[Akita specialty, Kiritanpo] A must-try local dish! Traditional taste and how to enjoy it

What is Kiritanpo?

Kiritanpo is one of Akita Prefecture's signature local dishes, made by mashing cooked rice, wrapping it around a stick, and grilling it.

Particularly, the "Kiritanpo Nabe" is known as a classic winter dish in Akita, providing a perfect way to warm up during the cold season.

Besides being used in hot pot, kiritanpo is also enjoyed as "Miso Tanpo," where it is grilled with miso.

Despite its simplicity, it is a traditional dish that allows you to savor the blessings of Akita's nature.

This article will delve into the charms of kiritanpo, places to enjoy it, and even how to make it!

The Charm of Kiritanpo

1. Traditional Local Dish "Kiritanpo Nabe"

Kiritanpo Nabe is an Akita specialty hot pot made with a soup rich in chicken broth, kiritanpo, vegetables, and Hinai-jidori chicken.

Features of Kiritanpo Nabe

• Hinai-jidori Broth: The soup made from Akita's local chicken, Hinai-jidori, is rich and full of umami.
• Abundant Vegetables: Includes burdock, long green onion, maitake mushrooms, and seri, providing excellent nutritional balance.
• Chewy Kiritanpo Texture: Softens by absorbing the soup, pairing perfectly with the chicken's umami.

The crisp texture of seri particularly adds an accent, enhancing the overall flavor of the hot pot!

2. Perfect as a Snack! "Miso Tanpo"

Kiritanpo can also be enjoyed not just in hot pot but as "Miso Tanpo," grilled with miso.

The kiritanpo grilled over charcoal with a sweet and savory miso sauce is a staple at Akita's street stalls and festivals.

Features of Miso Tanpo

• Crispy Outside, Chewy Inside!
• The Sweet and Savory Miso Sauce is Addictive
• Easily Enjoyed at Stalls and Tourist Spots

When visiting Akita, be sure to try both "Kiritanpo Nabe" and "Miso Tanpo"!

3. Recommended Spots to Enjoy in Akita Prefecture

To enjoy kiritanpo with authentic flavor, specialized shops and local cuisine restaurants in Akita Prefecture are recommended.

Recommended Stores

• "Tanpo Chaya" (Akita City)
• A famous shop where you can enjoy traditional kiritanpo nabe
• Address: 5-1-1 Nakadori, Akita City, Akita Prefecture
• Business Hours: 11:00–21:00
• "Sada Ryokan" (Odate City)
• Savor the authentic taste in Odate City, the birthplace of kiritanpo
• Address: 15-1 Kinjō, Odate City, Akita Prefecture
• Business Hours: 11:30–19:00
• "Akita Furusato Village" (Yokote City)
• A tourist spot where local dishes gather
• Address: 62-46 Akasaka Tomigasawa, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture
• Business Hours: 9:30–17:00

Be sure to stop by when you visit Akita!

4. Make it at Home! Kiritanpo Nabe Recipe

If you want to recreate the kiritanpo nabe you had in Akita at home, here's a simple recipe for you.

[Ingredients] (Serves 2–3)

• Rice: 2 cups
• Chicken thigh (preferably Hinai-jidori): 200g
• Burdock: 1
• Long green onion: 1
• Maitake mushrooms: 100g
• Seri: To taste
• Dashi broth (chicken or kelp): 800ml
• Soy sauce: 50ml
• Mirin: 30ml
• Sake: 30ml

[Instructions]

1. Lightly mash the cooked rice with a pestle and form it into a stick shape.
2. Wrap it around skewers or chopsticks and grill in an oven or fry until browned.
3. Add dashi broth, soy sauce, mirin, and sake to a pot and heat.
4. Add burdock, long green onion, maitake, and chicken, and simmer.
5. Cut the grilled kiritanpo into bite-sized pieces, add to the pot, and bring to a boil.
6. Finally, add seri and it's ready!

The chewy texture of kiritanpo, soaked in the soup, is irresistible!

Useful Information for Travelers

Access Information (Spots to Enjoy Kiritanpo)

Odate City (Birthplace of Kiritanpo)

• Access: About 10 minutes by car from JR Odate Station
• Many famous shops, enjoy walking and tasting!

Local Cuisine Restaurants in Akita City

• Many specialty shops around Akita Station
• About 30 minutes by car from Akita Airport to the city

Wi-Fi Information

• Free Wi-Fi is available at Akita Station and major tourist sites' information centers

Language Support

• Some local cuisine restaurants have English menus
• English and Chinese pamphlets are available at tourist information centers in Akita Station and the airport

Summary and Frequently Asked Questions

Kiritanpo is a traditional local dish representing Akita, with various ways to enjoy it such as "Kiritanpo Nabe," a hot pot dish, and "Miso Tanpo," grilled with miso.

When visiting Akita, be sure to taste the authentic kiritanpo!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I eat Kiritanpo Nabe?

A: It can be eaten at local cuisine restaurants in Akita City and Odate City, as well as at eateries in tourist areas.

Q: What does Kiritanpo taste like?

A: It has a chewy texture from the rice, with a soy sauce-based soup infused with chicken umami, creating a perfect flavor.

Q: Can Kiritanpo be bought as a souvenir?

A: Vacuum-packed kiritanpo is available at supermarkets and roadside stations.

Q: What is the best season to eat Kiritanpo?

A: Winter is the best season, but it can be enjoyed year-round!

When you visit Akita, be sure to taste the authentic kiritanpo and enjoy the traditional flavors!