Iwate Local Cuisine: Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes
Iwate Local Cuisine: Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes
Iwate, located in the Tohoku region of Japan, is known for its rich culinary heritage and delicious local dishes. The cuisine of Iwate is influenced by its rugged landscape, abundant seafood, and traditional farming practices. Here are some must-try dishes and recommended restaurants to experience the unique flavors of Iwate.
Local Dishes
- Morioka Reimen: A cold noodle dish made with chewy noodles, refreshing broth, and various toppings like cucumbers, tomatoes, and boiled eggs.
- Jajamen: Thick noodles served with a savory meat and miso-based sauce, topped with shredded vegetables.
- Morioka Nambu Senbei: Crispy rice crackers flavored with soy sauce and sugar, a popular local snack.
- Kuji Mochi: Sticky rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste, a traditional Iwate sweet treat.
Recommended Restaurants
Restaurants in Morioka
- Kyoeido: A cozy restaurant known for its authentic Morioka Reimen. Address: 1-9-7 Odori, Morioka, Iwate.
- Shikisai: Offers a variety of local dishes including Jajamen and Nambu Senbei. Address: 2-1-3 Uchimaru, Morioka, Iwate.
Restaurants in Kuji
- Kuji Mochiya: A charming shop specializing in Kuji Mochi and other traditional Japanese sweets. Address: 4-12-15 Uchimaru, Kuji, Iwate.
Recipes to Try at Home
If you want to recreate the flavors of Iwate in your own kitchen, here are two simple recipes to try:
Morioka Reimen Recipe
Ingredients: Cold noodles, cucumbers, tomatoes, boiled eggs, broth, vinegar, sugar, mustard.
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions and chill in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the broth by combining vinegar, sugar, and mustard to taste.
- Assemble the noodles in a bowl, top with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and boiled eggs. Pour the broth over the noodles and serve cold.
Kuji Mochi Recipe
Ingredients: Glutinous rice flour, red bean paste, sugar, soy sauce.
- Mix glutinous rice flour with water to form a dough.
- Divide the dough into small balls and flatten them. Place a spoonful of red bean paste in the center and seal the edges to form a ball.
- Boil the rice cakes until they float, then coat them in a mixture of sugar and soy sauce. Enjoy!