About Niigata Prefecture's Gourmet Scene

Niigata Prefecture's gourmet scene is characterized by a diverse range of dishes born from its rich natural environment and historical background. The food culture in Niigata has developed by utilizing the abundant blessings from both the mountains and the sea. Local specialties such as "Kashiwazaki Tai Chazuke," "Hegisoba," and "Noppe" are especially popular among tourists. In Kashiwazaki City, the famous Tai Chazuke is made with fresh sea bream, while in Tokamachi City, Hegisoba is well-known, and in the bustling Furumachi area of Niigata City, Noppe is a traditional dish made with plenty of local ingredients.

Niigata's gourmet scene is a blend of traditional flavors and new culinary ventures. For example, at "Inakaya" in Niigata City, you can enjoy local dishes including traditional Noppe, while at "Kojimaya Sohonten" in Tokamachi City, you can savor Hegisoba from a long-established restaurant with over 100 years of history. These dishes make the most of Niigata's rich ingredients and leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Moreover, being located along the Sea of Japan, Niigata Prefecture offers an abundance of fresh seafood. For instance, in Kashiwazaki City, many dishes feature locally caught sea bream, which are loved by both locals and tourists. The focus on local ingredients in these dishes symbolizes the depth of Niigata's food culture and enjoys widespread support.

Three Must-Try Gourmet Dishes of Niigata Prefecture

1. Kashiwazaki Tai Chazuke

● The Appeal of Kashiwazaki Tai Chazuke

Kashiwazaki Tai Chazuke is a representative local dish of Kashiwazaki City in Niigata Prefecture, based on Japan's traditional chazuke. This dish is a seafood chazuke made with fresh sea bream, reflecting the region's rich fishing culture, as Kashiwazaki is known for its abundant sea bream catch from the Sea of Japan. The sea bream is thinly sliced and placed on top of rice infused with dashi, and finally, hot tea or dashi is poured over it.

The dish is characterized by its simple yet profound flavor. The sea bream used is caught in the seas around Kashiwazaki, ensuring high freshness. The dashi is typically made from kelp and bonito flakes, offering a robust traditional Japanese flavor. Pouring hot tea over the dish enhances the umami of the sea bream and the richness of the dashi, providing a comforting and delightful taste.

● History of Kashiwazaki Tai Chazuke

Originally, Tai Chazuke was a simple and nutritious dish enjoyed by the fishermen in the bountiful sea bream region of Kashiwazaki. Due to the ease of preparation and the use of fresh local sea bream, it became widely popular among households and fishermen. The sea bream’s rich umami and tender texture are highlighted further by the addition of hot tea.

Over time, this local dish gained popularity not just locally but also among tourists. As Kashiwazaki City established itself as a tourist destination, Tai Chazuke became recommended as a "must-try local flavor" for visitors.

● Where to Eat Kashiwazaki Tai Chazuke!

• Restaurant Name: Rokubee
• Appeal:
  Rokubee uses sea bream marinated in soy sauce, which enhances the flavor of the chazuke with its rich dashi broth.
  
  Rokubee, located in Higashihoncho, Kashiwazaki City, offers a variety of dishes centered around fresh seafood. The restaurant has a calm atmosphere with semi-private rooms and counter seats, suitable for any dining situation. In addition to Tai Chazuke, the restaurant is known for its Saikyo-yaki of King Salmon and seasonal seafood.
  
• Access: 704 meters from Higashi-Kashiwazaki Station
  
• Address: 2-7-48 Higashihoncho, Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture
  
• Google Maps:：https://maps.app.goo.gl/2pjjaatBoL7Me5j68
  

3. Noppe

● The Appeal of Noppe

Noppe is a traditional dish unique to Niigata Prefecture, known for its simple yet deep flavor and healthy ingredients sourced locally. This dish primarily consists of vegetables, mountain plants, mushrooms, and other fresh local ingredients available seasonally, all simmered in dashi. It is especially popular in the winter, providing a nutritious meal to warm up during the cold months, and is cherished by locals.

The preparation method and ingredients vary by household and region. Typically, it includes root vegetables like konnyaku, taro, carrots, and burdock, along with leafy vegetables such as green onions and cabbage. These ingredients are slowly simmered in dashi, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish. Noppe is usually seasoned with miso or soy sauce, with a touch of sugar or mirin added to enhance the flavor.

● History of Noppe

oppe originated as a dish to combat the cold winters of Niigata by providing ample nutrition. It developed as a way to make the most of locally harvested vegetables and seafood, simmered with miso or soy sauce to offer deep flavor and nutrition. This dish was traditionally made during the cold winter months, warming the body and utilizing local ingredients, showcasing the wisdom of Niigata's residents.

Originally created to make use of leftover ingredients, Noppe has now become a beloved symbol of Niigata's food culture.

● Where to Eat Noppe!

• Restaurant Name : Inakaya
• Appeal:
  Located in Furumachi, "Wappa-meshi & Country Cuisine Inakaya" is a popular restaurant offering the traditional Niigata dish, Noppe. The restaurant serves Noppe using fresh local ingredients in its unique style. Originally, Noppe started as a dish made after offering autumn harvests to the gods, featuring the characteristic stickiness of taro, with various ingredients like carrots, konnyaku, and kamaboko.
  
  Inakaya’s Noppe is served with a rich variety of ingredients, including salmon and chicken, with dashi made from scallops and shiitake mushrooms. Additionally, it sometimes includes kikurage (wood ear mushrooms) and is topped with the rare "toto-mame," which are lightly cooked salmon roe, providing a unique, popping texture.
  
• Access: 5 minutes by bus from JR Niigata Station
  
• Address: 1457 Furumachi-dori 9-bancho, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture
  
• Google Maps：https://maps.app.goo.gl/3AzD1BGm3CASnTGb8