A gourmet trip with the best friends! Satisfy your heart and stomach!

*Prices include tax.
*Prices, offerings, and business hours are current as of August 2024.

① [Hokkaido] Can't get to the rice?! Orange salmon roe rice bowl "Tsukkomeshi"

Hokkaido is a treasure trove of delicious food. There are many delicious delicacies, but one of the most representative dishes is the salmon roe rice bowl. Among them, the most famous "hamidashi gourmet" is the "tsukko rice" at "Umi Hakicho." There are several restaurants in the Susukino area, and you can try this specialty at any of them.

The name "Tsukkomeshi" comes from the way salmon roe is "poked" into the bowl. When you order, the staff will pour the salmon roe right in front of you while saying "Oisa!" The sight of the bowl filled to the brim with salmon roe will get you excited to the max! It's easy to see why over 1 million people have eaten it so far.

The regular size is "Medium" (2,690 yen), and if you're going around eating at a few restaurants, we recommend the "Small" (2,290 yen) or "Small Bowl of Salmon Roe" (1,490 yen), but if you're with friends, we recommend the "Large" (4,980 yen) for sharing. No matter how much you scoop up, the amount of salmon roe that never makes it to the rice is a real surprise.

The rare salmon roe, which is marinated in a special soy sauce-based sauce for a day before spawning, also has an excellent taste. The rich salmon roe that pops and oozes out is incredibly delicious. There is also a luxurious "Oyako Tsukko Rice" (from 2,390 yen) that combines salmon sashimi and salmon roe, so if you want to enjoy both, this is also recommended.

Umihachikyo Ikura Palace

2. [Akita Prefecture] "Harekaze Donburi" - A hearty dish of 15 kinds of seafood

The new star of the "Hamidashi Gourmet" that we would like to introduce from the Tohoku region is Akita Prefecture's "Kaisendonya Harekaze." The restaurant will open in May 2024, but it has already made a big impact and is becoming a hot topic.

Its appeal is not only its striking appearance, but also the deliciousness of the carefully selected fish and its reasonable price. This is possible because it is run by a fish shop in the Akita Municipal Market. There is a wide variety of bowls made with not only local fish but also seasonal produce from all over the country, and the most popular of these is the "Harekaze Bowl 15 Kinds" (1,800 yen).

The sight of 15 kinds of seafood overflowing from the bowl is overwhelming. The vinegared rice is made with Akitakomachi rice, a local specialty, which is also a highlight. The regular portion is a hearty 300g (about two rice bowls). There is also a cheaper "Seafood Bowl with 10 Types" (1,200 yen) and a more luxurious "Hare Kaze Donburi Kiwami 15 Types or More" (2,800 yen), so even if you're traveling in a group, you should be able to find a bowl that suits you.

Another attractive feature is that the restaurant is easily accessible, just a four-minute walk from the west exit of JR Akita Station. It's a dish that has it all: taste, quantity, price, and location, so why not stop by between sightseeing spots?

Seafood Bowl Restaurant Harekaze

3. [Niigata Prefecture] Meat right up to the edge of the bowl! "Original Roast Beef Bowl"

The roast beef bowl that has been crowned the best in Japan is located in Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture. The restaurant is called "Odaidokoro Sakutaro." The owner entered his roast beef bento in one of Japan's largest bento and prepared food grand prixes, and it won first place. The restaurant's "Sakutaro Original Roast Beef Bowl" (1,350 yen) is an evolution of that deliciousness.

The visual of the bowl covered with so much beef that you can't even see the edge is so visually appealing that it makes everyone want to hold up their smartphones! Condiments such as egg yolk and green onions are placed in the center to add even more color. Another appealing point is that it is packed with local ingredients, such as Niigata rice, a local specialty, eggs from Gosen City, and soy sauce from Nagaoka City.

