1. What are some must-try local dishes in Aomori?
Some must-try local dishes in Aomori include:1. Nebuta-zushi: a type of sushi unique to Aomori, made with vinegared rice, salmon, and pickled vegetables wrapped in kelp.
2. Iwana (char) Nabe: a hot pot dish made with locally caught Iwana fish, vegetables, and tofu simmered in a soy sauce-based broth.
3. Miso-nikomi Udon: thick udon noodles cooked in a rich miso-based broth and served with various toppings such as chicken, tofu, and vegetables.
4. Hirosaki Gyutan (beef tongue): slow-cooked beef tongue grilled on a skewer and served with salt or tangy ponzu sauce.
5. Jappa-jiru: a hearty soup made with pork, konjac noodles, daikon radish, burdock root, taro root, and other vegetables simmered in miso broth.
6. Hachinohe Senbei Jiru: a soup made with senbei (rice crackers) simmered with mackerel and vegetables in dashi broth.
7. Scallop Karaage: deep-fried breaded scallops served either plain or seasoned with spices such as red pepper flakes or curry powder.
8. Ishiwari Nabe (stone boiled hot pot): similar to sukiyaki but cooked on heated stones instead of a pot. Meat and vegetables are cooked on top of the hot stones until they are tender and flavorful.
9. Inaniwa Udon: thin udon noodles that are hand-stretched to make them chewier than regular udon noodles.
10. Aomori Ringo (apple) Curry: an apple-infused curry that is sweet yet spicy at the same time.
2. Are there any vegetarian or vegan dining options available in Aomori?
Yes, there are several vegetarian and vegan dining options available in Aomori. Some popular restaurants that offer vegetarian and vegan dishes include:
1. Bar Nutsia: This cozy little bar offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options such as tofu steak, vegetable curry, and soy meat cutlets.
2. Tofuya Ukai: This restaurant specializes in tofu-based dishes and offers a selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes made with seasonal vegetables.
3. Soba Jusuke: This traditional Japanese soba noodle restaurant offers a vegan soba set menu with various toppings such as tempura vegetables and mushrooms.
4. Curries & Naan: This Indian restaurant serves a variety of spicy vegetarian curries and also has a separate vegan menu.
5. Fresh Bowl Cafe: This cafe offers a variety of healthy salads, wraps, and smoothies which can be customized to be vegetarian or vegan.
6. Itoman Gyoshoku: This seafood izakaya (Japanese pub) has a separate vegetarian menu with dishes like avocado rolls, vegetable tempura, and grilled tofu skewers.
7. Shunkashuto: This Chinese-style restaurant has a special section on their menu for vegetarians offering dishes like mapo tofu and stir-fried veggies.
8. Chabuzen: This Buddhist temple cuisine restaurant serves shojin ryori (vegetarian dishes eaten by Buddhist monks) using fresh local ingredients.
9. Flo’s Garden Cafe: Located inside the Aomori Museum of Art, this cafe serves a variety of healthy vegetarian options including gluten-free choices.
10. Ai no Hana : This cozy little cafe serves organic, homemade vegan cuisine including veggie burgers, soups, sandwiches, and desserts.
3. Where is the best place to try seafood in Aomori?
The best place to try seafood in Aomori is at the Furukawa Fish Market. This bustling market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, including the famous Aomori bay scallops, sea urchin, and squid. Visitors can also find several small restaurants and food stalls serving up delicious sushi, sashimi, and other seafood dishes. Another popular spot for seafood lovers is the Auga Fish Market, located near Aomori Station. This market features an impressive selection of local seafood and hosts a daily tuna auction where visitors can watch the bidding process.
4. Can you recommend any good sushi restaurants in the area?
Yes, here are a few options for good sushi restaurants in the area:
1. Sushi Bell in Somerville
2. O Ya in Boston
3. Genki Ya in Brookline and Cambridge
4. Sakura Bana in Cambridge
5. Oishii Boston in South End and Chestnut Hill
6. Snappy Sushi in Cambridge
7. Cafe Sushi in Cambridge
8. FuGaKyu Japanese Cuisine in Brookline and Sudbury
9. Sumiao Hunan Kitchen & Sushi Bar in Cambridge
10. Red Lantern Restaurant & Lounge in Boston
5. Are there any traditional Japanese restaurants in Aomori that serve kaiseki meals?
Yes, there are several traditional Japanese restaurants in Aomori that serve kaiseki meals. Some examples include Restaurant Komaki, Sasanoyama Dining Hananosato, and Shiki no Sato Hamamatsu. These restaurants offer high-quality kaiseki meals featuring seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients.
