1. What are some popular local dishes in Oita?
– Chicken Nanban: Fried chicken cutlets served with a sweet and sour sauce.– Toriten: Bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in potato starch and deep-fried.
– Basashi: Thinly sliced horse meat sashimi served with soy sauce and grated ginger.
– Yaseuma Udon: A type of udon noodle dish served with a broth made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, topped with bonito flakes, scallions, and tempura bits.
– Kuroma-age: Dried yam slices coated in flour and deep-fried.
– Ginnan: Steamed ginkgo nuts often served as a snack or as part of a hotpot dish.
– Jigokumushi Katsuo no Tataki: Sliced pieces of bonito fish lightly seared over hot stones before being marinated in ponzu sauce.
– Onsen Tamago: Eggs cooked in the natural hot spring water found throughout Oita prefecture. They are known for their creamy texture and unique flavor.
– Tamanegi soba: Soba noodles topped with caramelized onions and beef or pork slices.
– Kabocha: Grilled pumpkin commonly served as a side dish or on top of rice bowls.
2. Are there any vegetarian or vegan options available at restaurants in Oita?
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan options available at restaurants in Oita. 3. What is Oita known for?
Oita is known for its hot springs (Onsen) and local cuisine, particularly the spicy chicken dish called “toriten.” It is also known for its picturesque landscapes, including the Yufuin area and Takachiho Gorge.
3. How is the seafood in Oita?
The seafood in Oita is known for its high quality and freshness, as it is a coastal prefecture with abundant marine resources. Some popular seafood dishes in Oita include sashimi, grilled fish, tempura, and sushi made with local ingredients such as mackerel, sea bream, and octopus. The region is also known for its variety of shellfish, including famous delicacies like oysters and clams. Oita is also home to one of Japan’s largest seafood markets, Tsukumi Market, where visitors can purchase a wide range of fresh seafood from local fishermen.
4. What is the best place to try traditional Japanese breakfast in Oita?
The best place to try traditional Japanese breakfast in Oita is a local ryokan (traditional inn) or a traditional restaurant that specializes in serving traditional Japanese breakfast. Some popular options include:1. Kijima Kogen Hotel: This hotel offers a combination of Western and Japanese style breakfast, including fresh seafood and local specialties such as “toriten” (fried chicken) and “dango-jiru” (potato dumpling soup).
2. Beppu Kannawa Onsen Ryokan Heim: This ryokan serves a variety of dishes for breakfast, including freshly cooked fish, Kyoto-style rolled omelette, and homemade miso soup.
3. Nakamura Bekkan: Located in Yufuin, this ryokan serves a traditional Japanese set breakfast, featuring grilled fish, seasonal vegetables, rice, miso soup, and other side dishes.
4. Okamotoya Ryokan: This traditional inn in Yufuin serves a kaiseki-style breakfast with seasonal dishes using local ingredients.
5. Yamano Hotel: Overlooking the ocean in Saiki City, this hotel serves a large selection of Japanese breakfast dishes such as grilled fish, pickled vegetables, steamed egg custard, and more.
It is recommended to make reservations before visiting these places for breakfast as they can often get crowded during peak tourist season. It is also important to note that some of these places may require you to book an overnight stay at their ryokans or hotels to be able to have breakfast there.
5. Are there any Michelin-starred restaurants in Oita?
Yes, there are currently two Michelin-starred restaurants in Oita:
1. Junsai – This restaurant is located in the small coastal town of Beppu and has been awarded one Michelin star for its traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients.
2. Fujiya1935 – Located in the city of Yufu, this restaurant also has one Michelin star and is known for its French-inspired cuisine made with fresh local produce.
Both of these restaurants were first recognized by the Michelin Guide in 2010 and have maintained their stars since then.
6. What is the atmosphere like at izakayas (Japanese pubs) in Oita?
The atmosphere at izakayas in Oita is generally lively and casual. Customers can expect a warm and welcoming environment, with the staff usually greeting them with enthusiastic shouts of “irasshaimase!” when they enter. Izakayas are often small and cozy, with a relaxed and cozy atmosphere that encourages socializing and drinking.
There may be traditional Japanese decor, such as lanterns and wooden furnishings, adding to the atmosphere. People can be seen chatting, laughing and having a good time, whether alone or in groups. Music is often playing in the background, adding to the lively ambiance.
Depending on the specific izakaya, there may also be some entertaining activities or games available for customers to enjoy while they dine and drink. Overall, izakayas in Oita are known for their friendly and sociable atmosphere where people can enjoy good food, drinks, and company.
