Setouchi, Japan’s hidden secret, offers so much more than its natural beauty. Beyond its colorful deep gorges, brilliant forests, sparkling blue waters, traditional cultural practices and thriving world-class art scene, it also happens to be one of the country’s most delicious regions. And it’s no wonder. It gently kisses the Seto Inland Sea full of culinary treasures which bring to life its vital seafood scene, and the climate along with the natural conditions of Kobe make the perfect setting to raise special cattle famous for variations of Wagyu beef known the world over.
Setouchi’s culinary scene ranges from elegant to divine, to even quirky. Take a look:
Kobe’s Chinatown is a thriving blend of delicious curious creations and those in the know savor Peking Duck, a Gua Bao “burger” a buta-man (steamed bun filled with minced pork) and an assortment of special sweets as they stroll through the Nankinmachi Shopping District’s 100 shops, tasting all the way.
One of the most Instagrammable creations in the region is its soft ice cream, found nearly everywhere there’s a mall or a promenade. You are apt to see as many people snapping photos of the brilliant colors and unique toppings such as puffed colorful rice balls as they are consuming the delectable creations.
If seafood is your thing, there are hundreds of fascinating variations that tempt the palate, ranging from the endemic “hidden sushi” that places the fish underneath the rice to fresh oysters pulled from the sea early in the morning by fisherman who first gather in prayer before heading out. When it comes to elevated tastes, sea urchin leads the way and one of the premiere places to taste it is Awajishima, the largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, where chefs love to mix it up with a special sea urchin soy sauce and pour it over a blend of seafood and rice.
Hiroshima is home to the region’s best okonomiyaki, a unique blend of cabbage, bean sprouts and more dipped in batter and fried. Taste these treats at various food stalls as you go from one to another, sampling each chef’s signature creation.
For something hearty and altogether different, hop into an Udon Taxi. Accompanied by a specially trained guide who’s an expert in all things Udon, you can really experience the noodle celebrated in Kagawa where there are more Udon shops than convenience stores. This beloved blend has many varieties and your guide knows all the hidden haunts for all day slurping and sipping. And, naturally, it only makes sense to wash it down with a specialized sake from one of the region’s many breweries across Hiroshima, or even a craft gin in Okayama.
Find more information for your gastro travels in Setouchi here.
Images courtesy of Setouchi DMO
