Tohoku is full of delicious food!
When traveling with family or friends, it’s easy to decide where to eat since you can cater to everyone's preferences. But this time, I was on a solo trip... and couldn't decide at all.
Just as I was struggling, a friend from Fukushima suggested 'Shoku to Jizake Morisshu.'
I was able to enjoy a perfect selection of Fukushima specialties and local sake, all in one place!
Excitement Even While Waiting with Great Offerings
The professionalism here shows from the moment you walk in, starting with the waiting list.
It was early evening on a weekend, and the restaurant was starting to fill up. I wrote my name on the waiting list and noticed an appealing offer right in front of me.
Grateful for this professional touch, I went ahead and ordered.
Ahhh, what a treat! A set featuring four different summer sake (adding up to one full cup), pickled vegetables, kombu-marinated white fish, and edamame. It was the perfect little drink before heading home. And since water was served as well, I felt at ease.
The snacks and sake of the month were designed to pair well with each other, so I had fun trying out various combinations of flavors.
All four sake were limited-edition summer varieties, each with its own character: some round and full-bodied, others with lingering flavors or a strong rice taste. It was fascinating to taste the individual personalities of each, and they were all delicious!
My personal favorite was the smooth and mellow sweetness of Daishichi Sake Brewery’s “Kan-juku Kimoto Nama Genshu.”
By the way, they were selling 720ml bottles of this sake at the souvenir shop on the first floor of Koriyama Station. I passed on buying it since it needed to be refrigerated, but now I regret not getting it—especially since it was a limited edition!
Red Meat or White? Enjoy the Best of Both with My First Taste of Carp
I wanted to try a bit more of the local cuisine, so I scanned the menu and spotted "Carp Carpaccio." Coming from a landlocked area where carp isn’t commonly eaten, this was my first time trying it!
It had the lightness of white fish with a burst of umami, and a texture that was firm, similar to tuna but with more bite. It had the freshness you’d expect from a first-time experience, and it was delicious!
The reddish meat was unexpectedly striking, making me think, "Wait, is this white meat? No... red meat?" But ultimately, it tasted like a mix of both.
The summer garnishes, particularly the myoga ginger, worked wonders to enhance the dish’s refreshing flavor. I used to think I didn’t like myoga, but now I’m sorry for ever doubting it!
When paired with lemon, the dish took on more of a white-fish flavor, which was quite interesting. It’s always fun when a dish can change character with different elements!
Quick and Easy Fukushima Delicacies Right at the Shinkansen Gate
Exit the Shinkansen gate, head straight, and on your left, you’ll see a glass-fronted restaurant lined with bottles of sake on display.
They offer set meals, so you could grab a bite right after arriving or stop by for a quick drink before hopping on the Shinkansen. What a fantastic location for such a wonderful restaurant!
The space between tables is wide, and whether you choose a table or counter seat, you can enjoy your time comfortably.
If you're looking to enjoy a full experience of Fukushima cuisine and sake, or if you’re unsure about where to eat, I highly recommend stopping by this spot at Koriyama Station.
