When you think of Hiroshima, majestic sites like the Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima or the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial come to mind, true cultural and historical icons. With many of them being part of the best spots to visit in Japan.
But Hiroshima’s charm doesn’t stop there.
Stroll through the city streets and you’ll be greeted by the irresistible aroma of local delights at every corner, promising a feast for your senses.
Follow me (a local Japanese girl with a love for traveling my home country for food experiences) on a walkthrough of the best local Hiroshima cuisine.
From Hiroshima’s unique take on okonomiyaki, to the legendary richness of Hiroshima oysters — one taste and they’re unforgettable.
Meals
1. Okonomiyaki 🥞
Okonomiyaki, a beloved Japanese dish famed in Osaka and Hiroshima, might be known as a ‘Japanese pancake,’ but it’s far from sweet.
Hiroshima has its own twist on this classic – think a delicately thin crepe piled high with a medley of ingredients and then grilled to perfection. It’s a culinary jigsaw that sets it apart from Osaka’s version.
In Hiroshima, it’s all about layers – a scrumptious stack of tender cabbage and crispy noodles, all brought together by a generous drizzle of a sweet and savory sauce. Trust me, it’s the kind of topping that’ll have you licking your plate clean!
These are my recommended okonomiyaki restaurants for the best local experience!
| Restaurant | Information |
|---|---|
| Yagenbori Hassho | The most popular menu is Soba-niku-tama. |
| Okonomiyaki Teppan-yaki Momiji-Tei | The restaurant seems to have collaborated with Japanese anime culture, with original characters appearing on the menu and original goods of the characters sold in the store. |
| Lopez Okonomiyaki | Mexican okonomiyaki made with Mexican chili pepper jalapeño is very popular. |
| Hassei | The most recommend menu is Soba-niku-tama. You should sit at the counter to see the cooking process of Okonomiyaki. |
For guidance on a full day of Hiroshima fun, take a look at my perfect 1 day in Horoshima article!
2. Oyster 🦪
Hiroshima’s oysters are the pride of Japan, plump and sweet in a way that’ll have you smacking your lips for more.
Whether you dive into them fresh off the grill or tucked into a savory bowl of oyster rice that’s been lovingly simmered with veggies, the umami-packed juices make every mouthful pure bliss.
| Restaurant | Appearance | |
|---|---|---|
| Yakigaki No Hayashi |  | This restaurant has received numerous awards. |
3. Anago meshi (eel kabayaki with rice) 🍚
Anago-meshi, a must-try when you’re in Miyajima, celebrates the high-quality eel caught in the local waters. Imagine tender eel with just the right touch of fat, glazed with a sweet sauce that makes it a match made in heaven with rice. Once you start, good luck putting your chopsticks down!
For a taste of Miyajima’s delicious Anago-meshi, you’ll want to check out this restaurant.
| Restaurant | Appearance | Food | How much | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ueno |  |  | S : 2540 Yen M : 2800 Yen L : 3340 Yen | Non available (Only take-out lunches are available.) |
| Fujitaya |  |  | 2500 Yen | Non available |
4. Shiru-nashi Tantanmen 🍜
Dive into the unique twist of Hiroshima’s soul food with their version of tantanmen noodles—sans soup. Unlike the usual soupy tantanmen, this dry delight begs to be tossed at least 30 times before diving in, ensuring each strand is coated with the savory sauce.
And don’t let the flavorful fun stop there; after the noodles, mix the leftover sauce with rice, add a splash of soy sauce or vinegar, and enjoy every last drop. It’s so good, there’s no way you’d eat it any other way!
Some bowls even come crowned with a soft-boiled egg—a testament to Japan’s love for raw eggs and their exceptional quality.
