Hiroshima’s Food Scene: Is it Better Than Tokyo’s? – Top 10 Hiroshima Foods You HAVE to Try!

Hiroshima’s Food Scene: Is it Better Than Tokyo’s? – Top 10 Hiroshima Foods You HAVE to Try!

Konichiwa food lovers, welcome to a culinary adventure in the heart of Japan, Hiroshima. While often remembered for its profound history, Hiroshima is also a vibrant city bursting with incredible flavors and unique culinary traditions. From savory street eats to refined dining, prepare to tantalize your taste buds as we explore the best food experiences this remarkable city has to offer. From savory street eats to refined dining, prepare to tantalize your taste buds as we explore the best food experiences this remarkable city has to offer. Get ready to discover why food is truly the soul of Hiroshima. Kicking off our list at number 10 is the exquisite ano meshi or conger eel rice. Unlike its freshwater cousin, unagi, anago is a saltwater eel known for its softer texture and delicate flavor. It’s typically grilled with a sweet soybased sauce and served over fluffy rice, often in a bento box. This dish is particularly famous on Miaima Island, a short fairy ride from Hiroshima City, where you can enjoy it with stunning views of the iconic floating Tory Gate. This dish is particularly famous on Miaima Island, a short fairy ride from Hiroshima City, where you can enjoy it with stunning views of the iconic floating Tory Gate. The eels are often caught locally, ensuring incredible freshness. You’ll find many specialty restaurants dedicated to an Gomeshi, each with its own secret sauce recipe. It’s a truly sophisticated yet comforting meal that perfectly embodies Hiroshima’s coastal bounty. Don’t leave without trying this local delicacy. At number nine, we dive into the spicy world of Hiroshima Tsukamin. While ramen is famous throughout Japan, Hiroshima’s version stands out for its unique dipping style. The noodles are served cold alongside a rich spicy broth, often garnished with generous amounts of sliced pork, green onions, and boiled eggs. You dip the cool noodles into the fiery broth, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors. This dish gained popularity in Hiroshima in the midentth century and has since become a beloved local staple, especially among those who enjoy a kick. Many restaurants allow you to customize your spice level from mildly warm to tearinducingly hot. It’s an incredibly satisfying and invigorating meal, perfect after a day of exploring. Be sure to seek out Bakuana for a truly authentic experience. Coming in at number eight, we have the adorable and delicious Mumi Mangju. These delightful maple leafshaped cakes are Hiroshima’s signature souvenir and a mustry sweet treat. Traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste, they now come in a dazzling array of flavors, including custard, chocolate, matcha, and even cheese. You can often find freshly baked ones, warm and soft, offering a truly comforting experience. The mumiji or maple leaf is a symbol of Miaima Island, where these treats originated. Many shops on the island and throughout Hiroshima City offer demonstrations, allowing you to watch them being made. They make for a perfect snack while sightseeing or a thoughtful gift to bring home. Shioa and Miaima is a great spot to try various flavors. Number seven celebrates Hiroshima’s abundant seafood with kaki riori or oyster cuisine. Hiroshima Prefecture is Japan’s largest producer of oysters, making them incredibly fresh and flavorful here. You’ll find them prepared in countless ways. Raw on the half shell, grilled with panzoo sauce, deep fried as cocky fry in hot pots, or even in graten. The oyster farming industry thrives in the calm waters of Hiroshima Bay, particularly around Miaima. Oysters are especially delicious during the cooler months from autumn to spring when they are at their plumpest. Enjoying freshly shucked oysters with a squeeze of local lemon is an unforgettable experience. Many izakayas and specialty restaurants feature extensive oyster menus showcasing the versatility of this local gem. Don’t miss the chance to savor these briney treasures. At number six, we have another ramen variety that’s uniquely Hiroshima. Hiroshima style ramen. This comforting bowl typically features a tonkatu pork bone and showyu soy sauce blended broth, creating a rich yet balanced flavor. It’s usually served with thin, straight noodles, tender slices of chashu pork, green onions, and sometimes a softboiled egg. What sets it apart is its often lighter and less greasy profile compared to other tonkotu ramens, making it incredibly approachable. This style developed after World War II, evolving from simple street food stalls, it’s a beloved everyday meal for locals and a fantastic way to experience a different facet of Japanese ramen. You’ll find countless ramen shops throughout the city, each with its own subtle variations. It’s the perfect hearty meal on a chilly day. Number five isn’t just a dish, but an entire experience. Hiroshima’s vibrant nightlife and izakaya culture. Izakayas are Japanese gastro pubs perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Here you can enjoy a wide array of small sharable dishes like yakitori, sashimi, tempura paired with local sake, shou or beer. The atmosphere is lively and convivial, offering a fantastic opportunity to mingle with locals. Areas like Nagarakawa and around Hiroshima Station come alive at night with countless izakayas, bars, and karaoke spots. It’s an immersive cultural experience where food and drink are central to social interaction. Trying different small plates allows you to sample many local flavors. It’s an essential part of understanding the city’s relaxed yet vibrant pulse. Moving to number four, we delve into the refined world of local sake tasting. Hiroshima Prefecture is one of Japan’s most renowned sake producing regions, particularly the Saiou district in Higashi Hiroshima, often called Sake Town. The region benefits from pristine water sources and highquality rice, essential ingredients for exceptional sake. You can visit numerous sake breweries, many of which offer tours and tastings, allowing you to sample a variety of premium sakees from dry to sweet, unpasteurized to aged. Sai alone boasts several historic breweries within walking distance of each other. Exploring these breweries provides a fascinating insight into traditional Japanese craftsmanship and a chance to discover your new favorite sake. It’s a sophisticated and deeply cultural experience for any connoisseur. Our third spot takes us to the bustling heart of Hiroshima’s culinary scene, its local markets and street food. Exploring markets like the Uja Market, or simply wandering through shopping arcades will reveal an incredible array of fresh produce, seafood, and ready to eat delights. Street food vendors offer everything from takoyaki octopus balls and yaktori grilled skewers to seasonal sweets and local snacks. This is where you truly eat like a local, savoring authentic flavors in a casual setting. It’s a sensory feast with the aroma of grilling food, the chatter of vendors, and the vibrant colors of fresh ingredients. These markets are not just places to buy food. They are vibrant social hubs reflecting the daily life and culinary traditions of the city. It’s the perfect way to sample a variety of dishes on the go. At a very strong number two, we have the undisputed king of Hiroshima cuisine. Hiroshima style okonomiyaki. This savory pancake is a culinary masterpiece distinctly different from its Osaka counterpart. It’s built in layers. A thin crepe, cabbage, bean sprouts, pork, and often noodles soba or udon. All topped with egg and a special sauce. The ingredients are stacked, not mixed, creating a delightful texture and allowing each flavor to shine. You’ll often find it cooked right in front of you on a large griddle. A messmerizing culinary performance. Okonomura, a multi-story building dedicated to okonomiyaki, is an iconic spot where you can choose from dozens of stalls, each with its own loyal following. It’s a comforting, hearty, and utterly delicious meal that you simply cannot miss when in Hiroshima. And finally, at number one, we recommend a poignant yet essential culinary experience, dining in the cafes and restaurants around the Abomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park. While the focus here is history and reflection, numerous establishments in the surrounding area offer a chance to pause, gather your thoughts, and enjoy delicious local food. From cozy cafes serving light lunches and coffee to more traditional restaurants, these spots provide a quiet space for contemplation. Many feature serene atmospheres and offer views of the revitalized city. It’s a way to connect with the present-day resilience and everyday life of Hiroshima, acknowledging its past while looking towards its future. Supporting these local businesses is also a way to contribute to the city’s ongoing recovery and vibrant community. It’s a meal that feeds both the body and the soul. And there you have it, our top 10 culinary experiences and local foods you absolutely must try in Hiroshima. From the layered delights of okonomiyaki to the delicate flavors of Anagomeshi, Hiroshima offers a gastronomic journey that is as rich and diverse as its history. We hope this guide inspires your next trip and encourages you to savor every delicious moment. Remember, food is not just sustenance. It’s a gateway to culture, history, and connection. If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more culinary adventures. Be sure to like and subscribe for more great travel videos. Until next time, itakimasu.