6. What is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Aomori and where can it be found?
The most popular alcoholic beverage in Aomori is sake. It can be found at many local breweries, restaurants, and bars throughout the prefecture. Some popular sake brands from Aomori include Denshin Masamune, Imayo Tsukasa, and Hakkoda Sake.
7. Is it common for restaurants in Aomori to offer English menus or have English-speaking staff?
It depends on the specific restaurant, but it is not uncommon for restaurants in Aomori to offer English menus or have at least some English-speaking staff. Many popular tourist areas, such as Hirosaki and Aomori City, have a higher likelihood of having English menus and staff compared to more rural areas. Additionally, larger chain restaurants and more upscale establishments are also more likely to have English options available. However, it is always a good idea to be prepared with some basic Japanese phrases and a translation app just in case.
8. Are there any unique food markets or festivals worth checking out in Aomori?
One unique food market in Aomori is the Nebuta Festival, held every August. This festival features traditional Japanese foods and drinks, as well as local specialties such as grilled scallops and apple-related dishes. The festival also showcases impressive parades of giant lantern floats, making it a visually stunning event.Other notable food festivals in Aomori include the Ajigasawa BBQ Festival in early August where you can enjoy various types of fresh seafood grilled on open flames, and the Tsugaru Asobiya Yatai Village held in September which offers a variety of local street food.
Another place to check out for food is the Furukawa Fish Market in Hachinohe City, where you can experience a lively atmosphere and taste freshly caught seafood.
Finally, the Aomori Rice Festival in October is a celebration of local rice production with plenty of delicious rice-based dishes to try.
9. How easy is it to find international cuisine, such as Italian or Chinese, in Aomori?
It is relatively easy to find international cuisine in Aomori, including Italian and Chinese food. There are several restaurants in Aomori city that serve these types of cuisine, especially in the downtown and tourist areas. Additionally, many hotels and larger shopping centers also offer international options on their menus. However, the availability may be more limited in smaller towns outside of Aomori city.
10. Are there any well-known local food brands or products that I should try while visiting Aomori?
Some popular local food brands and products that are worth trying in Aomori include:– Tsugaru apples: Known for their crunchy texture and sweet taste, these apples are a signature product of Aomori.
– Scallops: Aomori is home to some of the best scallops in Japan, which are known for their plumpness and rich flavor.
– Nanbu Bijin sake: This award-winning sake is made using local rice and water, and can be found in many restaurants and souvenir shops in Aomori.
– Shirakami Sanchi wild vegetables: This region is known for its vast forests, which supply various types of wild vegetables such as sansai (mountain vegetables) and mushrooms.
– Hittsumi udon: This specialty noodle dish from Aomori is made with a unique blend of flour, water, salt, and apple juice. It has a springy texture and can be topped with various ingredients such as tempura or grated daikon radish.
– Senbei-jiru: This hearty soup features wheat crackers (senbei) cooked with miso paste, meat or seafood broth, and vegetables. It’s a popular comfort food in the winter months.
– Shottsuru: This fermented fish sauce, similar to soy sauce, is commonly used in traditional Aomori dishes such as hot pot (nabe) dishes or mehari-zushi (sushi roll stuffed with rice and seasoned fish).
11. Can you recommend a good spot for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony experience?
One option could be the Urasenke Tea Ceremony Experience at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which offers a 90-minute tea ceremony experience in a traditional tatami room. Other options include the Maikoya Tea Ceremony in Osaka, or various tea houses and cultural centers throughout Japan.
12. Are there any Michelin-starred restaurants located in Aomori?
Yes, there is one Michelin-starred restaurant located in Aomori: Sukiyaki Yoshina in the city of Hirosaki. It received its first Michelin star in the 2020 Guide for Hokkaido and Tohoku.
