What is Ehime's Specialty "Taimeshi"?
Ehime Prefecture is one of Japan's leading producers of sea bream,
and the local dish made with this fresh sea bream is "Taimeshi".
But did you know there are two different styles of Taimeshi in Ehime?
- Matsuyama Taimeshi – A traditional rice dish where the whole sea bream is cooked with the rice
- Uwajima Taimeshi – A seafood bowl style where sea bream sashimi is placed on top of rice and eaten with a special sauce
These two types of Taimeshi are completely different in appearance and taste,
so when you visit Ehime, it's recommended to try and compare both!
Matsuyama Taimeshi – Fluffy Cooked Rice
Features
Matsuyama Taimeshi is a cooked rice dish that fully utilizes the flavor of sea bream.
The whole sea bream is cooked together with rice,
and the meat is flaked and mixed with the rice as you eat.
How to Eat
- Enjoy it as is to savor the aroma of the sea bream
- Add a bit of soy sauce or condiments (like green onions, sesame, or ginger) to change the flavor
- Try it as a tea-infused dish for a delightful experience!
Recommended Restaurants
Goshiki Local Cuisine (Matsuyama City)
Opening Hours: 11:00–21:00
Budget: 1,500–2,500 yen
Taimeshi Specialty Store Kadoya
Opening Hours: 10:30–21:00
Budget: Around 1,800 yen
Uwajima Taimeshi – Luxurious Seafood Bowl Style
Features
Uwajima Taimeshi is a style where sea bream sashimi is mixed with a special sauce and egg, then placed on rice.
Unlike the tea-infused Matsuyama Taimeshi,
it allows you to enjoy fresh raw sea bream.
How to Eat
- Place raw sea bream sashimi on top of the rice
- Generously pour a soy sauce-based special sauce (dashi + egg) over it
- With one bite, the sweetness of the sea bream and the rich sauce spread in your mouth!
Recommended Restaurants
Uwajima Main Restaurant Hozumi-tei
Opening Hours: 11:00–21:00
Budget: 1,800–2,500 yen
Washoku Restaurant Daisuke
Opening Hours: 11:30–20:30
Budget: Around 2,000 yen
The History and Culture of Taimeshi
Why is Taimeshi Famous in Ehime?
Ehime Prefecture faces the Seto Inland Sea and Uwa Sea,
and boasts one of the top sea bream catch volumes in Japan.
Especially, the "Ehime Brand Sea Bream" is
famous nationwide for its firm texture and rich flavor.
Traditionally, sea bream has been eaten at celebratory occasions along the Seto Inland Sea coast,
and this is considered the origin of Taimeshi.
Useful Information for Travelers
1. Where can you eat Taimeshi?
In Matsuyama, it is served at restaurants around Matsuyama Airport and Dogo Onsen.
In Uwajima, you can enjoy authentic Uwajima Taimeshi at restaurants around the station.
2. What is the budget?
- Matsuyama Taimeshi → 1,500–2,500 yen
- Uwajima Taimeshi → 1,800–3,000 yen
3. Are there Taimeshi souvenirs?
In souvenir shops in Matsuyama and Uwajima, Taimeshi kits and retort packs are available.
- Taimeshi Kit (for 2-3 people) → About 1,500 yen
- Uwajima Taimeshi Sauce Set → About 1,200 yen
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
- There are two types of Taimeshi in Ehime: "Matsuyama Taimeshi" and "Uwajima Taimeshi"
- Matsuyama Taimeshi → Traditional style where the sea bream is cooked with rice
- Uwajima Taimeshi → Style where raw sea bream sashimi is placed on rice and topped with sauce
- Ehime Prefecture is one of the leading sea bream producing areas, allowing you to enjoy fresh sea bream
- Taimeshi sets are also available as souvenirs, so you can enjoy it at home!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the difference between Ehime's Taimeshi and others?
A: Ehime's Taimeshi is characterized by having two types: Matsuyama Taimeshi (cooked rice) and Uwajima Taimeshi (raw sea bream sashimi bowl).
In other regions, Taimeshi is mainly cooked rice.
Q: Can you have Taimeshi for lunch?
A: Most Taimeshi specialty stores offer lunch!
It's easy to enjoy between sightseeing activities.
Q: What's the recommended way to eat it?
A: It's recommended to enjoy Matsuyama Taimeshi as a tea-infused dish!
For Uwajima Taimeshi, it's best enjoyed with plenty of egg and sauce.
If you visit Ehime, be sure to try and compare the two types of Taimeshi!
