Sakuraco Logo
snack box
お菓子の箱について
subscription
pricing
about us
私たちについて
subscribe
購入する
account menu button
Sakuraco Logoaccount menu button
snack box
お菓子の箱について
subscription
pricing
about us
私たちについて
subscribe
購入する
Top StoriesNewsFood & Drink
Food & Drink
Top Stories
News
Food & Drink
search

anago, hiroshima cuisine

Anago and More: Best Cuisine from Hiroshima!

Thuy Fang

Thuy Fang

Share:

A plate of anago sushi.

In Hiroshima, every dish, including the renowned anago, features a unique characteristic and adds to the charm of Japanese traditional cuisine. Hiroshima has enchanting island landscapes and countryside scenery. It also offers delightful food choices! Join us to explore the five best specialty dishes that make Hiroshima flavors unforgettable.

Anago

When it comes to Hiroshima, the standout specialty is anago (conger eel). This type of saltwater eel is commonly found in the ocean of Hiroshima. Compared to freshwater eel, also known as unagi, anago is less fatty and has a sweet taste. Also, its tender meat gives a melt-in-the-mouth experience. Not only is it delicious, but conger eel is also rich in nutrients and vitamins while low in calories.

A piece of anago nigiri sushi.
Anago is conger eel. Image via Shutterstock

In general Japanese cuisine, anago is often served as sashimi (fresh raw fish) or tempura (deep-fried food). However, the people of Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture have enhanced the culinary value of this fish with the exquisite dish called anago meshi (conger eel rice). It’s hot shoyu-flavored rice with freshly grilled conger eel on top. Additionally, you’ll quickly notice this dish’s distinctive sweetness of sweet soy sauce and dashi.

This yummy meal started at Miyajima station in the Meiji era as part of ekiben, bento boxes you can get at train stations. Now, it’s a favorite local treat on the island. You can enjoy anago meshi not just on Miyajima Island but also at the most renowned restaurants throughout Hiroshima.

Hiroshima Okonomiyaki

Hiroshima okonomiyaki appeared around the 1950s when people needed more money to enjoy high-quality meals. It began very simply, but more than 2000 restaurants in the Hiroshima area serve this dish now. It’s a delicious and unique dish that shares a bit of Hiroshima’s story through its fantastic taste.

HIroshima okonomiyaki on a griddle.
HIroshima okonomiyaki uses thick noodles! Image via Shutterstock

In Hiroshima, they uniquely make okonomiyaki (Japanese traditional pancake), setting it apart from other types like Kansai okonomiyaki. They start by spreading a thin layer of dough on a big iron plate and adding many vegetables, including onions, cabbage, and bean sprouts. Then, they grill it and top it with Hiroshima’s special sauce and green laver.

You can eat Hiroshima okonomiyaki on an iron plate or a dish. They will give you a small spatula and chopsticks to cut it yourself. Eating directly from a hot plate can be challenging for first-time diners, yet providing customers with an exciting and enjoyable experience.

Hiroshima Tsukemen

Hiroshima tsukemen stands out with its exclusive spicy sauce and cold noodles. The sauce has plenty of sesame seeds and chili oil, offering an umakara flavor (spicy yet tasty flavor). Be prepared to choose a spice level; some places offer up to 12 options. You can freely request to adjust the sauce’s spiciness to suit your preference. 

A bowl of Hiroshima tsukemen.
Tsukemen features a rich dipping broth. Image via Shutterstock

During the Showa era, Hiroshima Tsukemen started when Mr. Shingu got ideas from Chinese food and opened a restaurant called “Shinkaen” in Hiroshima. Afterward, he made cold noodles that people can dip in a warm broth mixture with pepper, sesame oil, and vinegar. And this idea became the start of the Hiroshima Tsukemen we have today. 

Dandan Noodles

Hiroshima dandan noodles are a famous special dish because of their Japanese pepper spiciness and chili oil flavor. Originating from Sichuan Province in China, this noodle variant typically doesn’t include soup, unlike many Japanese noodle dishes.

