Sendai

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Restaurants

Sections

1. Local Specialties and Recommended Restaurants

Gyutan (Grilled Beef Tongue)

Gyutan is Sendai's most famous dish, originating in the city in the 1940s. It is typically served as a set meal with barley rice, oxtail soup, and pickles.

  • Kisuke (็‰›ใŸใ‚“็‚ญ็„ผ ๅˆฉไน…)

    • Description: One of the most famous gyutan chains in Sendai, known for its tender and flavorful beef tongue.
    • Locations: Multiple branches, including one in Sendai Station (ideal for travelers).
    • Price Range: ยฅ1,500โ€“ยฅ3,000 per person.
    • Dining Tip: Order the classic gyutan set meal for the full experience.

  • Aji Tasuke (ๅ‘ณๅคชๅŠฉ)

    • Description: The original gyutan restaurant, established in 1948. It offers a more traditional and slightly smoky flavor.
    • Location: Near Jozenji-dori Avenue, a scenic boulevard in central Sendai.
    • Price Range: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ3,500 per person.
    • Cultural Note: This restaurant is often busy, so arriving early or making a reservation is recommended.

Zunda (Sweet Edamame Paste)

Zunda is a sweet paste made from edamame (green soybeans) and is used in desserts like mochi and shakes.

  • Zunda Saryo (ใšใ‚“ใ ่Œถๅฏฎ)
    • Description: A popular cafรฉ specializing in zunda-based desserts, including the famous Zunda Shake.
    • Locations: Inside Sendai Station and at AER Building near the station.
    • Price Range: ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ1,000 per item.
    • Dining Tip: Try the zunda mochi (rice cakes topped with zunda paste) for a traditional treat.

Seafood

Sendai benefits from its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, offering fresh seafood such as sushi, sashimi, and kaisendon (seafood rice bowls).

  • Sushi Tetsu (ๅฏฟๅธๅ“ฒ)

    • Description: A high-end sushi restaurant offering fresh, seasonal seafood.
    • Location: Near Sendai Station.
    • Price Range: ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ10,000 per person.
    • Dining Tip: Opt for the omakase (chefโ€™s choice) menu for the best experience.

  • Kaisen Ichiba Nokke-don (ๆตท้ฎฎๅธ‚ๅ ดใฎใฃใ‘ไธผ)

    • Description: A casual seafood market where you can build your own kaisendon by selecting fresh toppings.
    • Location: Near Sendai Asaichi Morning Market.
    • Price Range: ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ2,500 per person.
    • Cultural Note: This is a self-service style, so enjoy the interactive experience of creating your own bowl.

Other Local Dishes

  • Sendai Miso Ramen: A rich and hearty ramen made with miso paste from Sendai.

    • Rikyu Ramen (ๅˆฉไน…ใƒฉใƒผใƒกใƒณ): Located near Sendai Station, offering a unique gyutan ramen.
    • Price Range: ยฅ800โ€“ยฅ1,500 per bowl.

  • Imoni (Taro and Meat Stew): A traditional Tohoku dish, often served in autumn.

    • Restaurant: Seasonal availability at local izakayas (Japanese pubs).

2. Price Ranges

  • Budget (ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ1,500): Casual eateries, ramen shops, and zunda cafรฉs.
  • Mid-Range (ยฅ1,500โ€“ยฅ5,000): Gyutan restaurants, sushi chains, and izakayas.
  • High-End (ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ15,000): Fine dining sushi, kaiseki (multi-course Japanese meals), and upscale gyutan establishments.

3. Dining Procedures and Cultural Tips

  • Reservations: High-end restaurants and popular gyutan spots may require reservations, especially during weekends or holidays.
  • Ordering: Many restaurants have picture menus or English translations, especially near Sendai Station. Pointing to the menu is perfectly acceptable.
  • Payment: Cash is still widely used, though credit cards are accepted at most mid-range and high-end restaurants.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan. Instead, express your gratitude by saying "Gochisousama deshita" (Thank you for the meal) when leaving.
  • Shoes: Some traditional restaurants may require you to remove your shoes before entering. Look for a designated area to store them.

4. Restaurants Near Notable Attractions

Sendai Station Area

  • Kisuke and Zunda Saryo (mentioned above) are conveniently located here.
  • Hokushinzushi (ๅŒ—่พฐๅฏฟๅธ): A sushi restaurant inside the station offering quick and fresh meals.

Jozenji-dori Avenue

  • Aji Tasuke: Perfect for a meal after strolling along this tree-lined street.
  • Cafรฉ Mozart: A cozy cafรฉ with a European vibe, ideal for coffee and dessert.

Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle)

  • Restaurant Aoba-tei (้’่‘‰ไบญ): Offers gyutan and other local dishes with a view of the city.
    • Price Range: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ4,000 per person.

Matsushima Bay (Day Trip from Sendai)

  • Matsushima Sushi: Known for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the bay.
    • Price Range: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ6,000 per person.
  • Kakigoya (็‰ก่ ฃๅฐๅฑ‹): A casual oyster shack where you can enjoy grilled oysters, a local specialty.
    • Price Range: ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ3,000 per person.

5. Practical and Cultural Information

  • Language: While many restaurants in Sendai have English menus, learning a few basic Japanese phrases (e.g., "Sumimasen" for "Excuse me") can be helpful.
  • Seasonal Foods: Sendaiโ€™s cuisine changes with the seasons. For example, oysters are best in winter, while imoni is popular in autumn.
  • Local Markets: Visit Sendai Asaichi Morning Market for fresh produce, seafood, and snacks. Many stalls offer ready-to-eat items.

6. Final Tips

  • Timing: Lunch is typically served from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and dinner from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Some restaurants may close between lunch and dinner.
  • Crowds: Popular restaurants near Sendai Station can get crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. Arrive early or make a reservation.
  • Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but can be found at some cafรฉs and international restaurants. Always ask about ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.

Sendai offers a delightful mix of traditional and modern dining experiences, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers. Whether youโ€™re savoring gyutan, indulging in zunda desserts, or enjoying fresh seafood, youโ€™re sure to find something memorable in this vibrant city!