: didn't have breakfast with parents.

[@punk105]

@@LeilaniLovesElephants petty

[@freighter109ha4]

@@punk105 Eating something you don't like isn't being petty.

[@LeilaniLovesElephants]

@@freighter109ha4 Thank you. 95% of people won't even try true Hawaiian food. And NO, it is not pineapple!

[@queenshims]

Dear Ben, this is for you: "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they attack you(more ridicule in this case), and then you win" All the laughs you had to endure "Ben's been to Japan" has now culminated into this beautiful episode. So glad to see the whole gang enjoying Japan :)

[@rachelallsop6524]

Idea for pass it on, each person gets 5 minutes to cook but everyone goes twice ? might be funny to get to see how it changed from when your first go ?

[@SortedFood]

This is a funny idea! haha! Thank you.

[@JeskaDax]

@@SortedFood This is totally a thing you should try... At least once to see how it goes :)

[@jamesbutler6939]

Whatever order is decided the person who is last has 10 minutes then it goes backwards so first person who went would be last to finish and plate up

[@SkywalterDBZ]

Oh crap, that's an amazing idea

[@XandraLeigh]

James Butler I like that twist!

[@izzy1221]

Ben is like that one aunt that always takes over the family gatherings to show all the pictures from her latest holiday. *Slideshow included.*

[@SortedFood]

Spot on 😂

[@RedRose1010100]

Waiting for "got myself a souvenir"!!

[@mrsjessiecakes]

The excitement here is just so great, bunch of friends just enjoying everything together it's so sweet 😭 I love you guys so much

[@LeilaniLovesElephants]

I clicked on the video because I saw ramen, but now I need to find a stopping place in my work so I can take this in full on. Their excitement is infectious and their nervousness is adorable!!!! And they're a group of foodies this time. Curious.

[@SortedFood]

Awwwww stop it you!

[@AnimeCanuck]

Agreed.

[@ethankim8704]

“The flowers have a really floral flavor to them” - Jamie Spafford 2019

[@andrineslife]

I'm so happy to see James get an umbrella for shade, I'm ginger and I keep worrying about him!!

[@FrostedSiren_uwu]

James commenting that it's the best he's ever eaten. Jamie squeeing about wagu beef. Ben being Ben. I love how much the guys loved this trip.

[@jennyng2994]

Lol. The melon Jamie ate out if the vending machine, I'm pretty sure was actually a winter melon, which is supposed to be cooked before being eaten xD

[@CheeKabroz]

Jenny Ng I thought so too! Definitely did a double take when he took a big bite of it 😅

[@ledoi5961]

Jenny Ng right? 😂 I double checked as well, I usually have them in a soup

[@tams805]

You generally do cook them before eating them, but I was given one recently and the person told me to just eat it as it is.

[@MomoChanhs]

There's a scene with the Japanese name. It's not winter melon!

[@Matt-yw8tj]

Does anyone know if Ben has done any travelling before? He's never said.

[@SortedFood]

😂

[@LeilaniLovesElephants]

😂😎😂😊😂😇😂 Matt J, nice.

[@liyanglim6616]

I doubt that he has

[@Annie1962]

don't tell me he's travelled places!!!??

[@Constantlystealing]

Seems like he’s more of a homebody than a world traveller 🤷‍♂️

[@Annie1962]

I also wanted to add that you can tell James is totally wrapped that he is getting to come along .. I'm happy for him x

[@s_rofbear]

Annie1962 - totally rapt. He sure was! How could you not be excited about getting to go on a delicious eating trip? 😁

[@kyleking6101]

You're cooking Japanese food for the Japanese public?!?! Are you all mad?!?! Good luck lads

[@SortedFood]

It's definitely a challenge, we're up for it though 😉

[@zzskyninjazz1821]

Well I think that FridgeCam had everything

[@melanieswang9475]

I seriously thought there was something wrong with either my ears or my speakers when I heard Jamie's voice in the intro! Hope this is the return of the guys taking turns voicing the intro!

[@Maghanashi]

No, you didn't.

[@pamelatarubalclemena9720]

seeing James excited just puts a smile on my face 😍

[@LeilaniLovesElephants]

I love it when he is nervous, so cute.

