Kamakura's Authentic Cuisine: Local Dishes, Restaurants, and Recipes

Introduction

Welcome to Kamakura, a beautiful coastal city in Japan known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Besides its historical landmarks, Kamakura also offers a unique culinary experience that blends traditional Japanese flavors with regional specialties. In this guide, we'll explore Kamakura's authentic cuisine, recommend some restaurants to visit, and even share a couple of recipes for you to try at home.

Kamakura's Local Dishes

Kamakura boasts a variety of local dishes that showcase the region's culinary traditions. Here are a few must-try specialties:

• Kamakura Shirasu Don: This famous dish features fresh whitebait on a bed of rice, topped with a flavorful soy-based sauce. The shirasu (baby sardines) from Sagami Bay are renowned for their delicate flavor.
• Ebi-no-ichi: Known as "the shrimp market," Ebi-no-ichi offers an array of shrimp-based dishes. Try the tempura shrimp, sashimi, or even a shrimp burger for a unique seafood experience.
• Yamato Shigure: This traditional Kamakura dessert is a delicate jelly made from fermented black soybeans. Its unique flavor and smooth texture make it a popular choice among dessert enthusiasts.

Recommended Restaurants

When visiting Kamakura, be sure to indulge in the local cuisine by exploring some of the city's fantastic dining establishments. Here are a few highly recommended restaurants that showcase the best of Kamakura's culinary scene:

Kamakura Katsu

Address: 1-6-17 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture

Description: Kamakura Katsu is a cozy restaurant that specializes in delicious katsu, a Japanese breaded and deep-fried meat dish. Their tonkatsu (pork cutlet) is known for its perfect balance of tender meat and crispy coating.

Hato Sabure

Address: 36-2 Onari, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture

Description: Hato Sabure is a famous bakery in Kamakura that has been around since 1927. They are renowned for their signature cookie, Hato Sabure, which is a buttery treat shaped like a dove. The cookies make for a delightful souvenir to take back home.

Enoteca da Augusto

Address: 1-6-18 Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture

Description: If you're craving Italian cuisine in Kamakura, Enoteca da Augusto is the place to go. They offer a diverse selection of Italian wines and authentic Italian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Traditional Kamakura Recipes

For those who want to recreate the flavors of Kamakura at home, here are two traditional recipes to try:

Kamakura Shirasu Don

Ingredients:

• 200g shirasu (baby sardines)
• 4 cups cooked Japanese rice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Nori (seaweed) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a small bowl to make the sauce.
2. In a separate pan, lightly sauté the shirasu for a few minutes until they are cooked.
3. Add the sauce to the pan with shirasu and cook for another minute, making sure the shirasu are evenly coated.
4. Serve the shirasu over a bowl of cooked Japanese rice and garnish with nori.

Yamato Shigure

Ingredients:

• 100g black soybeans
• 500ml water
• 100g white sugar
• 1 tablespoon kanten (agar-agar)

Instructions:

1. Soak the black soybeans in water overnight.
2. Drain the soybeans and put them in a saucepan with fresh water.
3. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer for about 2 hours, or until the soybeans are tender.
4. Drain the soybeans again and blend them in a blender until smooth.
5. In a separate pan, dissolve the sugar and kanten in water and bring it to a boil.
6. Add the soybean paste to the pan and stir well.
7. Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool in the refrigerator until set.
8. Slice the jelly into desired shapes, and the Yamato Shigure is ready to be enjoyed.

Enjoy Kamakura's Cuisine

Now armed with knowledge about Kamakura's authentic cuisine, you can explore the local dishes, visit recommended restaurants, and even try your hand at cooking traditional recipes at home. Don't miss out on this delightful culinary journey through Kamakura's flavors and make the most of your visit to this vibrant city!