The roast beef, cooked at low temperature, has a moist and tender texture and an overwhelmingly condensed meaty flavor. You can choose from four sauces: onion, garlic, pepper, or grated daikon ponzu (citrus sauce) for an additional 150 yen.

The rich flavor of the beef is the core of this delicious dish, which is made up of a variety of local ingredients, and the quality is so good that it can be said to be the best in Japan. You will definitely be satisfied with the quantity and taste. There is also a more luxurious "Shibata beef thigh roast beef bowl (Saturday only)" (2,800 yen), so we recommend sharing it with friends and enjoying the different flavors.

Odaidokoro Sakutaro

④ [Tokyo] "Hamidashi Unadon" - Two thick pieces of eel that don't fit in the bowl

Tokyo is a gourmet city that is attracting attention from all over the world. The "extra gourmet" we would like to introduce from Tokyo this time is the traditional dish of grilled eel, which is counted among the "Four Great Edo Dishes." The restaurant that serves this dish is "Unagi Senmi" in Ota Ward. The dish is called "extra grilled eel bowl," and it is the restaurant's signature dish.

Their proud eel is delivered directly from famous eel producing areas Aichi and Shizuoka. Fatty live eels are split in the morning and steamed in the traditional Kanto-style kabayaki method until plump, then grilled until fragrant. The thick meat has a plump texture and a dignified presence that lets you directly feel the juicy fat. It also goes well with the secret sweet and salty sauce. It's so delicious that everyone is so focused on the bowl that they just keep eating in silence.

The large eel is cut into two pieces, but it still overflows from the bowl, which is impressive. It is available at 3,600 yen for lunch with salad and soup, and 4,000 yen for dinner with pickles and liver soup (reservations required), making it an attractive option to enjoy this size at such a reasonable price.

The restaurant is located about a 2-minute walk from Umeyashiki Station on the Keikyu Main Line, and about a 15-minute train ride from Haneda Airport. This would be a great place to have your first meal in Tokyo.

Unagi Senmi

5. [Aichi Prefecture] Speaking of Nagoya! "Tenmusu" with its distinctive fillings that boldly spill out from the top of the rice ball

Tenmusu is a one-handed gourmet dish that represents the unique Nagoya cuisine. It is said to have originated from a long-established Japanese tempura restaurant in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, and the visual appearance of Tenmusu, where the ingredients overflow from the container, could be called the original "overflow gourmet dish."

Among the tempura musubi, we would like to introduce a popular new face, "Tenmusu-ya Oniten," which opened in July 2022 but has already expanded to several stores in Nagoya. In addition to the standard shrimp, the restaurant also offers tempura with meat, fish, and seasonal vegetables, as well as "tenmusu chazuke" with dashi broth, and other unique ideas that are also appealing. Even if you and your friends have different food preferences, such as those who want to taste the classics and those who want to try something different, it's fun to find a tempura musubi that suits you.

We also pay careful attention to the basics of deliciousness, cooking several carefully selected varieties of rice using our own unique method and gently hand-forming the rice to give it a fluffy texture.

The most popular dish at this restaurant is the "Ebi Ten" (240 yen). The crispy fried tempura is light and the contrast with the firm shrimp is exquisite. The overall seasoning is mild, and the combination with the rice and seaweed creates a blissful taste. Another unique dish is the "eel tempura" tempura musubi, which is unique to Nagoya! Each piece is small, but very satisfying. There is a wide variety of ingredients, so it is recommended to try them all.

Tenmusuya Oniten Osu Main Branch

⑥ [Osaka Prefecture] Surprising in appearance and taste! "The famous surprising takoyaki"

Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru is a takoyaki brand that originated in Osaka and has over 50 stores nationwide. The first store was the Takoyaki House KU/KU/RU Dotonbori Store, which opened in 1985 and is now the Takoyaki House Dotonbori Kukuru Main Store.

