A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Tempura
A Japanese dish of lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables.
tempura
tem-POOR-uh
/tɛmˈpʊrə/ · tem · pu · ra
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a popular item in food courts and at Japanese festivals.
Where the word comes from
The word 'tempura' is believed to have originated from the Portuguese word 'têmporas', referring to the Ember days, a period of fasting in the Catholic Church when fried foods were common.
Common ways people get it wrong
- tem-PER-uh The stress is on the second syllable, 'POOR', not the first. Think of 'poor' as in lacking something, not 'per' as in a rate.
- tem-PYOO-ruh The 'u' sound is a straightforward 'oo' like in 'poor', not a 'yoo' sound.
Frequently asked
What is tempura made of?
Tempura typically features seafood like shrimp and various vegetables such as sweet potato, eggplant, and bell peppers. These ingredients are coated in a light, airy batter before being deep-fried.
How is tempura served?
It's usually served hot and crispy, often with a dipping sauce called 'tentsuyu'. Sometimes it comes with grated daikon radish to add a fresh contrast.
Is tempura healthy?
While it's deep-fried, the batter is light and the ingredients are often vegetables, which can make it a relatively lighter fried option. Portion size and frequency of consumption are key factors.
