Top 10+ dishes in Fukushima that captivate food lovers

1. Kozuyu Soup

The quintessential flavor of Kozuyu soup (Image source: Collected)

Kozuyu soup is considered a culinary treasure of the Aizu region, Fukushima. It is always present in important festivals and family parties. This soup is not only a delicious dish but also has profound cultural significance. The sweet taste of dried scallops blends with the fatty taste of lotus root and fragrant shiitake mushrooms to create a unique symphony of flavors. The broth is clear, light but extremely rich, bringing a feeling of warmth and relaxation to the diner. This is a dish in Fukushima that visitors should not miss if they want to experience the traditional flavor.

2. Aizu Sauce Pork Chop Rice

Fukushima's Aizu Sauce Pork Rice is loved by many tourists (Photo source: Collected)

When it comes to food in Fukushima, one cannot help but think of the famous Aizu-sauced cutlet rice. This is the perfect combination of hot rice, fresh crispy cabbage and crispy fried cutlet, all mixed with a special original sauce. This dish originated in the Taisho period – a period of strong development of coffee shops, where Western culinary arts blended with Japanese culture.

Created by European chefs, Aizu Sauce Cutlet Rice is simply prepared from leftover meat, coated with crispy fried flour and added with sweet sauce inspired by traditional grilled eel skewers. The rich, delicious flavor of this dish always evokes the image of hometown cuisine, making diners' stomachs "boil".

3. Negi-Soba (Takato Soba)

Negi-Soba is a dish imbued with traditional Japanese culture (Photo source: Collected)

Negi-Soba, also known as Takato Soba, is a dish that is deeply imbued with traditional Japanese culture, especially in the Aizu region of Fukushima. Eating noodles with green onions is not only a way to enjoy the dish but also a unique cultural beauty. Negi-Soba's broth is often made from bonito flakes, seaweed and mushrooms, creating a refined and delicate flavor. This dish is often served in an ancient house that has been preserved intact since the Edo period in the ancient village of Ouchijuku with a quiet space, helping you feel more clearly the beauty of Japanese cuisine. Negi soba noodles in Fukushima are deeply traditional, both strange and extremely delicious.

4. Wappa Meshi

Wappa Meshi is a special rice dish that is delicately prepared (Photo source: Collected)

Wappa Meshi is one of the dishes in Fukushima that is imbued with Japanese culinary culture and tradition. This is a special rice dish that is delicately prepared, with rice and fresh ingredients steamed in a pine box. This cooking method not only retains the natural deliciousness of each ingredient but also brings a unique flavor thanks to the faint aroma of wood. With the blend of the natural sweetness of seafood and the characteristic aroma of wood, this dish in Fukushima will definitely leave an unforgettable impression on every diner.

5. Enban Gyoza

Crispy Enban Gyoza makes many diners miss them (Photo source: Collected)

When it comes to food in Fukushima, you cannot miss Enban Gyoza – a famous fried dumpling that has existed for over 100 years. The name “Enban” means “plate”, combined with “Gyoza” – dumpling, accurately describing the special way of preparing this dish. The characteristic of Enban Gyoza is the fragrant pork filling combined with many fresh vegetables, creating a rich and attractive flavor. A plate of Enban Gyoza usually has from 20 to 30 pieces, but thanks to the crispy crust and light filling, diners can enjoy the whole portion without feeling heavy.

6. Kitakata Ramen

Kitakata Ramen offers a refined and unforgettable culinary experience to diners (Photo source: Collected)

Kitakata Ramen is one of the most famous dishes in Fukushima, not only conquering diners with its rich flavor but also being honored as one of the top three types of ramen in Japan. Made from selected ingredients and elaborate processing techniques, Kitakata Ramen brings a refined and unforgettable culinary experience. The characteristic noodles of this dish are moderate in size, kneaded from premium wheat flour, creating the perfect chewiness and softness, different from many other types of noodles. More than just a delicious dish, Kitakata Ramen also carries the unique cultural mark of Fukushima. This is not only the pride of the local people but also a culinary symbol deeply attached to the history and tradition of this land.

