
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Hamamatsu, Japan
1. Hamamatsu Soba
A traditional buckwheat noodle dish served hot or cold, Hamamatsu Soba is a local specialty known for its thin noodles and unique texture.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the traditional taste of Hamamatsu by trying this dish at a local soba shop.
- Variety of Toppings: Choose from a variety of toppings such as grated yam, green onions, and tempura flakes.
- Seasonal Availability: Try the cold version during summer for a refreshing twist.
2. Hammatsu-Yaki Ramen
A unique style of ramen characterized by its thick, straight noodles and rich pork broth.
- Rich Broth: The pork bone broth is slow-cooked for hours, giving it a rich and savory flavor.
- Thick Noodles: The thick, straight noodles offer a different texture compared to regular ramen noodles.
- Local Ingredients: Hammatsu-Yaki Ramen uses locally sourced ingredients for an authentic taste of Hamamatsu.
3. Tendon Kurama
A popular tempura restaurant serving a variety of tempura dishes, including their famous eel tendon.
- Fresh Tempura Batter: Their secret batter recipe ensures a crispy, not greasy, exterior.
- Eel Tendon Specialty: Try their famous eel tendon dish, featuring fresh, tender eel and a variety of vegetables.
- Seafood Variety: Choose from a wide selection of seafood options for your tempura dish.
4. Hamamatsu Udon
Thick, chewy udon noodles served in a mildly flavored soup broth, Hamamatsu Udon is another local favorite.
- Chewy Noodles: The thick, chewy noodles are a highlight of this dish.
- Mild Broth: The mild broth allows the flavor of the fresh ingredients to shine.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Enjoy seasonal vegetables in your Hamamatsu Udon, such as lotus root or mountain yam.
5. Hida-beef Sukiyaki
A hot pot dish made with premium Hida-beef and a variety of vegetables cooked in soy sauce.
- High-Quality Beef: Savor the tender and flavorful Hida-beef, raised in the nearby Hida region.
- Healthy Cooking Method: The sukiyaki cooking method uses a low temperature, allowing the beef to cook evenly and retain its flavor.
- Variety of Ingredients: Experiment with a variety of vegetables and ingredients to customize your sukiyaki experience.
6. Shizuoka-Asagao Sushi
A sushi restaurant known for its fresh seafood and beautiful presentation.
- Fresh Seafood: All seafood is sourced daily from the nearby Shizuoka Prefecture.
- Artistic Presentation: The sushi pieces are presented with an artistic flair, making each dish a visual delight.
- Omakase Experience: Try the omakase (chef's choice) option for a taste of their freshest and most creative sushi creations.
7. Hamamatsu Yakiniku
A popular grilled meat restaurant offering a variety of marinated meats for grilling.
- Marinated Meats: Choose from a variety of marinated meats, such as beef, chicken, and pork.
- Fresh Ingredients: All ingredients are fresh and carefully selected for quality.
- Grill-Yourself Experience: Grill the meats yourself at your table, allowing you to control the cooking process.
8. Hamamatsu-Yaki Kaisen Don
A seafood rice bowl dish featuring locally caught fish and seafood.
- Fresh Seafood: Enjoy the freshest seafood available in Hamamatsu-Yaki Kaisen Don.
- Variety of Toppings: Choose from a variety of toppings such as fish, shellfish, and vegetables.
- Seasonal Availability: Try the seasonal seafood options for a truly local dining experience.
9. Hamamatsu Sake Tasting
A sake tasting experience featuring local sake brewed in Hamamatsu.
- Local Breweries: Visit local sake breweries to taste their unique and flavorful sake.
- Variety of Sakes: Try a variety of sake types, from junmai to ginjo, each with its own distinctive flavor profile.
- Pairing Recommendations: Receive recommendations on the best food pairings for each sake tasting.
10. Hamamatsu-Yaki Takoyaki
A popular street food made with octopus, wheat flour, tempura scraps, and various seasonings.
- Unique Fillings: Try unique fillings such as cheese or corn in addition to traditional options.
- Savory Flavor: The savory flavor of the octopus and seasonings make these a must-try street food.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy Hamamatsu-Yaki Takoyaki from street vendors for an authentic local experience.
11. Hamamatsu Yakimochi
A sweet mochi dessert grilled over charcoal and coated with sugar.
- Grilled-to-Order: Yakimochi is made to order, ensuring a fresh, hot treat.
- Sweet Flavor: The sweet flavor of the mochi and sugar coating make for a delicious dessert.
- Street Food Experience: Find Yakimochi vendors in Hamamatsu's markets or streets for an authentic local experience.
12. Hamamatsu-Yaki Miso Nikomi Udon
A hearty udon dish cooked in a rich miso broth and served with vegetables.
- Rich Miso Broth: The miso broth is slow-cooked, giving it a deep and savory flavor.
- Hearty Meal: This dish makes for a filling and comforting meal.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Enjoy seasonal vegetables in your Miso Nikomi Udon, such as mushrooms or green beans.
13. Hamamatsu-Yaki Oden
A hot pot dish featuring a variety of ingredients simmered in a dashi broth.
- Warming Dish: Oden is a comforting and warming dish, perfect for colder days.
- Variety of Ingredients: Choose from a variety of ingredients such as fish cake, daikon radish, or tofu.
- Local Broth: The dashi broth is made with local ingredients, giving it a unique flavor.
14. Hamamatsu-Yaki Okonomiyaki
A savory pancake made with cabbage, meat, and various seasonings.
- Customizable Ingredients: Choose your own ingredients for a customized Okonomiyaki.
- Savory Flavor: The savory flavor of the cabbage, meat, and seasonings make for a delicious meal.
- Street Food Experience: Find Okonomiyaki vendors in Hamamatsu's markets or streets for an authentic local experience.
15. Hamamatsu-Yaki Gyudon
A popular beef bowl dish featuring tender beef served over rice in a mildly flavored sauce.
- Tender Beef: The tender beef is slow-cooked, giving it a delicious flavor.
- Convenient Meal: Gyudon makes for a quick and convenient meal.
- Local Ingredients: The beef is sourced locally, ensuring freshness and quality.