7. Can you recommend a good ramen shop in Oita?
One highly-rated ramen shop in Oita is Menya Shiru Hannosuke. They are known for their rich and flavorful tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen, as well as their unique black garlic ramen. Customers also rave about their tender char siu (roasted pork) and perfectly cooked noodles.
8. How is the meat quality at yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurants in Oita compared to other parts of Japan?
The meat quality at yakiniku restaurants in Oita is generally very good. Oita is known for its high-quality beef, particularly the famous “Oita Bungo-gyu” brand, which is a type of Wagyu beef raised in the region. This marbled and tender beef is highly prized and often the star of yakiniku menus in Oita.
Compared to other parts of Japan, Oita’s yakiniku restaurants are on par with other regions that are known for their premium beef. However, due to the local production and availability of Oita Bungo-gyu, it may be more common to find this type of beef at yakiniku restaurants in Oita compared to other parts of Japan.
Aside from Oita Bungo-gyu, there are also many other types of locally-raised beef and pork used in yakiniku dishes in Oita. These include brands such as Miyazaki beef and Kagoshima Kurobuta pork, both of which are also highly regarded for their quality.
In general, the quality and variety of meat offered at yakiniku restaurants in Oita make it a top destination for meat lovers looking for a unique dining experience.
9. Is it easy to find Western-style restaurants and fast food chains in Oita?
Yes, there are quite a few Western-style restaurants and fast food chains in Oita. These include popular chains such as McDonald’s, KFC, Starbucks, and Burger King which can be found in cities and larger towns within the prefecture. There are also many local cafes and restaurants that serve Western-style dishes, including Italian, French, and American cuisine.
10. Are there any must-try dishes for those with adventurous palates?
Some popular dishes for adventurous eaters include exotic meats such as alligator, ostrich, or emu; unique seafood like sea urchin or jellyfish; and unusual fruits and vegetables like durian or jackfruit. Dishes with challenging flavors from cuisines such as Indian, Thai, or Ethiopian can also be great options for those looking to try something new. It’s always a good idea to consult with your waiter or the restaurant staff for recommendations if you’re feeling particularly adventurous.
11. What is the local specialty drink or alcoholic beverage in Oita?
One specialty drink in Oita is shochu, a distilled alcoholic beverage made from barley, sweet potatoes, or other grains. Another popular local drink is yuzu cider, a type of carbonated drink made with yuzu fruit.
12. Are there any farm-to-table dining options in Oita that offer locally sourced ingredients?
Yes, there are numerous farm-to-table dining options in Oita that offer locally sourced ingredients. Here are a few examples:
1. Kitaoka Farm & Restaurant: This restaurant is located on a working farm and serves dishes using fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats produced on the premises.
2. Tsujikan Dining Makaikaze: This restaurant specializes in traditional Japanese cuisine using locally grown vegetables, seafood, and other ingredients sourced directly from nearby farms and fish markets.
3. Maruhara: This popular restaurant offers a variety of dishes made with seasonal produce from local farms and uses traditional cooking techniques to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients.
4. Wataya Shokudo: This cozy eatery focuses on using organic and pesticide-free vegetables from local farmers in their homemade dishes.
5. Hikoichi Honpo Oita Main Store: This store combines a marketplace where you can purchase fresh produce from local farmers with a casual dining area where you can enjoy meals made with those same ingredients.
6. Andante Cafe & Restaurant: This cafe sources its ingredients from small-scale family farms in Oita to create unique dishes that showcase the region’s agricultural bounty.
13. Do many restaurants offer English menus or have English-speaking staff?
It depends on the location and type of restaurant. In major cities and touristic areas, it is more common for restaurants to offer bilingual menus and for staff to have some level of English proficiency. However, in more rural or traditional areas, English menus and English-speaking staff may be less prevalent. It is always a good idea to research the restaurant beforehand or ask if they have English menus available.
14. What is the average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Oita?
According to online sources, the average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Oita is around
15. Are there any all-you-can-eat buffet style restaurants in Oita?
Yes, there are several all-you-can-eat buffet style restaurants in Oita. Some popular options include:1. GRAND CHINA RESTAURANT: This restaurant offers a wide variety of Chinese dishes including sushi, sashimi, ramen, and hotpot. The all-you-can-eat option is available for both lunch and dinner.
2. Hotel Nikko Oita Oasis Tower Restaurant MICHELANGELO: This restaurant serves a range of Japanese and Western dishes, including sushi, tempura, pasta, and grilled meat. They offer an all-you-can-eat option for dinner only.
