Hiroshima gourmet trip! 7 must-try local delicacies | #HIT editorial department

Speaking of the best part of traveling, food is definitely an absolute must!
Hiroshima is full of must-try food, from its famous okonomiyaki to fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, easy-to-enjoy B- grade gourmet food, and even local sake, which makes it known as the sake capital of Japan!

Here, we will introduce some of the many Hiroshima delicacies that you absolutely must try.

When you think of Hiroshima cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is okonomiyaki.
It is characterized by the fact that it is made by layering a generous amount of ingredients on a thin, crepe-like dough and baking it, and that it also contains noodles.

Although it is simply called okonomiyaki, there are many variations, such as using udon noodles instead of soba noodles or making it more luxurious by adding toppings.
"Local okonomiyaki" that are cooked differently and use different ingredients depending on the region are also popular, so you can enjoy comparing different varieties!

Hiroshima boasts the highest oyster production in the country.
Oysters have a unique sea flavor and rich taste, and are delicious no matter how you cook them: raw, grilled, or fried!

Oysters can be enjoyed all year round, but the peak season is in winter, when they are at their meatiest!
In Hiroshima, you can enjoy fresh oyster dishes everywhere, from oyster huts and izakayas to gourmet food stalls.

If you visit Miyajima, you should definitely try the conger eel rice.
This luxurious dish consists of rice cooked in broth made from conger eel bones and topped with plenty of savory grilled conger eel.

The balance of the appetizing sweet and spicy sauce and the soft, light meat is exquisite, and you won't be able to stop eating until the last bite!
Miyajima is a great place to enjoy food as you stroll around, but sitting down and enjoying a meal of conger eel rice between strolls is also especially delicious.

Dry dandan noodles with an addictive flavor of Japanese pepper and the spicy kick of chili oil.
Hiroshima is said to be the origin of this dish, and there are many specialty shops, especially in the city.

It's delicious as is, but don't forget to order the soft-boiled egg and rice!
First, enjoy the spiciness as is, then pair it with a soft-boiled egg for a milder flavor.
Finally, add the remaining soup to the rice...
This dish is delicious in three ways and is also recommended as a final dish after drinking!

"Koune" refers to beef shoulder meat, a rare cut of meat with only about 2kg being obtained from one cow.
It is generally sliced thinly and is characterized by its high fat content and firm texture.

The more you chew it, the more the sweetness of the fat spreads, so we recommend eating it with simple seasonings such as salt and lemon!
In Hiroshima, it is served not only at yakiniku restaurants, but also at okonomiyaki restaurants and izakayas, and is loved as a dish that definitely goes well with alcohol.

If you like alcohol, you should try the sake from Saijo, the sake capital of Japan.
Sake brewed with soft water is characterized by its smooth texture and delicate flavor.

At Saijo Sake Brewery Street, where seven sake breweries are gathered, you can enjoy comparing different types of sake from each brewery!
Furthermore, there is also a wide selection of "bishu nabe," a local dish made with sake, and sweets made with sake lees, so if you're a sake lover, be sure to check it out!

When you think of Hiroshima, you think of Musashino bento!
Among them, the one I would especially recommend is the "Young Chicken Rice Ball."
The bento set, which includes juicy fried chicken and softly-formed triangular rice balls, is simple yet has a nostalgic taste.

It is a popular staple at baseball games, and the combination of fried chicken, rice balls, and beer is outstanding!
To conclude your gourmet trip, enjoy a Musashino bento, a lunch box that continues to be loved by locals and tourists alike!

Hiroshima Prefecture is packed with food-related events and campaigns!
Why not come and experience the deliciousness of Hiroshima food?

Check out the local gourmet foods that KINSAI users recommend as "This is Hiroshima!"
It's packed with deep information, such as the okonomiyaki restaurants frequented by the prefecture's residents and the recommended flavors of Momiji Manju!

Q. What is a gourmet food that can be eaten all year round and is quintessentially Hiroshima?