[@tcu1099]

James looks like he's having a moment. Is he okay?

[@Annie1962]

he's so happy he's travelling with them

[@SortedFood]

He's fine. James gets a bit flustered in the sun sometimes. It's his skin type! It was quite a sensory overload with the food and culture though.

[@NettanJuni]

@@SortedFood according to reliable sources (2 elder ginger ladies) it got better after they turned 50, they started to get a tan instead of 1st degrees burn. So only 20 more years for James then :P

[@Superfastjellyfish669]

@@SortedFood I though it was theaphrodisiac affect of the oyster lol

[@pattheplanter]

@@SortedFood Lutein supplements protect the skin and particularly the eyes from UV damage,

[@kitkachee9835]

3:53 The most excited James we have ever seen. You guys made me miss Japan! Even convenience store food there is quality.

[@mindom]

9:25, James and Ben LITERALLY foodgasmed!! their faces 😂

[@alyssat7809]

Fav moment: James and the giant oyster!! 😆😆😆❤

[@snark4611]

I can hear *"WE ARE SORTED!"* in my dreams.

[@heatherheichou]

Where do I sign up to attend the James Currie School of Plating?

[@organicgrains]

I second this. What's the fee?

[@SortedFood]

Make sure you follow us on Instagram as James does plating tutorials on there 👍

[@heatherheichou]

That plug though 😉 nice! No better reason for me to get an instagram account now if not for Sorted 💕

[@limaman7262]

SORTEDfood he needs to post more on Instagram!

[@organicgrains]

@@limaman7262 RIGHT! I think it was like 2 weeks ago I was looking for Mr. Curry on Insta and couldn't find him. I wish he were as active as @bebbrell

[@iainronald4217]

"That was very exciting!" Something James has never said in a Pass It On before.

[@yoonmikim5663]

Pass it On, but Japanese food?

[@Matsuna13]

That did the Sushi pass it on

[@jaseth1337]

I've watched Sorted on and off for about seven years now. It's magnificent how everything about the content has steadily improved while never losing its character. Thank you for everything you do.

[@monicalemings4154]

"That roll is more than my house!" Oh Jamie you make me laugh 🤣

[@justmewhoelse85]

The outtake with Jamie at the end 😂 Also, I feel like James might be the most shy/introverted of the group and this trip pulled him a bit out of his comfort zone.

[@maryudomah4387]

3:52 “That was *Berry* exciting!”

[@kin2xyou335]

8:07 that melon wasn't supposed to be eaten raw lmao. Its flavor and texture is very light and delicate, and tastes really good when cooked in a light broth (like fish or pork broth)

[@PeachFlavoredKaiju]

Sounds yummy

[@dannym9062]

If you guys are still in Japan, for the best sake bar you need to travel to Kyoto and go to Yoramu Sake Bar in Nakagyo ward. It’s owned and operated by Yoram Ofer an Israeli expat who pairs sake to customers moods, how there day went/is going , what they plan on doing later that day etc. It’s quite a unique bar, no menus (at least there wasn’t when I was there) all sakes chosen for customers comes from their experiences and Yoram asking them questions then he selects a sake that he thinks will compliment the customer. It’s very small and very popular with the locals so hard to get into but I’m sure you will have no problems.

[@DungeonMistressC]

Oh my goodness! I’m so happy for you guys! Just seeing how far you all have come from, for the broke uni recipes, now high end Japanese cuisine ❤️ All of that is awesome. Favorite bit is Jamie with his expensive meat stick

[@SortedFood]

Awwww thank you. It's been a journey for sure.

[@aznxbb]

This must of been Ben’s dream trip haha - Also the foodgasm Ben & James has 👌😂

[@madelinehoerner2993]

For me this is the very peak of what a KZbin video can be. This is why Sorted is my favorite channel period. The video quality is unparalleled and every detail is excellent, the establishing shots to the mix of commentary and food and personality. I’ve never been happier to see that a video is sponsored because you guys deserve it ❤️

[@tiinah5602]

I can just imagine how excited Ebbers was

[@SortedFood]

Fair play to Ebbers, Japan was flipping amazing!

