Hiroshima

๐Ÿด

Restaurants

Sections

1. Traditional and Modern Cuisines in Hiroshima

Traditional Cuisine

Hiroshima is renowned for its local specialties, many of which are tied to the region's history and geography. Key traditional dishes include:

  • Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki: A savory pancake made with layers of batter, cabbage, noodles (soba or udon), pork, seafood, and a fried egg, topped with a sweet and tangy sauce. This dish is a must-try and is distinct from the Kansai-style okonomiyaki due to its layered preparation.
  • Oysters (Kaki): Hiroshima is one of Japan's largest producers of oysters, and they are served in various waysโ€”grilled, fried (kaki furai), raw, or in hot pots (kaki nabe). Oyster season typically runs from October to March.
  • Anago Meshi: A dish of grilled saltwater eel (anago) served over rice, often with a sweet soy-based sauce. This is a specialty of the nearby Miyajima Island.
  • Tsukemen: A cold noodle dish served with a spicy dipping sauce, often topped with vegetables and meat. Hiroshima's tsukemen is known for its fiery kick.
  • Hassaku Daifuku: A local dessert made with mochi (rice cake) filled with sweet bean paste and a slice of hassaku, a citrus fruit grown in the region.

Modern Cuisine

Hiroshima also embraces modern and international dining trends. You'll find:

  • Fusion Restaurants: Combining Japanese and Western flavors, such as okonomiyaki with cheese or Italian-style pasta with local seafood.
  • Cafรฉs and Bakeries: Hiroshima has a growing cafรฉ culture, with artisanal coffee shops and bakeries offering pastries, sandwiches, and desserts.
  • International Cuisine: Italian, French, Indian, and Korean restaurants are common, especially in central Hiroshima.

2. Dining Districts in Hiroshima

Hiroshima has several vibrant dining areas where you can explore a variety of restaurants:

Hondori Shopping Arcade and Surrounding Area

  • Located in the heart of Hiroshima, this pedestrian street and its surrounding alleys are packed with restaurants, izakayas (Japanese pubs), and cafรฉs. It's a great place to try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki or casual Japanese dining.

Okonomimura (Okonomiyaki Village)

  • A multi-story building dedicated to Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Each floor has small, family-run stalls where you can watch your meal being prepared on a teppan (iron griddle) right in front of you.

Nagarekawa District

  • Hiroshima's nightlife hub, filled with izakayas, bars, and late-night eateries. This area is perfect for those looking to enjoy drinks alongside small plates of Japanese food.

Miyajima Island

  • A short ferry ride from Hiroshima, Miyajima is famous for its anago meshi and fresh oysters. Many restaurants here offer scenic views of the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and the Seto Inland Sea.

Hiroshima Station Area

  • The area around Hiroshima Station is convenient for travelers and offers a mix of casual and upscale dining options, including sushi, ramen, and izakayas.

3. Popular and Unique Dishes

Here are some dishes you should try while in Hiroshima:

  • Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki: Best enjoyed at Okonomimura or specialized restaurants like "Nagata-ya" near the Peace Memorial Park.
  • Oysters: Try them grilled at "Kanawa," a long-established oyster restaurant, or raw at local seafood markets.
  • Tsukemen: Visit "Bakudanya" for Hiroshima's signature spicy tsukemen.
  • Momiji Manju: A maple-leaf-shaped sweet filled with red bean paste, custard, or chocolate. These are popular souvenirs from Miyajima but can also be enjoyed fresh at local shops.

4. Typical Price Ranges

Dining in Hiroshima is generally affordable, with options for every budget:

  • Budget (ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ1,500): Ramen shops, conveyor-belt sushi (kaitenzushi), and casual okonomiyaki stalls.
  • Mid-range (ยฅ1,500โ€“ยฅ3,000): Izakayas, family restaurants, and specialty seafood restaurants.
  • High-end (ยฅ5,000 and above): Kaiseki (multi-course Japanese meals), upscale sushi restaurants, and fine dining establishments.

Tipping is not customary in Japan, so the price you see on the menu is what you pay.

5. Dietary Considerations

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

While traditional Japanese cuisine often includes fish or meat-based broths, Hiroshima is becoming more accommodating to vegetarians and vegans. Some tips:

  • Look for restaurants with "vegetarian" or "vegan" labels, such as "Nagata-ya," which offers vegetarian okonomiyaki.
  • Visit international or fusion restaurants, which are more likely to have plant-based options.
  • Use the phrase "Watashi wa bejitarian desu" (I am vegetarian) or "Watashi wa bฤซgan desu" (I am vegan) to communicate your dietary needs.

Halal and Kosher Options

Halal-certified restaurants are limited in Hiroshima, but some establishments offer halal-friendly meals. Look for Indian or Middle Eastern restaurants, or inquire at seafood-focused restaurants. For kosher meals, itโ€™s best to prepare in advance or consult with local Jewish communities.

Gluten-Free Options

Gluten-free dining can be challenging due to the prevalence of soy sauce and wheat-based noodles. However, some restaurants may accommodate requests if you explain your needs clearly.

6. Cultural Dining Practices

Understanding Japanese dining etiquette will enhance your experience:

  • Chopstick Etiquette: Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice or passing food from chopstick to chopstick, as these are associated with funeral rituals.
  • Slurping: Itโ€™s perfectly acceptable (and encouraged) to slurp noodles like ramen or udonโ€”it shows appreciation for the food.
  • Shoes: Some traditional restaurants require you to remove your shoes before entering. Look for a designated area to store them.
  • Payment: Pay at the register rather than leaving money at the table. Many restaurants accept cash only, so carry yen with you.
  • Reservations: High-end restaurants and popular spots may require reservations, especially during peak dining hours.

7. Tips for Navigating the Local Culinary Scene

  • Language Barrier: While many restaurants have picture menus or English translations, learning a few key phrases (e.g., "Osusume wa nan desu ka?" meaning "What do you recommend?") can be helpful.
  • Seasonal Ingredients: Japanese cuisine emphasizes seasonality, so ask about seasonal specialties for a unique experience.
  • Street Food: Donโ€™t miss Hiroshimaโ€™s street food scene, especially during festivals. Look for stalls selling grilled oysters, yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries).
  • Food Tours: Consider joining a guided food tour to explore hidden gems and learn more about Hiroshimaโ€™s culinary history.

Hiroshimaโ€™s dining scene is a reflection of its resilience, creativity, and connection to the sea and land. Whether youโ€™re savoring a hearty okonomiyaki, enjoying fresh oysters by the waterfront, or exploring modern fusion cuisine, Hiroshima offers a culinary journey thatโ€™s as rich and diverse as its history.