7. Awa Manju Sweet Cake

Awa Manju has a soft crust and sweet filling (Image source: Collected)

Awa Manju is a typical sweet cake with a soft crust, made from premium rice flour, giving a smooth feeling when touching the tip of the tongue. The cake is filled with sweet red beans, carefully cooked to retain the natural richness and characteristic aroma, creating a perfect balance between the outer crust and the inside. Awa Manju is not only a popular dessert but also often appears in tea ceremonies, where the elegant flavor of the cake blends wonderfully with the slightly bitter taste of green tea. Therefore, Awa Manju has become one of the dishes in Fukushima that cannot be missed, especially for those who love to experience Japanese culinary culture.

8. Katsudon with Aizu Sauce

Aizu Sauce Katsudon Rice Bowl is a harmonious combination of simplicity and rich flavor (Image source: Collected)

One of the Fukushima dishes that you cannot miss when visiting Aizu Wakamatsu city is the signature Aizu sauce Katsudon, a harmonious combination of simplicity and rich flavor. This dish starts with a bowl of fragrant white rice, covered with a layer of thinly sliced cabbage for a light, refreshing crunch. The main highlight of the dish is the tonkatsu pieces - premium pork, wrapped in a layer of crispy breadcrumbs and then deep-fried until an attractive golden color.

9. Shirakawa Daruma Burger

Shirakawa Daruma burger combines traditional Japanese cuisine and modern Western style (Photo source: Collected)

Shirakawa Daruma is one of the unique dishes in Fukushima, a delicate combination of traditional Japanese culinary culture and modern Western style. The filling is made from soft and sweet pork, meticulously processed to retain the moisture and natural flavor of the meat. The meat is placed in a golden toasted bread layer, soft but still firm enough to hold all the ingredients inside. What makes Shirakawa Daruma special is the combination with fresh green vegetables, creating a perfect balance between the rich sweetness of the meat and the refreshing taste of the vegetables. It comes with a special sauce, with a rich flavor but not overwhelming, helping to highlight each ingredient of the dish.

10. Kawamata Shamo Chicken

Shamo chicken skewers grilled over charcoal (Photo source: Collected)

Shamo chicken is a famous specialty chicken breed of Fukushima, the main ingredient in many dishes that are rich in the culinary culture of this land. Raised in natural conditions and carefully cared for, Shamo chicken meat stands out for its perfect toughness and rich flavor, completely different from ordinary chicken.

Shamo chicken is usually grilled over charcoal, helping the outer skin to be crispy while the meat inside remains juicy and sweet. In addition, Shamo chicken hot pot is an experience not to be missed, when each piece of chicken is soaked in the flavor of the broth, combined with fresh vegetables to create a warm and nutritious meal. This is one of the delicious dishes in Fukushima that you should not miss.

11. Nishin-no-Shansho-Zuke

Nishin-no-Shansho-Zuke is a pickled herring dish typical of Fukushima (Photo source: Collected)

Nishin-no-Shansho-Zuke, Fukushima's signature pickled herring, is a perfect example of the fusion of traditional flavors and refined creativity in Japanese culinary art. Fresh herring, after being thoroughly cleaned, is soaked in sweet and sour vinegar, a special type of vinegar that preserves the freshness of the fish while creating an attractive flavor that easily captivates diners. This dish is also supplemented with mountain pepper, a unique spice that brings a strong aroma and a slight spiciness, creating a special highlight for the overall flavor. The sophistication in the preparation of this Fukushima dish is also reflected in the perfect balance between natural ingredients and traditional processing techniques.

Fukushima is not only famous for its natural beauty and culture but also for its enchanting culinary paradise. The dishes in Fukushima on this list are not only delicious but also full of tradition and creativity. Take the time to explore and enjoy these delicacies on your upcoming trip to Northeast Japan!

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/mon-an-o-fukushima-v16510.aspx