[@me_and_my_piper739]

La Nausée I did too!

[@JeskaDax]

@La Nausée I heard it in Barry's voice actually. But maybe that's because I've heard Barry use the word "flipping" as an adjective most often. (I tend to use it as an adjective often too)

[@Rillka]

I love how Ben is like "Yeah, so you can see this and that, also it tastes like those but with all of these... [full-blown encyclopedia mode]" and James is just: "Wow! This is amazing!" 😂

[@TheEberdz]

I'd watch this even if it was an hour long and lasted 10 episodes (or more).....Japan is truly a food paradise, and I love watching the lads' excitement and joy eating great food and exploring new lands. Watching James eat that oyster made me....feel a certain kind of way too. I've never seen James in a mustard shirt before either, and it was fetching AF. Man, this fridgecam truly had everything

[@romanafoltasova7499]

I really enjoy the proud look on Ben's face whenever he gets the chance to say the word Umami.

[@BoredSoprano]

Awesome video, complimented perfectly by the Dad Joke of the Week. Seriously though everyone looked so in awe of everything being experienced.

[@nevertheonexo]

Ben and James' expressions when they tried that first sip of ramen broth was wonderful! Gave me the biggest Ramen craving!

[@Pengwwennie]

Love seeing James go on adventures with you guys~

[@shirleycastle5170]

I flippin loved this video, nothing excites me more than trying new foods I've never seen or heard of before. Thank you for all the great looking foods and the respect we all should have that feeds our bodies.

[@victoriahesstori]

So fun seeing all the boys nerd out over food for 13 minutes!

[@zuzanapavlikova6279]

I have never been more excited about anything!! Thank you guys, you are the best!

[@natthesquirrel]

It's beyond brilliant to see the sake pairing journey go from London to New York to Japan. What I love even more is how hard Sorted works to highlight food culture globally. Your videos make exploring the culinary world so accessible. Thanks Sorted!

[@daasbuffy]

3 am Monday and I can't sleep, but Sorted has uploaded. Almost worth the lack of sleep.

[@Ishlacorrin]

IKR, Need to crash out but had to watch this first.

[@iainronald4217]

As an Urban Planning student, something I really enjoy in this video is the urban density. There's a gent named Peter Calthorpe and he created golden rules for sustainable cities: 1) Expand Upwards not outwards, Urban sprawl needs to be eliminated. 2) Each part of the Central Business District should be a self-contained pocket, limiting need for vehicular travel to work 3) The streets should be adorned with walking, bike paths and transit lines rather than roads 4) Each pocket should have its own set of local businesses, like restaurants and Ma'n'Pa grocers. 5) The focus should be less on sidewalk that radiates heat and really centre around greenery that deflects and absorbs the heat. I'd heard that Japan was one of the very first places to really adopt these rules and seeing your guys' footage I can't help but squee. This is bloody fantastic!

[@mechellec7140]

Oh my goody gumdrops!!!! This was awesome, I can't wait for Wednesday. Kudos to Jamie for such a nice compliment to James.

[@leah6471]

This video is so amazing... combines so many of my favorite things: James, travel, food, wine, gorgeous camera shots (that time lapse at the end though!!), and James! So happy right now ❤️

[@secretforreddit]

I just love watching you guys getting to try all this stuff; you're all so happy and it's so much fun to watch you!

[@SortedFood]

Thank you 😀

[@liv-4423]

5:18 5:26 I love how James embraces the local way of sun protection 😂👍 Many foreigners often find it weird, but in many Asian countries it's actually very common for people to use 'sun umbrellas' to shade from the sun in warmer months! (These umbrellas/parasols are also lighter than normal umbrellas used for rain)

[@HI-nu9yp]

OMG!! Glad you guys enjoyed Japanese food and Japan!!! Please come again ! Can’t wait the next episode. Love from Japan

[@marylong17]

Just loved the little part with Jamie lost in a street, enjoying the melon-like fruit... In between all these amazing, exquisite looking food.