The main store and some other stores offer a special dish worthy of being called "hamidashi gourmet." This is the "Meibutsu Surprise Takoyaki" (2,040 yen). You'll be amazed at the presence of the octopus, which seems to break through the dough, and you'll be surprised at how soft it is and how firm it is to the touch, even though it's large. This dish is full of surprises, combining photogenic visuals with luxurious deliciousness.

Each piece is very filling, so we recommend sharing it with friends. Even in Osaka, the birthplace of takoyaki, it's rare to find a piece that overflows like this. Be sure to take a photo and make it a memorable moment of your trip to Osaka.

The main store is located near Namba Station, the center of Osaka Minami (one of Osaka's most famous downtown areas), making it very convenient to access. This area is also home to many Osaka gourmet foods, so we recommend enjoying a stroll around the area to sample some of the local delicacies.

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Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru Main Store

7. [Kagawa Prefecture] "Hiyaten Oroshi" - a monumental dish in the world of Sanuki udon, with its towering shrimp tempura

Kagawa Prefecture, where Sanuki udon is a local dish, has many famous restaurants serving it, but one dish we would like to highlight in our "Hamidashi Gourmet" is the "Hiyaten Oroshi" (1,100 yen) from "Honkaku Teuchi Udon Okaizumi." This is a product they are so confident about that they have even registered a trademark for it, and it is a masterpiece that not only brings out the deliciousness of each ingredient, such as the noodles, broth, and tempura, but also harmonizes the overall balance.

The shrimp, the main ingredient of the tempura, are cut to a size that is large enough to stick out but not too obtrusive. The batter is made with a good blend of soft and medium flour, giving it a crispy texture. On top of that, light canola oil is used for frying to keep the tempura from becoming heavy.

In addition, the sourness of the lemon creates a refreshing sensation and adds an accent that whets the appetite. Of course, the noodles and broth that form the core of Sanuki udon are also carefully selected, but each ingredient enhances the flavor of the other, resulting in a taste like no other.

The visual of the two towering, majestic shrimp tempura is eye-catching, but once you eat it, you'll be enchanted by its rich flavor. It's about a 40-minute drive from the nearest Takamatsu Airport, or a 15-minute walk from JR Utazu Station, but if you're with friends, it's also fun to drive or take a walk. If you're looking to sample the "extra gourmet" of Shikoku, you can't miss the "Hiyaten Oroshi" at this restaurant.

Authentic handmade udon noodles Okaizumi

8. [Fukuoka Prefecture] A luxurious topping modeled after famous mountains will put a smile on your face! "Tonkatsu Ramen"

Fukuoka is also famous as a gourmet prefecture. It is also known as a mecca for local ramen, with Hakata at the forefront, but the one I would like to recommend as an "unconventional gourmet" is the "Tonkatsu Ramen" (1,400 yen) at "Kakurega Ramen Shofutei" in Kokura, Kitakyushu City.

Founded in 1988, this popular local restaurant relocated to the neighborhood in 2019. The ramen they serve is not limited to the Fukuoka style, but also features a wide variety of other styles, including Kumamoto style, salt, and miso.

This specialty is inspired by the five peaks of Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture. It is a very impressive dish topped with a pork loin cutlet, and for those who want to order it as a single item, "Tonkatsu (2 pieces)" (400 yen) is also available.

The crispy and juicy pork cutlet goes surprisingly well with the smooth ramen. There is also a light soup "Shio Tonkatsu Ramen" (1,400 yen), so if you go on a group trip, you can try and compare various "Tonkatsu Ramen". In addition to the quality and quantity, it is also unique, as you would expect from the ramen prefecture of Fukuoka! If you eat it with friends, you will have more smiles and be immersed in a happy mood.

Kakurega Ramen Shoufutei

The visual impact of these out-of-the-way gourmet dishes is outstanding. In addition to traveling to enjoy delicious food with friends, visiting gourmet dishes that you will want to take pictures of is also a new style of gourmet travel. Be sure to visit these famous restaurants with an empty stomach.

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