If you’re hesitant about raw eggs, please give it a go; they add a smooth richness that elevates the dish.
| Restaurant | Logo | Information |
|---|---|---|
| King Ken |  | Seasonings and spices are made with plenty of time and attention to detail. |
| Kunimatsu |  | Fast, cheap, and as tasty as possible is our motto. They make their own noodles every day. |
5. Lemon nabe (Pot dish) 🍋
Hiroshima is a citrus haven, especially famous for lemons, which are a local staple. When you’re here, expect to find an array of lemon-infused goodies, perfect for taking a piece of Hiroshima home with you.
Now, let’s talk about Hiroshima’s lemon hotpot. It’s a culinary twist you might not expect—plenty of fresh, local lemon slices swimming in the broth and even more sprinkled on top.
Don’t worry, it’s not a sour overload but rather a refreshing zest that will have you sipping the broth down to the last drop.
Popular among those who love a healthy dash of vitamin C in their meals, this lemony delight is especially a hit with the ladies.
For a taste of this citrusy comfort, check out this famous lemon hotpot spot in Hiroshima.
| Restaurant | Information |
|---|---|
| Chidori shokudo | In addition to lemon, this sumptuous nabe includes oysters, sea bream, and octopus unique to Hiroshima. Reservations required by phone. ( This website is written in Japanese.) |
You can buy lemon hot pot ingredients at souvenir shops if you have enough time to eat it at restaurant.
6. Bisyu-nabe (Pot dish) 🍶
Bisyu-nabe is a testament to the Japanese culinary philosophy of simplicity and letting the ingredients shine.
The natural flavors of chicken, pork, and vegetables are used in this nabe, which is seasoned with sake and salt and pepper.
The charm of this hotpot lies in its generous use of sake. While a dash of sake is common in many Japanese dishes, this one goes bold, employing an amount that might make you pause—transforming the dish into something truly special with its rich aroma and flavor.
Don’t let the sake throw you off—while it adds a subtle depth to the dish, the alcohol cooks off, so it’s completely family-friendly.
Deserts
7. Momiji manju 🍁
For a little taste of tradition with a twist, you’ve got to try the momiji manju. These sweet treats are shaped like maple leaves and come with a subtle sweetness that’s just right.
Inside, you’ll find the classic anko (sweet bean paste) that’s a staple in Japanese sweets. But there’s more—chocolate, custard cream, and matcha flavors await. My personal picks? The anko and custard cream are to die for.
Now, you can get them freshly baked or fried to a perfect crisp. Both are ridiculously good. Priced at around 120 yen each and not too large, they’re the perfect excuse to sample a bunch and find your favorite flavor. Go on, indulge in a little flavor adventure!
8. Lemon-Flavored snack 🍋
Craving something crispy for your next drink session? Japan has you covered with an array of boozy bites, and Squid Heaven is the snack that tops the chart. It’s not just crispy; it’s an irresistible blend of crunch and subtle sea aroma that you can’t stop munching. But a little warning – they’re so good, you might just snack till you’re stuffed.
Hiroshima’s version, with its zesty lemon twist, turns the snacking game on its head, thanks to the local love for citrus. It’s crisp, it’s refreshing, and it’ll hook you in no time.
Definitely grab these snacks along with a cold beer for a pre-bedtime wind-down. It’s the perfect way to savor the evening.
9. Lemon Cake 🍋
Imagine the freshest lemons picked from Hiroshima’s groves, and you’ve got the essence of this delightful treat. It’s a cake, but think less frosting, more sponge – a moist, tender base infused with lemon juice and zest. The result? A perfectly balanced sweet with a citrusy zing that’s a local favorite when it comes to souvenirs.
Priced at around 250 yen, it’s a sweet slice of Hiroshima you can savor without a second thought. You’ll find it in any souvenir shop, a testament to its popularity.
There are many varieties out there, but I have a couple of favorites that I think you’ll love too.
Conclusion
Hiroshima’s food culture is as diverse as it is delicious, offering a taste of the region’s culture, history, and local charm.
These beloved dishes and sweets, adored by travelers and locals alike, are not to be missed on your visit. Make sure to savor these culinary delights when you’re in town!
If you are looking for more delicious food to enjoy in Japan i recommend jumping to this article next.
