Kanazawa, located on the west coast of Japan, is best known for its historic sites and traditional culture. However, there’s one thing that the city is particularly famous for – its food!
Kanazawa has a long and proud culinary tradition which has been passed down through generations. There are many dishes that are considered to be traditional to Kanazawa, but here are some of the most popular dishes you should try if you visit the city.
Seafood
Kanazawa is surrounded by the Sea of Japan and so it’s no surprise that seafood is one of the most popular ingredients used in Kanazawa cooking. The city is renowned for its sushi and sashimi, as well as other dishes such as oyster tempura, grilled fish, and namero (a dish made with fish paste).
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is another common ingredient used in Kanazawa cooking. Soy sauce is often used to bring out the flavor of seafood dishes such as sushi and sashimi. It’s also used in noodle dishes such as udon and soba noodles, as well as in a variety of sauces.
Kanazawa Curry
Kanazawa curry is one of the city’s signature dishes. It’s a mild curry made with vegetables, pork or chicken, and apples or carrots. The dish has a sweet-sour taste that has become very popular with locals and tourists alike.
Hirayaki
Hirayaki are deep-fried sweet potatoes wrapped in a thin layer of batter. They are served hot from street stalls around Kanazawa and can be enjoyed either plain or with soy sauce.
Kaga Cuisine
Kaga cuisine is an intricate type of Japanese cooking unique to Kanazawa. The cuisine focuses on presentation almost as much as taste – each dish consists of many small components arranged artfully on a plate. Popular Kaga cuisine dishes include steamed crab legs served with yuzu pepper paste, marinated salmon roe with ginger soy dressing, and deep-fried shrimp served with white miso sauce.
In conclusion, Kanazawa is famous for its delicious seafood dishes made with fresh ingredients from the Sea of Japan, flavorful soy sauce-based sauces, mild curry dishes, crispy hirayaki snacks, and intricate Kaga cuisine plates. Whether you’re looking for an authentic culinary experience or simply want to enjoy some delicious local delicacies, Kanazawa won’t disappoint!