Ep 3. Ochazuke

A customer orders Ochazuke, a simple Japanese dish consisting of rice and green tea poured over it. The owner of the Midnight Diner, known simply as "Master", prepares it for her, but upon tasting it, she asks for extra seaweed. Master obliges, but as it turns out, each time she asks for "extra" of a particular ingredient, it's a nod to a deeper memory or emotion tied to that ingredient. In this case, the seaweed reminds her of her deceased mother, who used to make Ochazuke for her as a child.

Throughout the episode, various customers come in and share their own stories and memories related to food. One man reminisces about his grandmother's home cooking, only to realize he never appreciated it until it was gone. Another woman struggles to come to terms with her mother's recent passing, and finds solace in a dish made with her mother's recipe.

As the night wears on, Master quietly listens to each of their stories, offering comfort and advice when needed. In the end, the customer who ordered the Ochazuke returns to the diner and reveals the true reason behind her frequent visits - she has been searching for a connection to her late mother, who passed away when she was just a child. Through the dish and the memories it holds, she finally starts to feel that connection.

Midnight Diner is a heartwarming and comforting show, blending food and storytelling in a unique and engaging way. Each episode focuses on a different dish and the stories and people that surround it, providing a glimpse into the lives and struggles of everyday people. Ochazuke is no exception, delving into themes of loss, memory, and the power of food to connect us to our past.