Overview
Hiroshima is home to several local specialties that visitors are likely to encounter even without actively seeking them out. Popular dining areas include the vicinity of Hiroshima Station and downtown Hiroshima. Below is a list of Hiroshima's signature foods:
Hiroshima's most iconic dish is its own style of okonomiyaki. The local version features a thin layer of batter and a generous amount of cabbage on top of yakisoba noodles. Popular toppings include oysters, squid, and cheese. The dish is finished with bonito flakes, green laver, and okonomiyaki sauce. Many okonomiyaki restaurants can be found in Okonomimura and around Hiroshima Station. Diners typically sit at a counter where the chef prepares the meal on a large griddle.
Hiroshima Prefecture accounts for about 60-70% of Japan's oyster production. Local oysters are consumed domestically and exported overseas. They are available at many eateries in Hiroshima and Miyajima, including restaurants, food stalls, and ryokan. Oysters can be enjoyed raw with soy sauce or ponzu, deep-fried, baked, grilled, or served over rice (donburi).
These are maple-leaf-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste. This famous dessert originated in Miyajima in the early 1900s as a local specialty representing Momijidani, a popular maple-viewing spot. Originally handmade one by one, they are now machine-made. Today, momijimanju come in many fillings such as matcha, cheese, custard, and chocolate. They are sold at many shops on Miyajima and in Hiroshima.
Hiroshima-style tsukemen are cold noodles dipped in a spicy red pepper sauce before eating. Customers can usually choose the spiciness level on a scale of one to five (or similar); the higher the number, the spicier the sauce. The noodles are served with various ingredients like sliced meat, eggs, shredded leek, cucumbers, and cabbage.