Shizuoka, located between Tokyo and Kyoto, is known for its rich agricultural heritage, fresh seafood, and unique local specialties. The region’s cuisine reflects its natural beauty, with offerings that highlight fresh produce, high-quality tea, and the bounty of the sea. Here are some of the must-try dishes in Shizuoka:
1. Koshihikari Rice
- What it is: Koshihikari is one of Japan's most famous rice varieties, grown in Shizuoka’s fertile fields. Known for its sweet flavor and sticky texture, it's considered one of the best types of rice in the country.
- Why try it: The rice is often served as a side dish with meals, forming the foundation of many traditional Japanese dishes. You can enjoy it plain or as part of sushi or donburi (rice bowls).
2. Hegi Soba (Buckwheat Noodles)
- What it is: Hegi soba is a type of soba (buckwheat noodles) unique to the Uonuma region in Shizuoka. These noodles are thicker than regular soba and have a distinctive chewy texture.
- Why try it: Hegi soba is typically served cold with a dipping sauce and is known for its firm texture and slightly nutty flavor. It’s a must-try for soba lovers and a true regional specialty.
3. Shizuoka Green Tea
- What it is: Shizuoka is Japan's leading producer of green tea, particularly known for Sencha (the most commonly consumed green tea in Japan). The region’s climate and soil contribute to the high quality of the tea produced here.
- Why try it: You can enjoy Shizuoka green tea in various forms, including matcha, gyokuro, and as iced tea. The taste is smooth, slightly grassy, and refreshing. You can also visit tea plantations to learn about tea production and try freshly brewed tea.
4. Sakura Ebi (Cherry Shrimp)
- What it is: Sakura ebi are small, sweet shrimp that are caught off the coast of Shizuoka. These shrimp are often used in various dishes, including tempura and sushi.
- Why try it: Sakura ebi is a regional delicacy, and the shrimp’s sweetness and delicate texture make it a unique addition to Shizuoka’s seafood offerings. You can also find sakura ebi rice bowls, where the shrimp is served on top of steamed rice.
5. Unagi (Eel)
- What it is: Unagi (grilled eel) is another beloved dish in Shizuoka, known for its rich and tender texture. The eel is typically grilled and served with a sweet soy-based sauce called kabayaki.
- Why try it: Shizuoka is known for its high-quality eel, and the region's long-standing tradition of preparing unagi makes it a great place to enjoy this delicacy. It's often served with rice, making it a hearty and flavorful meal.
6. Sushi (Especially Fresh Fish)
- What it is: Being a coastal region, Shizuoka offers an abundance of fresh fish, making it a great place to enjoy sushi. The area is especially known for its high-quality tuna, shirasu (whitebait), and sakana (fish).
- Why try it: Sushi in Shizuoka features a variety of local fish, including fresh tuna from the nearby waters and unique regional varieties. The shirasu don (whitebait rice bowl) is another must-try, where the small fish is served atop rice, often accompanied by a light soy sauce.
7. Fujinomiya Yakisoba (Stir-Fried Noodles)
- What it is: Fujinomiya yakisoba is a popular noodle dish from the city of Fujinomiya. The noodles are stir-fried with vegetables, pork, and a savory sauce, often served with a fried egg on top.
- Why try it: The noodles are distinctive because of their texture and the sauce, which is richer and slightly more tangy than regular yakisoba. It's a satisfying street food and an iconic dish of the region.
8. Wasabi
- What it is: Shizuoka is one of Japan’s largest producers of wasabi, and the region’s wasabi is known for its quality and distinct flavor. It’s grown in the pristine rivers of the Izu Peninsula, where the cool water creates the ideal conditions for wasabi farming.
- Why try it: Wasabi is commonly served with sushi, sashimi, and soba noodles, but in Shizuoka, you can also find fresh wasabi served with rice and other dishes. Visiting a wasabi farm to experience its cultivation process and taste it freshly grated is also a unique experience.
9. Shizuoka Oden
- What it is: Oden is a Japanese hot pot dish consisting of various ingredients such as boiled eggs, daikon radish, tofu, and fish cakes, simmered in a soy-based broth.
- Why try it: Shizuoka has its own version of oden, typically served with a rich and flavorful broth. It’s commonly enjoyed as a snack or light meal, especially during the cooler months. You’ll find it at many local shops and food stalls.
10. Fujinomiya Ramen
- What it is: Fujinomiya ramen is a regional specialty known for its rich, soy-based broth and chewy noodles. It’s made with a combination of chicken and pork, giving it a deep, savory flavor.
- Why try it: The noodles in Fujinomiya ramen are often thicker than other types of ramen, and the dish is a popular comfort food in the region. It's perfect for food lovers seeking to experience the flavors of Shizuoka in a bowl of hot, satisfying ramen.
11. Shizuoka-style Tempura
- What it is: Tempura is a Japanese dish where seafood or vegetables are dipped in batter and deep-fried. Shizuoka-style tempura uses locally sourced seafood like sakura ebi and shirasu.
- Why try it: The tempura in Shizuoka is light, crispy, and made with the freshest local ingredients. It's a delicious way to enjoy the coastal bounty of the region.
Summary
Shizuoka is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of dishes that reflect the region's natural resources and agricultural heritage. From fresh seafood like sakura ebi and unagi to local specialties such as hegi soba and Fujinomiya yakisoba, there's something for every palate. Don’t miss the chance to try Shizuoka green tea and experience the region’s tea culture. Whether you’re savoring the local cuisine in a traditional setting or sampling street food, Shizuoka offers a memorable culinary journey.