A bowl of dandan noodles, including mustard spinach.
Dandan noodles originally came from China. Image via Shutterstock

This Hiroshima specialty also uses thin or medium-thin noodles and adapts the perfect recipe to create the spiciness from Sichuan pepper. Not to mention, it has green onions, soft-boiled eggs, celery cabbage, and niku miso (miso meat sauce) as typical toppings on the noodles. A fascinating local tradition is dandan meshi (dandan rice), where you can add rice to the remaining ingredients and spices after finishing the noodles.

Are you interested in some delicacies from Hiroshima? Check out Sakuraco! Sakuraco delivers traditional Japanese snacks, teas, sweets, and snacks from local Japanese makers directly to your door so you can enjoy the latest treats directly from Japan!

Onomichi Ramen

Onomichi ramen is well-known for its tasty soup made from good-quality small fish from Tomonoura fishing town, chicken bones, and pork back fat. It has an exceptional taste with a thick but light soy sauce soup and chewy flat noodles.

A bowl of onomichi ramen.
Onomichi ramen uses a soy sauce soup base. Image via Shutterstock

Furthermore, adding classic ramen toppings such as chashu (braised pork belly), bamboo shoots, scallions, and bean sprouts enhances the deep taste of this ramen. Onomichi ramen started becoming famous in the 1990s, even though it first appeared in the late 1940s. It’s still a local favorite in Onomichi and is well-known across Chugoku and the entire country.

Why should I try Hiroshima cuisine like anago?

You should try Hiroshima cuisine because its culinary scene offers a cheerful journey through diverse flavors that leave a lasting impression. From the fresh anago to the umami Onomichi ramen, each dish reflects the rich cultural stories of Hiroshima. Have you tried these incredible dishes in Hiroshima, or have any other favorites? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

Enjoy new Japanese sweets, snacks & tea every month

Discover authentic flavors with Sakuraco

Enjoy new Japanese sweets, snacks & tea every month $32.50 USD

Get Sakuraco package

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Articles

Leaves from the ginkgo tree.

Ginkgo Tree: A Multipurpose Tree in Japan

Among Japan’s most iconic trees is the ginkgo tree, famed for its brilliant yellow-gold leaves that form radiant canopies, lining streets and parks in breathtaking golden splendor.

September 30, 2024
A white plate with a dollop of karashi mustard on a blue background.

Karashi and More Japanese Spices to Enjoy!

Japanese cuisine is famous worldwide for its wide range of delicacies, from the finest noodles to the most succulent sushi. Regardless of what dish you may dine on, your meal will benefit from adding Japan’s most famous spices and seasonings. Any cook and foodie worth their salt knows that the perfect spice can elevate a…

August 26, 2024
A plate of red bean paste covering ohagi.

Ohagi: The Beautiful Wagashi of the Equinox

Ohagi is a traditional Japanese sweet that chefs make from glutinous rice and sweetened red bean paste. This dessert reflects Japanese culture; people associate it with the spring and fall equinox.

August 22, 2024

Black Rice Mystery: Unveiling Kodaimai Senbei

Black rice has intrigued the culinary world for centuries with its rich history and striking appearance. This ancient grain is the star ingredient in a unique Japanese snack—kodaimai senbei.

August 20, 2024
Footer background patternFooter background pattern
Sakuraco
Subscription & gifts
PricingUpcoming Month’s BoxPast Month’s Box
Today's Offer
Personal GiftCorporate Gift
Support & Information
FAQContact UsCompare to Bokksu

Be the first to know!

Join our newsletter and receive tasty news and deals

AnIchigo Logobrand.
Copyright © 2024 Sakuraco™. All Rights Reserved.

Accepted Payments

Visa payment availableMastercard payment availableAmerican Express payment availableDiscover payment availablePayPal payment available