Matsuyama: Exploring Local Cuisine, Restaurants, and Traditional Recipes

Matsuyama food Japan

Feb 10, 2024 • 3 min read

Matsuyama: Exploring Local Cuisine, Restaurants, and Recipes

A Taste of Matsuyama

Matsuyama, located in the heart of Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, Japan, offers a delightful range of traditional Japanese dishes mixed with local specialties. With its stunning landscapes and rich history, Matsuyama is not only a great tourist destination but also a food lover's paradise. From fresh seafood to handmade noodles and delectable snacks, the city has something to satisfy every palate.

Seafood Delights

Being a coastal city, Matsuyama is known for its abundance of fresh seafood. Visitors can indulge in a variety of seafood dishes such as sashimi, sushi, and tempura. The local fishermen ensure that Matsuyama's restaurants have a constant supply of the finest catch, including delectable delicacies like uni (sea urchin), amaebi (sweet shrimp), and katsuo (bonito). Don't miss the opportunity to try the region's famous anago meshi, a dish featuring grilled conger eel served over steamed rice.

Savory Noodles

One cannot visit Matsuyama without trying the city's famous noodles. The most celebrated is the local specialty known as "Matsuyama Ramen." This unique variety of ramen features a rich and savory soy sauce-based broth, served with thin, curly noodles, tender pork slices, green onions, and a perfectly boiled egg. The combination of flavors in Matsuyama Ramen is unmatched, making it a must-try dish for food enthusiasts.

Traditional Snacks

In addition to their hearty meals, Matsuyama offers a wide range of traditional snacks and street-food that provide a delightful culinary experience. One popular snack is "Botchan Dango," named after the famous novel "Botchan" by Natsume Soseki, a well-known Japanese writer who spent time in the city. Botchan Dango consists of three colored rice dumplings skewered together and coated with a sweet soy sauce glaze. This treat is not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Restaurants and Dining Experiences

Matsuyama is home to numerous fantastic restaurants offering a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences. Here are a few you might want to check out:

1. Sushiya Matsuyama

Located in the heart of Matsuyama, Sushiya Matsuyama is a well-established sushi restaurant known for serving exceptionally fresh and high-quality sushi. Their skilled chefs create beautiful and flavorful sushi platters that are a delight to both the eyes and the taste buds.

2. Ippin Ryori Yorozuya

Ippin Ryori Yorozuya offers a traditional Japanese dining experience where you can savor authentic local dishes made with seasonal ingredients. The cozy, intimate setting adds to the overall charm of the restaurant, making it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.

3. Matsumiya Banzui-Tei

If you're looking for a unique dining experience in Matsuyama, head to Matsumiya Banzui-Tei. This restaurant serves kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese meal, featuring beautifully presented dishes made from the finest local ingredients. The elegant ambiance and impeccable service make for an unforgettable dining experience.

Traditional Recipes to Try at Home

For those who wish to recreate the flavors of Matsuyama in their own kitchen, here are two traditional recipes that embody the city's culinary heritage:

1. Anago Meshi

Ingredients:

Grilled conger eel fillets
Steamed Japanese short-grain rice
Soy Sauce
Mirin (sweet rice wine)
Sugar
Japanese pickles (for garnish)

Instructions:

Grill the conger eel fillets until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to create a glaze.
Add the grilled eel fillets to the glaze and coat them generously.
Serve the glazed eel fillets over steamed rice and garnish with Japanese pickles.

2. Matsuyama Ramen