Introduction
About Kyushu's Local Cuisine
Kyushu is a large island that stretches from north to south, hugged on all four sides by seas with unique and varied waters. The island’s center is replete with rolling mountains, broad plateaus, and the grandeur of ever-changing landscapes. In terms of food, the areas to the north are home to a tradition of seafood-based cuisines, while the areas to the south, known for livestock farming, see a boom of meat-based dishes. Unlike Japan’s main Honshu island, dishes here tend to use sweeter soy sauces and barley miso for seasoning, a preference for shochu over sake, as well as other quirky food trends that set this area apart.
There’s plenty of local delicacies to try in Kyushu, here’s a three picks you won’t want to miss: Hakata Ramen, Charcoal-grilled Jidori Chicken, and Black Pork Shabu-Shabu.
Recommend #1
Hakata Ramen, known by its tasty pork bone broth and thin-cut noodles.
Kyushu is a bursting hub of great local delicacies, but many would say that the most famous of all is Hakata Ramen. Each bowl is packed with a velvety white pork bone soup, straight, thin-cut noodles and popular toppings like char siu pork, green onions and red pickled ginger. At many ramen shops you can even enjoy “kaedama”, a refill of extra noodles that’s ready to order when you get down to just the broth.
Recommend #2
Charcoal-grilled Jidori Chicken, fully fired up over the coals.
Miyazaki Prefecture is home to a longstanding history of poultry farming and the deliciously famed charcoal-grilled “jidori” (meaning “local chicken”). Visit a local shop to find gloriously plump bites of chicken as they’re fired over the grill. The charcoal grill gives the meat its wonderfully chewy and juicy, umami taste that pairs perfectly with a dusting a good and simple salt.
Recommend #3
Black Pork Shabu-Shabu, a winner among the many delicious black pork dishes.
Kagoshima's branded "Kagoshima Black Pork", is an esteemed name loved across Japan. The meat is tender to the tooth, while lending itself to more umami flavor in comparison to other pork. As shabu-shabu, the thinly sliced pork is quickly dipped in boiling water and dipped in sauces like ponzu to serve. Among all the black pork dishes, this sumptuous bite is a definite fan favorite.
Information provided by: GOOD LUCK TRIP