Lost in Japan

**Lost in Japan** is a signature fusion dish created by chef and content creator Franchino Er Criminale at Mastro Birraio, a craft brewery and gastropub in Trieste, Italy. The dish embodies the chef's playful approach to blending northern Italian ingredients with Japanese culinary techniques, resulting in a unique flavor profile that reflects its name—a deliberate disorientation of taste and tradition.

Key ingredients typically include a base of fried or grilled proteins such as pork belly or chicken katsu, paired with a miso-based sauce, pickled vegetables (often daikon or ginger), and a sprinkle of nori or sesame. The dish is frequently served on a soft bun or alongside a bed of sushi rice, incorporating elements like Parmesan foam or olive oil aioli to bridge the two cuisines. A great version is distinguished by the balance of umami from the miso and nori with the acidity of the pickles and the richness of the protein, all while maintaining distinct Italian notes—such as the use of local salumi or aged cheese—that prevent the flavors from clashing.

While "Lost in Japan" remains primarily associated with Mastro Birraio and Franchino Er Criminale, its concept has inspired variations in other Italian gastropubs, where chefs substitute regional proteins (e.g., speck or bresaola) or add local vegetables like radicchio. As of 2026, the dish has not yet seen widespread replication outside Trieste, but its growing popularity on social media suggests potential for adaptation in other cities.