[@kagewar]

I am so hyped for this series!!!!!!!!! Thanks JFOODO for supporting these guys. This looks like it will be a great video series.

[@samanthashanks4775]

OH my boys! I love Sundays! Amazing vid ! My day off upload- thanks!

[@hoho657chan]

O o o h ... the anticipation ... I’ve always considered SORTED as a fun, slightly tongue in cheek cooking / foodie show. However this journey to Japan, spread over a few episodes, has turned it into a bit of a reality show. Really looking forward to seeing how Ben and James tackle this cooking challenge !

[@HeavyDude3000]

I love these travel videos. Looking forward to the next episodes 😊

[@Brooksie603]

What an amazing experience! Can't wait to see the other videos from it and what you might try to make when you get back inspired by that trip!

[@crowleyforpresident1283]

You bring me more joy than you can imagine thanks for doing what you do the world is a better place for having all of you in it

[@henrikjakobsson9150]

This video was one of the best! You guys are AMAZING! I loved every bit of it

[@AspieAnswers]

Great to see that you guys are having fun and that you're ready to learn more about the Japanese culture. Thanks for sharing this with us guys.

[@kathyerickson9402]

I loved the sake videos from earlier and this just makes me realize that, not only do I need to find a place that offers sake tastings...I need to find a place that offers a tasting menu that pairs food and sake! So far, it all looks amazing (and overwhelming) and I'm looking forward to seeing what's next!

[@jadeupton4]

Loved this! Can’t wait to see the rest of your trip to Japan!

[@Finwolven]

Well, you certainly don't lack in courage taking on that challenge! I'm literally at the edge of my seat waiting for the next episode.

[@elik9448]

I love videos like this! I know we haven't seen the actual cooking yet, but I love the videos where the actual professional chef parts of Ben and James come out to play.

[@maymabaquiao9031]

love the facial expressions when you guys try new flavors and dishes

[@TakeshiTao]

Excited for the next episode! I love James reactions so much

[@lizsteilkie]

Love to watch people who love food like y'all eat!

[@mroutledge123]

Can't wait for the next vids. Good luck guys!

[@lazodh]

James and Ben's reaction to the ramen has inspired me to hunt down the best ramen I can get my hands on today ;)

[@fulcrumg]

Best episode until now! Looking forward part 2.

[@fridabionori]

My brother lived in Japan a few years back and visiting him was one of the best trips I've ever had. Having the chance to live his life like a "local" was so cool, and with every meal being an "oh my god" moment was crazy. Japan is so so much more than sushi and I love that you showed that here! Can't wait for the next Japan episodes 💙

[@ILOVEFABLEHAVEN]

Soooo excited to see the rest of the series!!

[@BlackFiresong]

I loved this! Can't wait to see what you serve up for the diners in the next episode!

[@LeilaniLovesElephants]

Right! Clears Wednesday morning just for @sortedfood

[@dh1380]

"Japan is a country surrounded by water." So it's an island, then.

[@simonj48]

It's not going to be an island surrounded by land is it.

[@Laogeodritt]

It's an archipelago of 6852 islands, of which 5 make up the majority of the country by area. "Surrounded by water" is a necessary but not sufficient condition to conclude that something is a single island. =P

[@95rav]

@@Laogeodritt true. for example, north and south America combined are surrounded by water. that doesn't make it Isle America or American Island.

[@celticphoenix2579]

@@95rav You make a good point. Now I'm wondering what is the land mass point required before an island becomes a continent? After all, Australia is surrounded by water, is smaller than the Americas (north and South) and yet is not called an island.

[@95rav]

@@celticphoenix2579 True. Aus, like Antarctica, is a continent, not an island. Maybe it has something to do with having a continental shelf. But then again, New Zealand and Greenland etc have continental shelves. We just call it "Great Southern Land". kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ7OmpeGZ7SIec0

[@reyals474]

All of that food looks absolutely insane, I'm so glad you got the opportunity to do this and I cannot wait to see what you guys come up with!

[@Ethuz]

Loving you guys from the U.S. ❤ Such a tease with this video. Part 2!!!!!