3. L’hotel de unagiya: This restaurant specializes in eel dishes and offers an all-you-can-eat eel menu for dinner.
4. The Buffet Chin Bijin Oita Store: This buffet-style restaurant offers an extensive selection of Japanese and Western dishes including sushi, tempura, curry rice, and more. Their all-you-can-eat option is available for both lunch and dinner.
5. Barbeque GardenHill: As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in barbequed meat and seafood dishes. They offer an all-you-can-eat course for lunch and dinner.
Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions, some restaurants may have limited or temporarily suspended their all-you-can-eat options. It is recommended to contact the restaurant beforehand to confirm availability.
16. How does the dining scene differ between urban and rural areas of Oita?
The dining scene in urban and rural areas of Oita can differ in several ways.
1. Variety of restaurants: Urban areas tend to have a larger variety of restaurants compared to rural areas. This is because urban areas have a higher population density and are home to more diverse communities, which leads to a greater demand for different types of cuisine.
2. Quality of ingredients: In general, the quality of ingredients used in urban restaurants may be higher than those used in rural areas. Urban areas often have access to a wider range of fresh produce and seafood due to their closer proximity to suppliers.
3. Cost: Restaurants in urban areas may also be more expensive than those in rural areas, as they have higher overhead costs such as rent, labor, and transportation. This means that dining out may be considered a luxury by some people living in rural areas.
4. Traditional vs modern cuisine: While both urban and rural areas may offer traditional dishes, urban restaurants may also incorporate more modern twists or fusion cuisines influenced by global trends.
5. Atmosphere: The atmosphere of dining establishments can also differ between urban and rural areas. Urban restaurants tend to be more trendy and modern, while rural restaurants may offer a more rustic or traditional setting.
6. Locally-sourced ingredients: Rural restaurants are more likely to source their ingredients locally, showcasing the region’s local produce and specialties. In contrast, urban establishments may rely on imported or out-of-season produce from other regions or countries.
7. Availability of international cuisine: Urban areas are usually home to a greater variety of international food options due to the diversity of its residents, while rural areas tend to focus on local cuisine.
8. Popularity: Depending on the location and type of restaurant, popularity can vary greatly between urban and rural areas. City dwellers may have access to popular chain restaurants or trendy new eateries that haven’t yet expanded into rural regions.
9. Dining habits: In urban areas, people may eat out more frequently due to their busy lifestyles, while rural areas tend to have a stronger focus on home-cooked meals and dining at traditional local establishments.
10. Dining culture: The dining culture in urban areas may be more fast-paced and focused on convenience, with a variety of grab-and-go options available. In contrast, dining in rural areas tends to be more relaxed and centered around family or community gatherings.
17. Can you recommend any hidden gems for authentic local cuisine experiences?
1. Adina’s Caribbean Cuisine (Toronto, Canada) – Authentic Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken and roti made with traditional spices and flavors.
2. The FAS Project (San Francisco, USA) – Filipino American street food that combines traditional Filipino flavors with modern twists.
3. Little Gio’s Street Kitchen (Bangkok, Thailand) – A small family-owned restaurant serving authentic Thai street food like pad thai and tom yum soup.
4. Roamers (Berlin, Germany) – A popular brunch spot famous for their unique fusion of Middle Eastern and European cuisines.
5. Chifa Kuo Wha (Lima, Peru) – A hidden gem serving up delicious Peruvian-Chinese fusion cuisine known as chifas.
6. Comptoir Darna (Marrakech, Morocco) – This trendy restaurant offers an authentic Moroccan dining experience with belly dancers and traditional live music.
7. Aperture Coffee Bar (Budapest, Hungary) – A cozy cafe that serves Hungarian breakfast specialties like körözött (spicy cheese spread).
8. To Ngoc Van Seafood Market Restaurant (Hanoi, Vietnam) – Located in a local market, this restaurant offers fresh seafood dishes cooked to perfection in a rustic and authentic setting.
9. Barbarosa Kebab House (Istanbul, Turkey) – This family-run kebab house serves some of the best homemade kebabs in Istanbul using traditional recipes passed down through generations.
10. Anaya’s Fresh Mexican Restaurant & Taqueria (Melbourne, Australia) – With only a few tables in this small restaurant, Anaya’s specializes in authentic Mexican street-style tacos and burritos made with locally sourced ingredients.