Welcome to Hiroshima, a city that has risen from its past to become a beacon of peace, resilience, and, perhaps surprisingly, a culinary hotspot! In this video, we’re taking you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Hiroshima’s food scene, uncovering the savory secrets and sweet traditions that define this incredible city.

From the iconic, layered perfection of Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki to the delicate flavors of Anago Meshi on Miyajima Island, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 must-try foods and experiences that will leave your taste buds wanting more. We’ll explore local markets, dive into the bustling Izakaya culture, and even discover the hidden gems that only locals know about.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan or just love exploring world cuisines from your couch, this is the ultimate guide to eating your way through Hiroshima. Don’t just visit the landmarks—immerse yourself in the local culture, one delicious bite at a time.

Video Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction
00:35 – Number 10 – Anago Meshi
01:32 – Number 9 – Hiroshima Tsukemen
02:20 – Number 8 – Momiji Manju
03:05 – Number 7 – Kaki Ryori
03:54 – Number 6 – Hiroshima-style Ramen
04:41 – Number 5 – Nightlife & Izakaya Culture
05:29 – Number 4 – Local Sake Tasting
06:19 – Number 3 – Local Markets & Street Food
07:05 – Number 2 – Hiroshima Style Okonomiyaki
07:52 – Number 1 – A-Bomb Dome Area Dining
08:38 – Conclusion

Featured Locations & Resources:

Bakudanya (Hiroshima Tsukemen): https://www.bakudanya.net/

Okonomimura (Hiroshima Okonomiyaki): http://www.okonomimura.jp/foreign/english.html

Miyajima Island Tourist Association: https://visit-miyajima-japan.com/

The Official Guide to Hiroshima (Dining): https://dive-hiroshima.com/en/category/eat-drink/

Ready to explore more of Japan?

Like this video and leave a comment with your favorite Japanese food!

Subscribe to our channel for more travel guides and culinary adventures.

Click the notification bell so you don’t miss our next video!

#Hiroshima #Japan #JapaneseFood #HiroshimaFood #Okonomiyaki #JapaneseCuisine #TravelJapan #FoodTravel #Foodie #JapanTravelGuide #JapanVlog #TravelGuide #CulinaryTravel #AnagoMeshi #Sak