Hiroshima

๐Ÿฅข

Dining Etiquette and Culture

Sections

1. Local Dining Customs and Etiquette

Understanding Japanese dining etiquette is essential to enjoying your meals in Hiroshima respectfully and authentically. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

Before Eating

  • Say "Itadakimasu": Before starting your meal, it is customary to say "itadakimasu," which means "I humbly receive." This phrase expresses gratitude for the food.
  • Remove Your Shoes: In traditional restaurants, especially those with tatami mat seating, you will need to remove your shoes before entering. Look for a designated area to leave your shoes.
  • Use Oshibori (Wet Towel): Restaurants often provide a wet towel (oshibori) to clean your hands before eating. Do not use it to wipe your face or other parts of your body.

During the Meal

  • Chopstick Etiquette:
    • Do not stick chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual.
    • Avoid passing food from chopstick to chopstick, as this also mimics a funeral custom.
    • Use the opposite end of your chopsticks (the clean end) to take food from shared dishes.
  • Slurping Noodles: It is acceptable and even encouraged to slurp noodles, such as ramen or udon, as it shows appreciation for the meal.
  • Do Not Pour Soy Sauce on Rice: Soy sauce is used sparingly and typically for dipping sushi or sashimi, not for pouring over rice.

After Eating

  • Say "Gochisousama deshita": After finishing your meal, say "gochisousama deshita," which means "thank you for the meal."
  • Tidy Up: If you are eating at a casual restaurant or food stall, return your tray and dispose of any trash in the designated bins.

2. Tipping Culture

Tipping is not customary in Japan, including Hiroshima. In fact, leaving a tip may be considered rude or confusing. Instead, excellent service is expected as part of the dining experience. If you wish to show appreciation, a simple "arigatou gozaimasu" (thank you very much) is sufficient.

3. Must-Try Dishes in Hiroshima

Hiroshima is famous for its regional cuisine, which is distinct from other parts of Japan. Here are the top dishes to try:

Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki

  • A savory pancake made with layers of batter, cabbage, noodles (soba or udon), pork or seafood, and topped with a sweet-savory sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is unique because the ingredients are layered rather than mixed.
  • Where to Try: Okonomimura (Okonomiyaki Village) is a multi-floor building with numerous stalls specializing in this dish.

Oysters (Kaki)

  • Hiroshima is one of Japan's largest producers of oysters. They can be enjoyed raw, grilled, deep-fried (kaki furai), or in hot pots (kaki nabe).
  • Where to Try: Oyster dishes are widely available, especially in winter. Miyajima Island, a short ferry ride from Hiroshima, is particularly famous for fresh oysters.

Tsukemen

  • A cold noodle dish served with a spicy dipping sauce. Hiroshima's version is known for its bold flavors and customizable spice levels.
  • Where to Try: Local tsukemen shops, such as Bakudanya, are popular.

Momiji Manju

  • A maple leaf-shaped sweet filled with red bean paste, custard, or other flavors. This is a specialty of Miyajima Island and a perfect souvenir.
  • Where to Try: Shops on Miyajima Island or in Hiroshima city.

Hiroshima Ramen

  • A local variation of ramen, often featuring a soy-based broth with a light and clean flavor.
  • Where to Try: Small ramen shops throughout the city.

4. Costs of Dining Out

Dining in Hiroshima can accommodate a range of budgets:

  • Street Food and Casual Dining: ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ1,500 per meal. Food stalls, ramen shops, and casual eateries are affordable and delicious.
  • Mid-Range Restaurants: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 per meal. This includes okonomiyaki restaurants and izakayas (Japanese pubs).
  • Fine Dining: ยฅ8,000 and above. High-end sushi restaurants and kaiseki (multi-course) dining experiences fall into this category.

5. Cultural Considerations

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Japanese restaurants are generally quiet, and loud conversations or phone calls are discouraged.
  • Cash is King: Many smaller restaurants and food stalls only accept cash, so carry yen with you.
  • Queueing: If a restaurant has a line, wait patiently. It is a sign of good food, and queueing is a common practice in Japan.
  • Seasonal Ingredients: Japanese cuisine emphasizes seasonality, so menus may change depending on the time of year.

6. Local Food Experiences

Hiroshima offers several unique dining experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in the local food culture:

Okonomimura (Okonomiyaki Village)

  • A must-visit for okonomiyaki lovers. This building houses multiple okonomiyaki stalls, each with its own twist on the dish.

Miyajima Island

  • Famous for its oysters and momiji manju, Miyajima is also home to scenic views and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. Enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants or food stalls.

Hiroshima Nagarekawa District

  • This area is known for its vibrant nightlife and izakayas, where you can enjoy small plates of food alongside drinks.

Hiroshima Asaichi (Morning Market)

  • A local market where you can find fresh seafood, produce, and street food. Itโ€™s a great place to experience Hiroshimaโ€™s food culture firsthand.

7. Practical Tips for Dining in Hiroshima

  • Reservations: For popular restaurants or fine dining, itโ€™s best to make a reservation in advance.
  • Language Barrier: While some restaurants have English menus, many do not. Learning a few basic Japanese phrases or using a translation app can be helpful.
  • Vending Machines: In some casual restaurants, you order and pay using a vending machine at the entrance. Take the ticket to the counter or staff.

8. Additional Cultural Notes

  • Hiroshima is a city with a deep history, and its residents are proud of their resilience and culture. While dining, you may notice a strong emphasis on community and hospitality.
  • If you visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park or the Atomic Bomb Dome, be mindful of the solemnity of these sites. Itโ€™s a good idea to reflect on the cityโ€™s history and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere that now defines Hiroshima.

By following these guidelines and exploring Hiroshimaโ€™s culinary scene, youโ€™ll not only enjoy delicious food but also gain a deeper appreciation for the cityโ€™s culture and traditions. Bon appรฉtitโ€”or as they say in Japan, "itadakimasu"!