Sushi, did you know that salmon sushi is actually Norwegian?

Yeah, we did a story on that one.

Maybe you think of mochi?

We did that one, too.

And tempura, but, guess what?

Tempura is actually a Portuguese dish.

Oh, boy, here we go.

The Japanese tempura you know is done two ways: either with seafood or with vegetables.

Right, and the batter is light, made with cold water, wheat flour and egg.

Pretty standard.

This tempura can be found dating back to the end of the 16th century in Japan.

But as we know, Japan is much older than that.

So, why did it suddenly show up?

The answer is:

Portugal!

Around 1543, a Chinese ship with three Portuguese sailors got off course and landed in Japan on Tanegashima island.

Fast forward a bit, and the Portuguese, because of this happy accident, are now trading goods, and arms, with the Japanese.

Then, in 1639, the Portuguese were kicked out of the country.

A few things, however, remained, including a dish of battered and fried beans called Peixinhos da Horta.

Everyone knows what Peixinhos da Horta is.

That's Manuela Brandão, chef at Pap'Açôrda, one of the best spots in Lisbon to get Peixinhos da Horta.

Peixinhos da Horta consists of cooked green beans which are then dipped in batter and fried in oil.

It's not salty, it's not sweet, they taste nice.

In the 16th century, the Portuguese taught the Japanese.

Now, of course, over the past 400 years, Japan has put its own spin on the dish,

but, you know, it's a fun fact next time somebody in your group orders tempura.