[@Nomadic813]

Good luck boys. I worked in an upscale japanese restaurant for a couple of years and it completely changed my understanding and appreciation for aesthetics and subtlety in food. Cant wait to see how you manage with this challenge.

[@paulinens3581]

I love you guys! And oh! Especially Chef Ebbers! 💕

[@ymt3072]

Love every time you travel 🧳!!!

[@organicgrains]

I wonder if sorted would ever do like a contest, where 2 people from their community get to go with them to a location like this. It would be so great to be along for the antics.

[@purrgundy]

I imagine that would be very expensive, so unless there's a partnership involved, that would be unlikely I'd say. But who knows? Maybe they could organise something similar in a country that's closer to the UK (maybe somewhere in Europe?) If the organization of the trip is not too much of a hassle! (Which I'm guessing it may be)

[@organicgrains]

@@purrgundy Oh I'm sure it would pricey but that's why just the one or two people and you could pay for it with the contest itself. 1 buck to enter would get them 10k easy I'm sure and if people wanted to buy multiple entries (which I'm sure people would do) 20, 30, even 50k no sweat? I'd be willing to throw at least a fiver at it myself haha.

[@elizabethcherney5938]

So amazing to see the other boys experience Japan....it’s an amazing country with the most unbelievably beautiful and delicious food

[@TheOrangeFox96]

James is every kid on Christmas eve! ‘I’m just so excited’ 😂

[@Proxoa]

The "Taking over a japanese kitchen" is going to be a total dissaster. :o The care that goes into each ingredient is so different and the attention to detail is so sublime. That alone is already hard enough. They balance every flavour so well it is rediculous. Best of luck to the boys, but I feel like there is a storm on the way.

[@innerstoic-g6y]

Yea! Always wanted to see this!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

This series is so exciting and was long due. 💕

[@daaavyjones]

Love this! Have really enjoyed all your US vids but have been hoping to see you guys travel to some other foodie destinations in other parts of the world too 😍 keep them coming!!

[@liamtunmore4709]

I am super excited to see what happened next, I love visiting Japan and was waiting for you all to make your way over there :)

[@kateh7484]

I have been waiting for this!!!

[@sirkenn]

Very very cool. There's a metric ton of foodtubers who've gone to Japan, but you guys still manage to turn a fresh eye on things and show some things you wouldn't usually see.

[@sallyhobbit1956]

Best vid yet ! Looks amazing ! Ramen yum.

[@jenniferdiazvazquez7066]

Love that your exploring one of my favorite countries! Can’t wait for more Japan videos!!👏😁 Also, for it just being Ben that loves Japan, now it’s everybody!

[@andysbg77]

Great Trip!!! Looking foreward fot the next episodes!!!

[@michelleforrest229]

I am loving it. This is sooooo cool.

[@valliarlette6596]

So excited you're in Japan. I enjoyed all my food experiences there.

[@kemi0016]

I was sooo waiting for this to happen! I hope you guys had a blast in Tokyo! I spent there the best year of my life 🍙🍡🍾🗻

[@adventuresofthebroke6]

This is the best part of my Sunday night before I go to bed!

[@yoonmikim5663]

A Japanese person and a Mexican person were friends who could only communicate in bad English. So the Japanese person invited and Mexican man to Japan and told him they were going out for Tako. The Mexican man was surprised that Japan had Tacos, so was pleased. But then he got a plate of octopus. So then the Mexican man invited the Japanese person to Mexico and told him they were going out for Taco. The Japanese man was pleased, but found his tako wrapped in a tortilla. The Japanese person exclaimed, "Pan?" The Mexican man exclaimed, "Yes, they were made in a pan!" Outdo that one Jamie. Interlingual food pun galore.

[@mrs.thomas-usmcwife5686]

Can't wait for part 2!! I love these and would love to see more for other countries too. Barry trying to eat that oyster sushi with his chopsticks was my fave part. Looked like something I would have done. LOL

[@mimiz6575]

Can we talk about how beautiful the chopsticks at the ramen shop are? 😍

[@LeilaniLovesElephants]

I am going to have to watch this at least 5x, one time focusing on the reactions of each of you. So glad you got to see real Japanese food. 🇯🇵💜💯