Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Kagoshima, Kagoshima, Japan
1. Sakurajima-yaki Soba
Handmade buckwheat noodles served with a unique miso-based broth from Sakurajima volcano's spring water. Experience the flavors of the active volcano in this dish.
- Volcanic Spring Water: The soup stock is made using fresh water from Sakurajima volcano, giving it a unique taste.
- Handmade Noodles: Each noodle is carefully handmade with precision and passion, resulting in a chewy texture that's hard to find elsewhere.
- Miso-based Broth: The broth is made using miso, a traditional Japanese seasoning, giving it a rich and savory flavor.
2. Kagoshima-raumen
Thick noodles in a tonkotsu-style broth made from pork bones and vegetables. This rich and flavorful dish is a must-try in Kagoshima.
- Thick Noodles: The noodles are thicker than regular ramen noodles, giving the dish a unique texture.
- Tonkotsu-style Broth: The broth is made by simmering pork bones and vegetables for several hours, resulting in a rich and creamy consistency.
- Spicy Black Pepper Sauce: A spicy black pepper sauce is often served on the side, allowing you to adjust the heat level to your preference.
3. Satsuma-age
Deep-fried fish cakes made from ground fish and taro root. These are a popular street food in Kagoshima.
- Ground Fish: The Satsuma-age are made using fresh, locally sourced fish, giving them a rich and satisfying flavor.
- Taro Root: The addition of taro root gives the Satsuma-age a soft and creamy texture.
- Street Food Tradition: Satsuma-age are a traditional street food in Kagoshima, offering a glimpse into local culture.
4. Kurokuma-su
Black sugar syrup made from the sap of the kokutou tree. This sweet treat is a specialty of Kagoshima.
- Black Sugar: The black sugar used in Kurokuma-su gives it a unique color and taste.
- Kokutou Tree: The sap is collected from the kokutou tree, a type of palm tree only found in Kagoshima.
- Traditional Method: Kurokuma-su is made using traditional methods passed down through generations, preserving local culture.
5. Ama-cha Green Tea
Delicate green tea grown on the Amami Islands. The unique soil and climate create a distinct flavor.
- Amami Islands: Ama-cha is only grown on the Amami Islands, making it a rare and special find.
- Unique Soil and Climate: The unique soil and climate of the Amami Islands create a distinct flavor profile in Ama-cha.
- Hand-picked Leaves: The tea leaves are hand-picked to ensure the highest quality, resulting in a rich and full-bodied flavor.
6. Kagoshima-yaki Imoni
Stewed potatoes, taro, and vegetables in a miso-based broth. This hearty dish is perfect for cool weather.
- Miso Broth: The miso broth adds a rich and savory flavor to the stew.
- Local Vegetables: The vegetables used in Imoni are locally sourced, ensuring freshness and quality.
- Hearty Comfort Food: Imoni is a hearty comfort food that warms the soul on cold days.
7. Kagoshima-zuke
Fish preserved in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, and other ingredients. This traditional method ensures the fish remains fresh for months.
- Preservation Method: The traditional preservation method allows Kagoshima-zuke to be stored for months without refrigeration.
- Unique Flavors: Different types of fish and ingredients are used to create a variety of unique flavors in Kagoshima-zuke.
- Culinary Heritage: Kagoshima-zuke is a traditional dish with a rich culinary heritage, offering a glimpse into local history.
8. Sakurajima Unagi
Grilled eel from Sakurajima volcano, known for its soft and tender texture. The unique mineral-rich water from the volcano enhances the flavor.
- Volcanic Mineral Water: The eel is grilled using mineral-rich water from Sakurajima volcano, enhancing its flavor.
- Soft and Tender Texture: The texture of the Sakurajima Unagi is soft and tender, making it a delight to eat.
- Traditional Grilling Technique: The eel is grilled using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
9. Kagoshima-style Sushi
Fresh sushi made with local fish and seafood. The unique flavors of Kagoshima are showcased in each piece.
- Local Fish and Seafood: The sushi is made using fresh, locally sourced fish and seafood.
- Traditional Preparation: Each piece of sushi is prepared with care, showcasing the skill of the sushi master.
- Unique Flavors: The unique flavors of Kagoshima are showcased in each piece of sushi, offering a culinary adventure.
10. Satsuma-age Tempura
Deep-fried Satsuma-age served with a tempura sauce. The combination of the crispy exterior and soft interior is delightful.
- Tempura Batter: The fish cakes are coated in a light, crispy tempura batter.
- Satsuma-age: The fish cakes are made using ground fish and taro root, giving them a unique flavor and texture.
- Tempura Sauce: A tempura sauce is served on the side, allowing you to dip the Satsuma-age for an extra kick of flavor.
11. Kagoshima Chicken
Succulent chicken cooked in a miso and sake marinade. This dish showcases the flavors of Kagoshima in every bite.
- Miso and Sake Marinade: The chicken is marinated in a mixture of miso and sake, giving it a rich and savory flavor.
- Succulent Chicken: The chicken is cooked to perfection, ensuring it's tender and juicy.
- Traditional Cooking Technique: The chicken is cooked using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
12. Kagoshima-style Okonomiyaki
Japanese savory pancake filled with cabbage, meat, and seafood. The unique sauce and toppings set it apart.
- Unique Sauce: The okonomiyaki is drizzled with a special Kagoshima-style sauce, adding a distinctive flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients: The ingredients used in the okonomiyaki are fresh and locally sourced.
- Customizable: You can customize your okonomiyaki with a variety of ingredients, making each one unique.
13. Kagoshima-style Curry Rice
Spicy curry served over rice with a variety of vegetables and proteins. This hearty dish is perfect for cold days.
- Spicy Curry: The curry has a distinctive spiciness that sets it apart from other Japanese curries.
- Hearty and Filling: The curry is served over rice, making it a hearty and filling meal.
- Local Ingredients: The vegetables and proteins used in the curry are locally sourced, ensuring freshness and quality.
14. Kagoshima-style Ramen
Thick noodles in a rich pork bone broth. This ramen is unique due to the addition of tropical ingredients.
- Tropical Ingredients: The ramen includes tropical ingredients like pineapple and coconut, creating a unique flavor profile.
- Thick Noodles: The noodles are thicker than regular ramen noodles, giving the dish a unique texture.
- Rich Pork Broth: The broth is made by simmering pork bones for several hours, resulting in a rich and creamy consistency.
15. Kagoshima-style Yaki Imo
Grilled sweet potato from Kagoshima. The unique soil and climate create a distinct flavor.
- Unique Soil and Climate: The sweet potatoes are grown in the unique soil and climate of Kagoshima, creating a distinct flavor.
- Grilled to Perfection: The sweet potatoes are grilled to perfection, caramelizing the outside while keeping the inside soft and creamy.
- Traditional Snack: Yaki Imo is a traditional street food in Kagoshima, offering a glimpse into local culture.