🍳 Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki – A Local Favorite
Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki is a layered savory pancake made with noodles (yakisoba or udon), cabbage, bean sprouts, egg, and your choice of meat or seafood. It’s grilled to perfection with a sweet-savory okonomiyaki sauce on top, often sprinkled with green seaweed and bonito flakes.
Unlike the Osaka version, which mixes ingredients together, Hiroshima’s style layers them neatly, offering a crisp bottom and juicy center. This unique style brings out the flavor of each ingredient individually.
Where to try it: Head to Okonomimura Food Village in downtown Hiroshima – a multi-floor spot filled with local okonomiyaki stalls, each offering its own twist on this regional specialty.
🍜 Tsukemen – Hiroshima-Style Spicy Dipping Noodles
Hiroshima-style Tsukemen features chilled noodles served with a bold, spicy dipping broth. Unlike ramen, the noodles and broth are separate, giving you control over how much flavor and heat you want in every bite.
Spice levels can be customized, making it a favorite for both beginners and chili lovers. The broth often includes chili oil, sesame, green onions, and vinegar to create a sharp, refreshing taste.
Where to eat: Try it at the famous Bakudanya restaurant, well-known among locals and visitors for its rich flavor and customizable heat.
🐟 Oysters (Kaki) – Hiroshima’s Ocean Treasure
Hiroshima is Japan’s leading producer of oysters (kaki), offering incredibly fresh and flavorful seafood. The oysters are typically grilled or deep-fried, often served with citrusy ponzu sauce or lemon.
The best time to try them is in the winter season (November to February) when the oysters are at their plumpest and most delicious.
Where to eat: Visit the famous oyster stalls on Miyajima Island, where they are grilled right in front of you for the ultimate freshness.
🍚 Anago Meshi – Miyajima’s Grilled Eel Delight
Anago Meshi is a cherished specialty of Miyajima, featuring tender grilled sea eel (anago) served on top of fragrant sweet-soy-flavored rice. The eel is usually flame-grilled, giving it a smoky aroma that pairs beautifully with the rich rice.
This dish holds historical value and has been served to visitors for over a century — a must-try for those wanting to taste Hiroshima’s culinary heritage.
Where to eat: Head to Ueno Miyajima, one of the most iconic restaurants known for crafting this delicacy to perfection.
🍶 Hiroshima Sake – Smooth Brews from Saijo
Hiroshima is renowned for its locally brewed sake, known for its smooth, soft flavor — a result of the region’s pure water and mild climate. It’s a perfect companion to local dishes like okonomiyaki and fresh oysters.
For an immersive experience, visit the historic Saijo Sake District, home to some of Japan’s finest breweries. Many offer tastings and guided tours, making it a must-do for sake lovers.
🍡 Momiji Manju – Sweet Taste of Miyajima
A beloved local delicacy, Momiji Manju are maple leaf-shaped sponge cakes filled with sweet red bean paste or custard. These soft and fluffy treats are especially popular among visitors to Miyajima Island.
They make perfect souvenirs and are often beautifully packaged. Many shops let you watch them being made fresh — a treat for the eyes and the taste buds!