[Kiritanpo] Traditional gourmet food that is a must when traveling to Akita!

Akita Prefecture is known as one of Japan's leading rice producing regions. According to an announcement by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2016, Akita Prefecture ranks third in Japan in terms of rice yield. Because Akita is such a prefecture, there are many dishes that use rice in the prefecture. The most famous one is "Kiritanpo", which can also be eaten in Tokyo and other areas!

This time, I would like to introduce ``Kiritanpo Nabe'', a traditional hotpot dish that you must try when visiting Akita Prefecture. This is what winter in Akita Prefecture is all about! It is a traditional food that is loved by the people of the prefecture.

What is Kiritanpo? long and narrow food made from rice

Kiritanpo nabe is a hot pot containing the ingredient ``Kiritanpo.''

``Kiritanpo'' is a white, elongated, chewy food made by kneading rice. Kiritanpo is made by boiling rice until hard, then grinding it and attaching it to a stick like a paste. In Akita, it is sometimes made at home, and each family has their own preferences regarding the consistency and how much of the rice flavor remains when ground. Kiritanpo is a must-try dish when traveling to Akita, but at the same time, Kiritanpo is an ingredient that can be considered a home-cooked dish in Akita.

It is said that the origin of the word kiritanpo was a spear used for training. This spear was called a tanbo spear, and because of its similar shape, it came to be called ``tanpo'' = ``kiritanpo.'' It is said that the name came about when a lord asked him, ``What is this delicious dish?'' and even though he had not decided on a name, he immediately answered, ``It's kiritanpo.''

Kiritanpo is eaten hot pot, but in Akita it is also eaten grilled with sweet miso. In front of the station in Akita City, the prefectural capital, there are shops that serve traditional kiritanpo.

The highlight is the ingredients unique to Akita Prefecture!

In addition to kiritanpo, kiritanpo nabe typically contains parsley, green onions, burdock root, mushrooms, and konjac. Depending on the home or store, junsai or wild vegetables may be added. The ingredients may vary slightly depending on the restaurant or household, so even though it is a traditional dish, it has a taste that is familiar at home.

Also, don't forget the chicken as an ingredient!

Akita Prefecture is also famous for Hinai Jidori, one of Japan's three most delicious chickens. Kiritanpo hot pot uses chicken such as Hinai chicken to make the soup stock, and the meat used is chicken that is chewy and full of flavor. The sake used in the hot pot is also a specialty of Akita, so it's no exaggeration to say that you can enjoy Akita's representative ingredients in just one hot pot.

In a hot pot, kiritanpo made from rice absorbs the soup stock from various ingredients and melts. When you take a bite, you'll be surprised by the simple yet rich flavor. Akita is a prefecture that is also famous for its sake, so you should definitely enjoy it with sake during the cold winter.

You can also order it! Even hometown tax

I would like to try Kiritanpo hotpot in my hometown of Akita, but if you are in an area that is difficult to come to, you can order it. Kiritanpo hot pot sets are also sold at souvenir shops, and you can receive them as return gifts by paying hometown tax to local governments in Akita Prefecture.

Each store has different ingredients in the set, so it might be fun to compare them and find the Kiritanpo hotpot that has the ingredients you like.

It is so loved that it has even been made into merchandise!

Also, since Akita Prefecture is so well-known that the first word that comes to mind is "Kiritanpo!", you can often see goods with Kiritanpo motifs in various places in Akita Prefecture.

Akita Prefecture is full of Kiritanpo, including ear picks and straps shaped like Kiritanpo. Not only residents of the prefecture but also tourists are asking, "Is this shape Kiritanpo?", which makes me feel that Kiritanpo is quite well known.

"Kiritanpo" and "Kiritanpo Nabe" are not only souvenirs and traditional dishes, but are also familiar to Akita residents. There are many restaurants in Akita Prefecture where you can eat Kiritanpo hot pot. Please be sure to try it when you visit Akita. It's so delicious!