Have you ever visited Miyazaki Prefecture? Miyazaki is known as “The Sunshine of Japan,” since it has the longest hours of sunlight in Japan. They take advantage of this comfortable climate and environment to host sports camps and various water sports. Moreover, it is a great place for fresh ingredients, with plenty of seafood and mountain produce. They grow lots of things like cucumbers, green peppers, mangoes, kinkans (kumquats), and Hinata oranges.
The warm climate, stunning landscapes, high-quality ingredients, and friendly locals make Miyazaki a perfect destination for relaxation and savoring fantastic meals. It’s a can’t-miss place for those who want to escape from the tough life and city living.
In this blog, let’s explore Miyazaki’s tasty local food together!
Miyazaki Beef. Photo Credit: 宮崎県観光協会
Miyazaki Beef
Japan is known for its high-quality beef called “Wagyu.” Their quality rating system consists of two types: the yield grade, indicating the meat volume (graded from A to C, with A as the highest), and the meat quality grade (graded from 5 to 1, with 5 as the highest).
Interestingly, Miyazaki is famous for its top-quality Miyazaki beef, which has won the Prime Minister’s Award four times in the National Japanese Cattle Ability Competition (WAGYU OLYMPIC), held every five years. Miyazaki beef is an incredibly tender, marbled meat that’s heavenly and incredibly juicy. The marbling not only provides a rich flavor but also a lightness that makes it melt in your mouth.
If you’re not sure where to try Miyazaki beef, I highly recommend the Miyachiku Beef Teppanyaki Steakhouse. Guess what? Each table is equipped with a teppan (an iron grill similar to American Hibachi), allowing you to enjoy a professional cooking performance in front of you. While it buzzes with casual and affordable lunch options during the day, the atmosphere transforms into a more elegant setting in the evening.
This place is definitely not budget-friendly but the experience of Miyazaki beef, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, is seriously worth it. Since reservations are essential and this restaurant is very famous, it’s advisable to book far in advance. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor Miyazaki Beef, representing the top-tier quality of Japanese wagyu beef!!
Miyachiku Beef Teppanyaki Steakhouse, Miyazaki: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RmQWuBVpbAE84EvC7
Website: https://rest.miyachiku.jp/hitotsuba/
Chicken Nanban. Photo Credit: 宮崎県観光協会
Chicken Nanban
The next local gourmet is “Chicken Nanban.” Chicken Nanban originated in the 1950s at a local Western-style restaurant in Miyazaki. It was first created as a staff meal and was initially known as “sweet and sour fried chicken.” Over time, it evolved into its current style, which includes tartar sauce and a side salad and has become popular all over Japan.
This delicious dish consists of juicy but crispy fried chicken, with a sweet and sour sauce and tartar sauce as delightful accents. It’s a filling and satisfying food loved by both kids and adults. Interestingly, two chefs from the original restaurant branched out and started their own places to keep this tradition alive.
So, make sure to try the authentic Chicken Nanban at Ogura and Nao-Chan, where the two chefs protected their tradition.
P.S. When you think of Chicken Nanban, you probably imagine it with lots of tartar sauce. However, one of the original restaurants, Nao-Chan, serves the classic Chicken Nanban without tartar sauce.
Ogura Honten: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1qymJDbusq4Hozvh9
Website: https://www.ogurachain.com/
Nao-chan: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9SJAioFY5fdY1fQu9
Hiyajiru. Photo Credit: 宮崎県観光協会
Hiyajiru
The third dish to introduce is “Hiyajiru.”
It is a traditional dish in Miyazaki, and it’s made by grilling fish like horse mackerel or sardines and mixing them with roasted sesame and broiled miso. Then, they serve it cold with toppings like tofu, cucumbers, myoga (Japanese ginger), and shiso. People usually pour it over steamed white\\ rice. This food started as a quick and easy meal for busy farmers. They mixed miso and water with rice before heading out to the fields in the early morning.