13. Is there a specific time of year when certain local food ingredients are at their peak/freshest?
Yes, many local food ingredients are at their peak during specific seasons. Some examples include:– Spring: Asparagus, strawberries, rhubarb
– Summer: Tomatoes, corn, peppers, melons
– Fall: Apples, pumpkins, root vegetables (carrots, beets)
– Winter: Squash, potatoes, citrus fruits.
The exact time of year may vary depending on your location and climate. It’s best to check with local farmers or visit farmer’s markets to see what produce is in-season.
14. Can I find any street food vendors selling traditional snacks and treats around town?
It depends on your location and the time of day. In some cities, you may be able to find street food vendors selling traditional snacks and treats throughout the day. In others, they may only operate during certain times or in specific locations. It would be best to ask locals or do some research online to find out the specific options available in your area.
15. Are there any allergy-friendly restaurants/options available for those with dietary restrictions?
Yes, there are many restaurants and options available for those with dietary restrictions or allergies. These may include vegetarian and vegan restaurants, gluten-free options, dairy-free options, nut-free options, and more. Some restaurants also have allergy menus or staff trained in accommodating specific dietary needs. It is always a good idea to call ahead or check the restaurant’s website beforehand to ensure that they can accommodate your needs. Additionally, many chain restaurants have allergen information listed on their websites.
16. What is the traditional breakfast like in Aomori and where can it be found?
In Aomori, the traditional breakfast often consists of a bowl of miso soup, steamed rice, grilled fish, pickled vegetables, and some side dishes such as egg custard or rolled omelette. This type of breakfast can be found in traditional Japanese ryokans (inns) or local cafes and restaurants. Some popular places to try this breakfast in Aomori are at the Hotatei Ryokan or Goshogake Onsen in the Oirase Keiryu area.
17. Do many restaurants offer takeout or delivery services for those staying at hotels or guesthouses?
Yes, many restaurants offer takeout or delivery services for those staying at hotels or guesthouses. This service is especially popular in urban areas where guests may not have access to a full kitchen or prefer the convenience of having food delivered to them. Some hotels and guesthouses may have partnerships with certain restaurants that offer discounts or special menu items for their guests. It is always a good idea to check with your hotel or guesthouse staff for recommendations on nearby restaurants that offer these services. Additionally, there are also third-party food delivery apps available that can deliver food from a variety of different restaurants directly to your hotel or guesthouse.
18. Where can I find a good selection of sake (Japanese rice wine) to purchase and bring home with me from Aomori?
There are several places in Aomori where you can find a good selection of sake to purchase and bring home with you. Some options include:1. Sakaya Kadoya Aomori Ekimae: This is a specialty liquor store located near Aomori Station that offers a wide variety of sake from local breweries as well as other regions in Japan.
2. Seifuku Sake Brewery: This brewery and retail shop sells their own brand of sake as well as other bottles from top breweries in Japan. They also offer free tastings.
3. Hakkoda Sake Brewery: Another local brewery that has a retail store selling their popular Junmai Daiginjo sake. They also have an online shop if you prefer to order ahead and pick up your purchase.
4. AEON Food Style Aomori Noheji Store: This large department store has a well-stocked liquor section with a good selection of sake from all over Japan.
5. Oyatsu Gallery Arakawa Masamune: This shop specializes in selling locally brewed sake from the Tohoku region, including limited edition varieties that are not found elsewhere.
Keep in mind that some of these stores may have limited English support, so it may be helpful to bring along someone who can assist with translation or use a translation app on your phone.
19. What are some popular izakayas (Japanese pubs) that locals frequent for after-work drinks and casual dining?
1. Umemura
2. Torikizoku
3. Tanto Tanto
4. Gonpachi
5. Suntory Tengu
6. Itto
7. Hakozen
8. Oimatsu
9. Musashino-shoten
10.Warayakiya
20. Is tipping expected/accepted at restaurants in Aomori?
In general, tipping is not expected or necessary at restaurants in Aomori. This is because most restaurants in Japan include a service charge in the bill, so tipping is not necessary. It is also not a common practice in Japanese culture to tip for services. However, if you particularly enjoyed your meal and want to show appreciation, leaving a small amount of loose change or rounding up the bill can be considered polite. Ultimately, it is up to personal discretion whether or not to tip at a restaurant in Aomori.