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About gourmet food in Nara Prefecture

Nara Prefecture is a region blessed with rich nature and historical culture, and has developed a unique food culture that takes advantage of the seasonal scenery and climate. Nara Prefecture is located in an area surrounded by mountains, and its clean water and fertile soil have produced an abundance of agricultural products and traditional local cuisine. Nara is also known as Japan’s oldest capital, and the food culture that has been nurtured throughout history is loved by many people.

Especially famous are “Miwa somen”, “persimmon leaf sushi”, and “cha porridge”. When you visit Nara Prefecture, be sure to try these dishes and enjoy the local food culture.

3 carefully selected gourmet foods in Nara Prefecture

1. Miwa Somen 

Source: https://www.ikeri.co.jp/

　● The charm of Miwa Somen

Miwa somen is Japan’s oldest hand-stretched somen, cultivated in the tradition and nature of the Miwa district of Nara Prefecture. The noodles are made using delicate manufacturing methods and craftsmanship, and are characterized by their smooth texture and strong chewiness, and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

Its distinctive feature lies in its delicate manufacturing method. Craftsmen use traditional hand-stretching techniques to carefully create the pieces using only flour, salt, and water. This manufacturing method produces somen noodles that are extremely thin, yet have a strong chewiness, and are smooth to the touch.

　● Miwa Somenhistory of

Miwa somen is Japan’s oldest hand-rolled somen, boasting a history of over 1,200 years in the Miwa district of Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. Its origins date back to the Heian period, and it was created in an environment blessed with abundant nature and water in Mt. Miwa. There are records that Miwa somen has been served at Shinto rituals and at the tables of aristocrats since ancient times, making Miwa somen an important part of history.

　● If you want to eat Miwa Somen, this is the place! ! 

• Store name:Senjutei
  
• charm:
  The restaurant is run by Ikeri, a long-established somen shop founded in 1850, and its appeal is that you can enjoy the firmness and delicate flavor of hand-pulled somen noodles in all seasons. The somen noodles are made using traditional techniques backed by a long history, and the menu features creative dishes such as tsukemen made with Yamato chicken stock, somen noodles with kuzu, and unique tomato miso noodles.
  
• Access: 13 minutes walk from Miwa Station
• Address: 293 Shiba, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture
  
• Google Map:https://maps.app.goo.gl/2SX56ysB5gSuxxw79

2. Persimmon leaf sushi 

　● The appeal of persimmon leaf sushi 

Persimmon leaf sushi is a preserved food that has been passed down in regions such as Nara and Wakayama for a long time, and is a traditional dish packed with wisdom that allows it to be preserved for a long time by taking advantage of the antibacterial effects of persimmon leaves. Carefully wrapped in persimmon leaves, sushi has an elegant and beautiful appearance and is popular as a gift or as a meal for special occasions.

By wrapping it in persimmon leaves, the subtle persimmon scent transfers to the vinegared rice and fish, giving it a unique flavor. In addition, by wrapping the rice in persimmon leaves and letting it rest, the flavor of the fish slowly soaks into the vinegared rice, giving it a mellow flavor.

　● Persimmon leaf sushihistory of 

Persimmon leaf sushi is a type of preserved food traditionally made in Nara, Wakayama, and even Ishikawa prefectures. Its origins date back to the Edo period, when fish was difficult to obtain in inland areas, and it was invented to improve preservation. This is a traditional food that uses the antibacterial properties of persimmon leaves to make it easier to preserve fish for long periods of time. Originally eaten on special occasions such as special occasions and festivals, it is now enjoyed as an everyday delicacy.

　● If you want to eat persimmon leaf sushi, this is the place! ! 

• Store name:Head family: Hiramune
  
• charm:
  “Hiraso Nara Branch” is a long-established persimmon leaf sushi restaurant that boasts a long history since its founding in 1997. At this restaurant, you can enjoy persimmon leaf sushi made with a variety of seasonal ingredients such as mackerel, salmon, small sea bream, shrimp, and conger eel. From the selection of materials to the manufacturing method, the passion and commitment that only a long-established store can bring is poured into ensuring that the traditional taste of the past has been firmly inherited.
  
• Address: 30-1 Imamikadocho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
  
• Access: 10 minutes walk from Kintetsu Line “Nara Station”
  
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/igBBFTbeiEiLZQoz9
  

 

 

 

3. Tea porridge 

　● Tea porridgecharm of 

Chagayu is a local dish that has been eaten in Nara and Wakayama prefectures for a long time, and is characterized by its simple and gentle taste, made by cooking rice with bancha or hojicha. Made with simple ingredients, it is low in calories and easy to digest, making it a popular healthy meal. The tea leaves have antioxidant and relaxing effects, making it a food that is kind to the body.

The aromatic flavor of bancha permeates the rice, giving it a refreshing taste. Porridge itself is light and easy on the stomach, so it is often eaten as a breakfast or snack. Especially during the hot summer months, it is sometimes eaten chilled, making it an easy dish to eat even when your appetite tends to drop.

　● Tea porridgehistory of 

Chagayu is a traditional dish that has been eaten since ancient times, mainly in Nara and Wakayama prefectures. Its origins date back to the Heian period, and it was widely popular in the Yamato region of Nara. Originally a simple dish eaten by farmers as a daily meal, it has been passed down to the present day as a local cuisine rooted in the local climate. It used to be eaten as a daily breakfast, and is especially popular in the Kansai region, especially Nara.

　● If you want to eat tea porridge, this is the place! ! 

• Store name:Kasuga Chaya
  
• charm:
  “Sumiyaki Restaurant Sawayaka Kikugawa Main Branch” is the birthplace of Sawayaka, which was opened in Kikugawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture in 1977. Sawayaka’s specialty, “Genkotsu Hamburg Steak”, is characterized by its thick and juicy 100% beef hamburg steak, and is particularly popular for its lively cooking method. The hamburgers are grilled over charcoal, and the staff cuts them in half at your table and grills them right in front of you, so you can enjoy them piping hot on the spot.
  
• Address: 160 Kasuganocho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
  
• Access: 15 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara Station
• Google Map:https://maps.app.goo.gl/zuGzUuh5G42TLYqJ7