Hiyajiru really brings out the flavors of Miyazaki’s fresh seafood and vegetables. While it was originally a home-cooked meal, you can now easily find it in local restaurants and bars.
For example, Suginoko is the best place to try Hiyajiru. It was established in 1970, in Miyazaki City and is a popular restaurant where you can experience local dishes. This well-known and historic restaurant offers delicious Miyazaki local food other than Hiyajiru, making it a vital choice for those with limited time for sightseeing. So, when you’re in Miyazaki, give it a try!
Suginoko: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kAvhMXLs3P1aDtPm8
Website: https://www.miyazaki-suginoko.net/
Jitokko (Charcoal-broiled Chicken). Photo Credit: 宮崎県観光協会
Miyazaki Jitokko
Miyazaki Jitokko was designated as a natural monument in 1943. These chickens have thick and tender meat which has a mild flavor and is quite juicy.
Moreover, there are specific rules for raising Miyazaki Jitokko. For instance, only two chickens are allowed per square meter, and it takes 120 days for males and 150 days for females to be ready for sale. This long period of care is what gives them their unique taste.
In addition, Miyazaki Jitokko, raised in a rich natural environment, tastes incredibly delicious, especially when prepared as charcoal-grilled chicken seasoned only with salt. You can even enjoy them as sashimi or tataki (raw fresh meat) if you’re feeling adventurous.
Here is the place where you can eat Miyazaki soul food.
Suisen serves freshly prepared chicken. They offer two varieties: the tender Jitokko and the traditional firm texture of Akadori. Interestingly, Miyazaki is also popular for its shochu, and Suisen has a collection of 100 types of Miyazaki shochu!!!
In addition to charcoal-grilled chicken, a must-try recommended dish is the “Jitokko Gyoza” and “Jitokko sashimi platter.” For the platter, you can choose from a selection of fresh raw meat like breast meat, gizzard, outer stomach lining, and heart, and pair it with either seared liver seasoned with salt or pounded breast meat.
Miyazaki’s shochu and chicken are an absolutely perfect match, so be sure to book a table to prepare for a new adventure.
Suisen: https://maps.app.goo.gl/69oqeTGvpFMacmiQ8
Website: https://www.suisen-jidori.com/
Hyuganatsu. Photo Credit: 宮崎県観光協会
Hyuganatsu
Japanese people might think of Miyazaki when they hear “Mango,” but this time, I’d like to introduce you to Miyazaki’s treasure, the “Hyuganatsu,” which boasts the highest production in Japan. This fruit was found about 200 years ago in the garden of a civilian house in Miyazaki City and has been cherished for a long time.
It’s said to be the mutated strain of the yuzu fruit, and it has a unique way of eating. Firstly, you peel the yellow skin but leave the white part as it contains a lot of dietary fiber. By the way, it is recommended to put honey or sugar on it, but some locals prefer to eat it with soy sauce!
Can’t distinguish which one is Hyuganatsu in the store?
No worries, instead of buying them directly, you can visit Fruit Ohno. This is a parfait cafe run by a fruit shop, and it’s known for its big portions, and “once you start, you can’t stop eating.” You’ve probably heard that in Japan, people often eat ramen after drinking to end the day. On the other hand, in Hokkaido, there are also the words “Shime-parfait,” which means finishing the night with a parfait.
It might be a great opportunity to experience Hokkaido’s traditions and Miyazaki food together. And since it’s in peak season from winter to spring, why not savor it as a dessert to boost your immune system?
Fruit Ohno: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2PahTmwMCcJdDGVA9
Website: https://www.miyazaki-fruit-ohno.com/
Wild horse in Toimisaki. Photo Credit: 宮崎県観光協会
If you’re tired of the city and want to feel free in a place with delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere, consider visiting Miyazaki Prefecture! Miyazaki’s beautiful weather and rich natural environment will definitely heal you!!
Featured photo by 宮崎県観光協会
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