Hiroshima's Street Food Scene: Must-Try Treats and Local Favorites
Hiroshima's street food scene is a vibrant and essential part of the city's cultural tapestry. Nestled in the heart of Hiroshima Prefecture, Hiroshima City boasts a rich culinary heritage that draws food enthusiasts from around the globe.
From savory pancakes to sweet treats, the streets of Hiroshima offer an unforgettable dining experience highlighting the city's unique flavors and traditional Japanese cuisine. This blog post will explore Hiroshima street food, uncovering local favorites and must-try treats.
Hiroshima Okonomiyaki
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made with layers of cabbage, pork, and yakisoba noodles, cooked on a teppan grill and topped with a rich, sweet okonomiyaki sauce. Unlike the mixed ingredients of the Osaka style, Hiroshima's version uniquely layers each component, giving it a distinct texture and flavor​.
The dish is a must-try street food in Hiroshima, offering a delicious representation of the city's culinary heritage. Watching chefs skillfully prepare okonomiyaki is part of the experience, making it a visual and gastronomic delight.
Embark on a compelling journey through the vibrant streets of Hiroshima.
Hiroshima-style Tsukemen
Hiroshima-style tsukemen is a unique and popular noodle dish in Hiroshima. It is characterized by cold noodles served separately from a hot, spicy dipping broth.
The noodles are typically thicker and chewier, satisfyingly contrasting the rich and flavorful broth from pork bones and seafood, offering a deep umami taste. This dish often includes chashu pork, boiled vegetables, and boiled eggs, making it a hearty and flavorful meal.
Tsukemen is a perfect choice for those who enjoy a mix of temperatures and textures in their dining experience.
Hiroshima-style Oysters
Hiroshima-style oysters are a celebrated delicacy, accounting for approximately 60-70% of Japan's oyster production. These oysters are renowned for their plumpness and rich flavor, attributed to the nutrient-rich waters of the Seto Inland Sea.
Visitors can enjoy them in various preparations, including raw with soy sauce, grilled, deep-fried, or baked. They are available at numerous food stands and restaurants throughout Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. Sampling these oysters, especially when grilled and seasoned lightly, offers a quintessential taste of Hiroshima's vibrant street food culture.
Taste fresh oysters with this food tour in Hiroshima.
Momiji Manju
Momiji Manju, a beloved treat from Hiroshima, is a small, maple-leaf-shaped cake filled traditionally with sweet treat red bean paste. This confection was created in 1907 to celebrate the region's iconic autumn foliage and has since become a symbol of Hiroshima.
Besides the classic red bean filling, modern variations include chocolate, custard, and matcha, catering to diverse tastes. Momiji Manju is a delightful and iconic snack that visitors should not miss.
It is available in souvenir shops across Hiroshima and Miyajima Island.
Hiroshima-style Yakisoba
Hiroshima-style yakisoba is a beloved street food that offers a distinct variation of the classic Japanese stir-fried noodle dish. Unlike traditional yakisoba, it incorporates a unique preparation method. The noodles are fried separately and combined with a savory mix of cabbage, pork, and a special sauce on a teppan grill.
This method enhances the flavor and texture, producing a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish. Topped with a generous serving of green onions and often a fried egg, Hiroshima-style yakisoba is a culinary experience to be noticed when visiting the city.
Discover Hiroshima's culinary delights on a 3-hour guided tour.
Mitarashi Dango
Mitarashi Dango is a popular Japanese street food with skewered rice dumplings in a sweet soy sauce glaze. Originating from Kyoto, these delightful treats have found their way to various regions, including Hiroshima, where they are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
The unique combination of the slightly charred dango with the rich, sweet-savory glaze offers a memorable flavor experience. Perfect for a quick snack while exploring the city, Mitarashi Dango is a must-try for anyone seeking to indulge in traditional Japanese sweets.
Best Streets to Visit in Hiroshima
1. Okonomimura (Okonomiyaki Village)
A paradise for okonomiyaki lovers, Okonomimura, also known as Okonomiyaki Village, is a multi-story building near downtown Hiroshima. It houses over 20 stalls, each specializing in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Unlike the Osaka-style okonomiyaki, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is layered with cabbage, pork, and noodles, creating a delightful blend of textures and flavors cooked to perfection on a teppan grill.
2. Hondori Shopping Street
Near Hiroshima Station, Hondori Shopping Street is a bustling pedestrian zone filled with various food stalls and souvenir shops. Here, you can sample Hiroshima oysters, a delicacy renowned for plumpness and flavor. Take advantage of grilled oysters seasoned with a dash of soy sauce and served hot off the grill.
3. Miyajima Island
A short ferry ride from Hiroshima City, Miyajima Island is famous for its street food and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. The island is renowned for its Momiji manju, delightful maple leaf-shaped pastries filled with sweet red bean paste. These lovely treats are perfect for a quick snack as you explore the island's scenic beauty.
4. Shintenchi
Shintenchi, a historic district in downtown Hiroshima, is known for its onomichi ramen. This dish features a rich soy sauce-based broth, chewy noodles, and a topping of green onions and tender pork. The district's narrow streets are lined with cozy restaurants serving this comforting bowl of ramen.
5. Hatchobori
Hatchobori is another must-visit area in Hiroshima for food lovers. Stalls can sell anago (saltwater eel) dishes, including grilled unagi served with rice. The eel's tender meat and the sweet-savory sauce make a memorable dining experience.
Savor the Flavors of Hiroshima: A Culinary Journey to Remember
Exploring Hiroshima's street food scene offers a captivating glimpse into the city's culinary traditions and vibrant local culture. From the savory delight of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura to the sweet satisfaction of momiji manju on Miyajima Island, each bite tells a story of the region's rich history and flavors.
Whether savoring grilled oysters at Hondori Shopping Street or enjoying a bowl of onomichi ramen in Shintenchi, Hiroshima's street food promises a delicious journey you'll remember long after your trip. Indulge in these local specialties and discover why Hiroshima is a top destination for food enthusiasts worldwide.
Embark on a captivating three-hour journey exclusively for adults.
FAQs
What is the specialty of Hiroshima?
Hiroshima is renowned for its distinctive version of okonomiyaki.
What is the main street in Hiroshima?
Hiroshima Hondori Shopping Street
What is the famous fruit in Hiroshima?
Strawberries, pears, and grapes
What is the famous market in Hiroshima?
Hiroshima Morning Market, known locally as "asaichi," is a bustling market where visitors can find an array of freshly harvested vegetables, fruits, seafood, and flowers, all sourced from local farmers.
How long is the train ride from Tokyo to Hiroshima?
About four hours
