.png)
Kanazawa is a city with a rich culinary heritage, offering a diverse range of traditional and local dishes that reflect its coastal location, historical influences, and seasonal ingredients. From fresh seafood to elegant sweets, Kanazawa's food scene is sure to delight any food lover. Here are some must-try local foods in Kanazawa:
1. Kaisen-don (Seafood Rice Bowl)
Kaisen-don is a popular dish in Kanazawa, featuring a bowl of rice topped with a variety of fresh seafood. The seafood is usually sourced from the nearby Sea of Japan, ensuring its freshness and quality.
What to Expect: Typical toppings include tuna, salmon, shrimp, scallops, and crab, along with pickled vegetables and a touch of wasabi. Each restaurant and market stall offers its own unique combination of seafood, making each kaisen-don a delicious and unique experience.
Where to Try: Omicho Market is one of the best places to enjoy kaisen-don, with numerous stalls and restaurants offering their versions of this flavorful dish.
2. Jibuni
Jibuni is a traditional Kanazawa stew made with duck or chicken, vegetables, and wheat gluten (fu) in a flavorful soy-based broth thickened with potato starch. It is a comforting and hearty dish, particularly popular during the colder months.
What to Expect: The stew typically includes ingredients such as duck or chicken slices, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and seasonal vegetables. The broth is rich and savory, with a slightly thickened texture.
Where to Try: Many local restaurants and ryokan (traditional inns) in Kanazawa serve jibuni, especially during the winter season.
 |
| Jibuni image from restaurant at link above |
Kanazawa Curry is a unique and hearty style of Japanese curry, characterized by its thick, rich sauce and specific serving style. It is usually served with tonkatsu (breaded and fried pork cutlet) and shredded cabbage.
What to Expect: The curry sauce is dark and thick, with a slightly sweet and savory flavor. It is generously poured over rice and topped with a crispy tonkatsu, then garnished with shredded cabbage. Often, a fork is provided to eat the curry, which is unusual for Japanese cuisine.
Where to Try: Popular curry chains like Champion's Curry and Gold Curry are well-known for their delicious Kanazawa Curry.
 |
| Image takken from the restaurant at link above kanazawa curry |
Noto Beef is a premium wagyu beef from the Noto Peninsula, known for its high quality and marbling. The beef is tender, juicy, and full of flavor, making it a favorite among meat lovers.
What to Expect: Noto Beef is often served as steak, sukiyaki, or shabu-shabu, allowing the natural flavors of the beef to shine. The meat's rich marbling ensures a melt-in-the-mouth experience.
Where to Try: High-end restaurants and steak houses in Kanazawa offer dishes featuring Noto Beef. Look for restaurants that specialize in wagyu or local cuisine.
.png)
5. Kabura-zushi
Kabura-zushi is a traditional fermented sushi from the Kaga region, made with turnip (kabura), yellowtail fish (buri), and rice. The ingredients are fermented together, creating a unique and tangy flavor.
What to Expect: The turnip is sliced and layered with salted yellowtail and rice, then fermented with a mixture of koji (rice malt) and salt. The resulting sushi has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor and a crisp texture.
Where to Try: Kabura-zushi is typically enjoyed during the winter months and can be found at specialty stores, local markets, and restaurants in Kanazawa.
6. Wagashi (Japanese Sweets)
Kanazawa is famous for its delicate and beautifully crafted wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets often enjoyed with tea. These sweets are made with ingredients like sweet bean paste, mochi, and seasonal fruits, and are known for their artistic presentation.
What to Expect: Common types of wagashi include nerikiri (soft, colorful sweets shaped into seasonal motifs), yokan (jelly-like sweets made with red bean paste), and manju (steamed buns filled with sweet bean paste).
Where to Try: Wagashi can be found at tea houses, confectionery shops, and specialty stores throughout Kanazawa. Enjoy them with a cup of matcha (green tea) for an authentic experience.
Conclusion
Kanazawa's culinary scene offers a delightful array of traditional and local foods that highlight the region's fresh ingredients and rich cultural heritage. From savory seafood dishes and hearty stews to elegant sweets, there is something to satisfy every palate. Exploring the local cuisine is an essential part of any visit to Kanazawa, providing a delicious and memorable experience that showcases the best of the city's culinary traditions.