Hi everyone, I've recently moved to Japan to study. One thing I've been struggling with quite a lot is food. Back in Australia, it's common knowledge that groceries and cooking are the cheaper way to live; here though, it feels like that's not the case.
For example, if I were to buy enough groceries to make a decent meal, it would cost me around ¥2000 for two nights' worth. Now this isn't necessarily expensive, but when I can just walk to a ramen store less than five minutes away and grab a bowl for ¥800, it becomes a little harder to justify. I'd love to buy meat and cook it myself, but from what I've seen so far, it keeps working out much more expensive than just eating out every night.
The thing is, I'm by no means a cook, and I feel I simply don't know what stuff I SHOULD buy to really get the best meals for the lowest price. I'm sure groceries likely cost me more as I'm buying ingredients that allow me to make more foreign meals rather than cheaper local dishes. It doesn't help that I can be a fussy eater too, but even then, there's a ton of food I love here, so I don't think that's the problem. I also don't want to live off of microwave ramen because that gets old fast.
My question is, does anyone have any ideas for ingredients I should buy to make cheap, simple meals? I currently own a pot, pan, microwave and toaster oven. Limited tools, but enough to make most essentials for the time being. Thanks guys! I appreciate any help I can get
by Pandora7234