18. Is street food common and recommended in Oita, or should I stick to sit-down restaurants?
Street food is fairly common in Oita, and there are many street food stalls and vendors scattered throughout the city. They offer a variety of delicious local dishes such as yakitori skewers, takoyaki (octopus balls), and kamameshi (rice cooked in a small pot with various toppings). It is definitely worth trying some street food while visiting Oita to get a taste of the local flavors. However, it is always recommended to exercise caution when consuming street food in any place, so be sure to choose stalls that look clean and have a good reputation. Ultimately, the decision to stick to sit-down restaurants or try out street food should depend on personal preference and comfort level.
19.No trip to Japan would be complete without trying matcha (green tea). Where can I find the best matcha desserts and drinks in Oita?
Here are some places where you can find the best matcha desserts and drinks in Oita:
1. Senmonten Komachi – This traditional Japanese confectionery shop offers a wide selection of freshly made matcha desserts such as matcha soft serve ice cream, matcha jelly, and matcha daifuku (mochi filled with red bean paste).
2. Matcha Café Maiko – Located inside a department store, this café specializes in matcha desserts and drinks such as matcha parfait, matcha lattes, and matcha shaved ice.
3. Matsumotoya – This popular wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop offers high-quality Japanese sweets made from local ingredients, including an array of delicious matcha desserts such as dorayaki (pancakes filled with red bean paste), warabimochi (bracken starch dumplings), and yokan (sweet bean jelly).
4. Matchaya Oita Ekimae – A cozy café that serves authentic Japanese tea ceremony-style matcha drinks and signature desserts like matchaffogato (matcha latte with a scoop of ice cream on top) and yubae latte (matcha latte with roasted soy flour).
5. Tully’s Coffee – A coffee chain that also has a variety of unique matcha drinks on their menu, including the popular “Matchacino” which is a blend of espresso and rich green tea syrup topped with whipped cream.
6. Saryo Matuzaka Minami-kan – A charming tearoom that serves up to 15 different types of premium organic teas, including ceremonial grade matcha served with traditional Japanese sweets.
7. Hiro Hidoriya Oita Station Mae – This teahouse offers an impressive range of organic green teas from all over Japan along with delicious homemade sweets like green tea cheesecake and green tea tiramisu.
8. Tsukigase – Located in a hot spring resort, this café offers an all-you-can-eat matcha dessert buffet with a wide selection of matcha-inspired treats such as matcha cookies, ice cream, and cheesecake.
9. Okonomiya Oita Tenjinkitamachi – A casual café that serves Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) using locally sourced ingredients like Oita pork, fresh seafood, and green tea-infused batter.
10. Matcha-ya Kyusu-Kaku Hita Store – This specialty store offers a range of carefully selected high-quality teas from Yame region in Fukuoka Prefecture and Hoshino Village in Oita Prefecture, known for producing some of the best matcha in Japan.
20.What is considered proper etiquette when dining out in Oi
Proper etiquette when dining out in Oi varies depending on the type of restaurant, but some general tips include:1. Dress appropriately: Oi is a relatively casual city, so most restaurants won’t have a specific dress code. However, it’s always a good idea to dress neatly and avoid overly casual or revealing clothing.
2. Making reservations: It’s always recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for popular or upscale restaurants.
3. Arriving on time: Punctuality is valued in Oi, so make sure to arrive on time for your reservation.
4. Greeting and seating: When entering the restaurant, greet the host/hostess and wait to be seated at your table.
5. Dining utensils: Wait for all members of your dining party to be served before starting your meal. Use utensils from the outside in and place them back on the plate after each use.
6. Use chopsticks correctly: If you are not familiar with using chopsticks, it’s acceptable to ask for a fork or spoon instead.
7. Ordering food: Use respectful language when ordering and ask for recommendations if needed.
8. Sharing dishes: In more casual restaurants, it’s common to share dishes with others at your table. Always offer to share and use serving utensils or clean chopsticks when serving yourself from communal plates.
9. Eating noisily: It’s considered rude to make loud noises while eating, such as slurping noodles or smacking your lips.
10. Paying the bill: It’s common for one person to pay for the meal in Oi, but it can also be split among diners if desired. Make sure to leave a tip if it is not already included in the bill (usually around 10%).
11. Using cell phones: Avoid using your cell phone during meals as it can be seen as disrespectful and distracting to other diners.
12. Saying thank you: Proper etiquette in Oi includes showing gratitude to the restaurant staff. Remember to say “arigato gozaimasu” (thank you very much) at the end of your meal.
Overall, it’s important to be respectful and considerate of others while dining out in Oi. Following these tips will ensure a pleasant and enjoyable experience for all.