When visiting Hiroshima, be sure to try the city's signature dishes, such as Okonomiyaki and Karee Raisu, which reflect the city's unique cultural heritage and culinary traditions.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Hiroshima's cuisine is defined by its rich cultural heritage and geographical location. The city's proximity to the sea has made seafood a staple ingredient in many dishes, while its history as a major hub for trade and commerce has introduced various international flavors and influences. One of the key influences on Hiroshima's cuisine is the city's historical connection to the Okinawan and Korean cultures, which is reflected in the use of ingredients such as Goya (bitter melon) and Kimchi. The city's cuisine is also characterized by its use of Sakuraebi (small shrimp) and Hiroshima-gyu (Hiroshima beef), which are considered local specialties.
Hiroshima's cuisine is also known for its regional variations, with different districts and neighborhoods offering unique dishes and specialties. For example, the Hon-dori district is famous for its Okonomiyaki, while the Miyajima island is known for its Momiji Manju (maple leaf-shaped steamed buns). The city's food culture is also closely tied to its festivals and celebrations, such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, which features traditional dishes such as Karee Raisu (curry rice) and Tonkatsu (breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet).
The city's cuisine is also influenced by its history as a major hub for trade and commerce, with many restaurants and eateries offering a wide range of international dishes, from Chinese and Korean to Italian and French. However, despite the availability of international cuisine, traditional Hiroshima dishes remain a staple of the city's food culture, with many restaurants and eateries offering unique and delicious variations on classic dishes.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Okonomiyaki | Savory pancake | Made with batter, cabbage, and various fillings, such as pork, seafood, or vegetables | Okonomi-mura, Hiroshima |
| Karee Raisu | Curry rice | A popular Japanese dish made with curry sauce, rice, and various toppings, such as beef or pork | Restaurants throughout the city |
| Hiroshima-gyu | Beef dish | A local specialty made with high-quality beef, served as a steak or in a hot pot | High-end restaurants, such as those in the Kamiyacho district |
| Momiji Manju | Steamed buns | Maple leaf-shaped steamed buns filled with sweet red bean paste or other fillings | Miyajima island |
| Tsukemen | Noodle dish | A type of ramen made with dipping noodles and a savory broth | Ramen shops, such as those in the Hon-dori district |
| Oysters | Seafood | Freshly harvested oysters, often served grilled or fried | Seafood restaurants, such as those in the Ujina district |
| Sakuradon | Rice bowl dish | A bowl of rice topped with Sakuraebi (small shrimp) and other ingredients, such as vegetables and seaweed | Restaurants throughout the city |
| Hiroshima-style Onomichi Ramen | Noodle dish | A type of ramen made with a light broth and topped with ingredients such as pork, boiled eggs, and green onions | Ramen shops, such as those in the Onomichi district |
| Gyoza | Pan-fried dumplings | Pan-fried dumplings filled with pork and vegetables, often served as a side dish | Chinese restaurants, such as those in the Nagata district |
| Tofu Katsu | Vegetarian dish | A breaded and deep-fried tofu cutlet, often served with rice and miso soup | Vegetarian restaurants, such as those in the Yamamoto district |
Street Food & Snacks
- Yaki-imo: roasted sweet potato, typically priced around $2-$3 USD
- Takoyaki: grilled octopus dumplings, typically priced around $5-$6 USD
- Okonomiyaki: savory pancake, typically priced around $6-$8 USD
- Kushikatsu: deep-fried skewers of meat or vegetables, typically priced around $5-$6 USD
- Castella: traditional Japanese sponge cake, typically priced around $3-$4 USD
- Manju: steamed buns filled with sweet red bean paste or other fillings, typically priced around $2-$3 USD
- Senbei: traditional Japanese crackers, typically priced around $2-$3 USD
- Imuraya Confectionery: traditional Japanese sweets, such as Daifuku (glutinous rice cake) and Mochi (rice cake), typically priced around $5-$10 USD
Drinks
- Sake: a traditional Japanese rice wine, typically priced around $10-$20 USD per bottle
- Shochu: a type of Japanese spirits, typically priced around $10-$20 USD per bottle
- Umeshu: a type of Japanese plum wine, typically priced around $10-$20 USD per bottle
- Ramune: a type of Japanese soda, typically priced around $2-$3 USD per bottle
- Mugicha: a type of roasted barley tea, typically priced around $2-$3 USD per cup
- Matcha: a type of green tea, typically priced around $5-$10 USD per cup
Dining Customs
- Table manners: it is customary to wait for the host to start eating before beginning your meal
- Chopstick etiquette: it is considered impolite to leave your chopsticks standing upright in your rice bowl, as this is reminiscent of a funeral ritual
- Tipping: not customary, but some high-end restaurants may accept tips
- Dress code: casual dress is acceptable in most restaurants, but some high-end establishments may require formal attire
- Reservations: recommended for high-end restaurants, especially during peak travel seasons
- Gift-giving: it is customary to bring a small gift, such as a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers, when visiting someone's home for dinner
Where to Eat
- Okonomi-mura: a popular destination for Okonomiyaki, with many restaurants and eateries offering unique variations on the dish
- Hiroshima Central Market: a bustling marketplace offering a wide range of fresh seafood and local specialties
- Kamiyacho: a district known for its high-end restaurants and upscale dining establishments
- Hon-dori: a popular shopping and dining district, with many restaurants and eateries offering a wide range of international cuisine
- Miyajima island: a scenic island offering a range of traditional restaurants and eateries, including those serving Momiji Manju and other local specialties
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Hiroshima Central Market: a bustling marketplace offering a wide range of fresh seafood and local specialties, located in the Naka district
- Okonomi-mura: a popular destination for Okonomiyaki, with many restaurants and eateries offering unique variations on the dish, located in the Naka district
- Miyajima island: a scenic island offering a range of traditional restaurants and eateries, including those serving Momiji Manju and other local specialties, located just off the coast of Hiroshima
- Hiroshima Food Festival: an annual festival celebrating the city's culinary heritage, with many food stalls and vendors offering a wide range of local specialties, typically held in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
- Kamiyacho Gourmet Street: a street lined with high-end restaurants and upscale dining establishments, offering a range of international cuisine, located in the Kamiyacho district