Hiroshima’s 9 Best Eats and Where to Find Them!

Hiroshima takes the crown in Japan for producing the most oysters and lemons ๐Ÿ‘‘ Sure, slurp up some oysters and zest up with lemons, but don’t miss outโ€”the local fare spans from hearty meals to delectable sweets ๐Ÿฆช๐Ÿ‹ Dive into the full Hiroshima experience; your taste buds will thank you!

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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 with noodle

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. 

Okonomiyaki with my friends

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!

RestaurantInformation
Yagenbori HasshoThe most popular menu is Soba-niku-tama.
Okonomiyaki Teppan-yaki Momiji-TeiThe 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 OkonomiyakiMexican okonomiyaki made with Mexican chili pepper jalapeño is very popular.
HasseiThe 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 🦪

oyster

Hiroshima’s oysters are the pride of Japan, plump and sweet in a way that’ll have you smacking your lips for more.

Oyster rice
Oyster rice 🍚 : Photo by Yakigaki No Hayashi

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.

RestaurantAppearance
Yakigaki No HayashiOyster restaurantThis restaurant has received numerous awards.

3. Anago meshi (eel kabayaki with rice) 🍚

Eel with rice
Photo by Ueno

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.

RestaurantAppearanceFoodHow muchBooking
UenoEel restaurantEel with riceS : 2540 Yen
M : 2800 Yen
L : 3340 Yen
Non available
(Only take-out lunches are available.)
FujitayaEel restaurantEel with rice2500 YenNon available

4. Shiru-nashi Tantanmen 🍜

Tantanmen
Photo by King Ken

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.

RestaurantLogoInformation
King KenLogo tantanmenSeasonings and spices are made with plenty of time and attention to detail.
KunimatsuLogo tantanmenFast, cheap, and as tasty as possible is our motto. They make their own noodles every day.

5. Lemon nabe (Pot dish) 🍋

Lemon 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.

RestaurantInformation
Chidori shokudoIn 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.)
Lemon pot dish
Photo by Yoshino Miso 🍋

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) 🍶

Japanese sake pot dish
Photo by Higashi-Hiroshima City Tourism Association

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 🍁

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.

Momijo manju
Fried momiji manju at Momiji-do

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 🍋

Lemon snack
Photo by Maruka foods

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 🍋

Lemon cake
Photo by SHIMAGOCORO

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.

Lemon cake
Photo by BACKEN MOZART

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.

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