Hiroshimas Street Food Must-Try Treats Local Favorites Evergreen Version

Hiroshima, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, offers a street food scene that is as diverse as it is delicious. From savory pancakes to fresh seafood, Hiroshima's street food is a culinary journey that every food enthusiast should experience.

Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is a must-try when visiting the city. Unlike its Osaka counterpart, Hiroshima okonomiyaki is characterized by its layered structure, which includes a base of batter, a generous amount of cabbage, and yakisoba noodles. This version is often topped with ingredients like Hiroshima oysters, squid, or pork, making it a hearty and flavorful meal.

To fully experience this dish, visit the Okonomiyaki Village (Okonomiyaki-mura) in downtown Hiroshima, which features three floors of okonomiyaki restaurants with various toppings. Watching chefs skillfully prepare okonomiyaki is part of the experience, making it a visual and gastronomic delight.

Korokke (Croquettes)

Korokke, or croquettes, are another popular street food in Hiroshima. These are breaded and deep-fried patties filled with ingredients like mashed potatoes, meat, or vegetables. The crispy exterior and soft, flavorful filling make them a favorite among locals and tourists alike. You can find korokke in many stalls, each with their unique twist on this classic snack.

Takoyaki

Takoyaki, small round balls filled with pieces of octopus, are a staple of Hiroshima's street food scene. These are cooked in a special mold and topped with a variety of sauces and garnishes, such as mayonnaise, takoyaki sauce, and bonito flakes. The combination of the crispy outside and the soft, savory inside creates a delightful bite.

Grilled Skewers (Yakitori)

Grilled skewers, or yakitori, are also a highlight of Hiroshima's street food offerings. These skewers can be made from various types of meat, including chicken, beef, and pork, as well as vegetables. Grilled over charcoal, they have a delicious smoky flavor. Popular choices include chicken thighs, meatballs, and grilled green peppers, often brushed with a savory sauce.

Hiroshima-Style Oysters

Hiroshima is renowned for its oysters, accounting for approximately 60-70% of Japan's oyster production. These oysters are celebrated for their plumpness and rich flavor, attributed to the nutrient-rich waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Visitors can enjoy them in various preparations, including raw with soy sauce, grilled, deep-fried, or baked. Sampling these oysters, especially when grilled and seasoned lightly, offers a quintessential taste of Hiroshima's vibrant street food culture.

Onomichi Ramen

Onomichi ramen is a local favorite that stands out with its dark broth and unique ingredients. This ramen features a soy sauce-based soup sourced exclusively from the Tomonoura port in Fukuyama ward, preserving its Hiroshima-based origins. The dish includes fatty pork slices, green onions, and chewy noodles, making it a hearty and flavorful meal. Syukaen restaurant is highly recommended for this dish, located near Onomichi town hall and the river.

Anago (Saltwater Eel)

Anago, or saltwater eel, is a delicacy in Hiroshima, known for its less fatty yet equally flavorful profile compared to other types of eel. This dish is often served as anago rice bowls with a salty-sweet sauce. For an authentic experience, visit Anagomeshi Ueno on Miyajima Island, a restaurant that has been serving this dish since the early 1900s.

Momiji Manju

Momiji manju is a sweet treat that is a must-try in Hiroshima. These maple leaf-shaped pastries are filled with red bean paste and are a popular souvenir. They can be found in almost every souvenir shop in Hiroshima Station and come in various fillings such as cheese, chocolate, and green tea-flavored anko. For a unique twist, try the tempura momiji manju on Miyajima Island.

Exploring Hiroshima's Street Food Scene

To fully immerse yourself in Hiroshima's street food culture, visit the Hondori Shopping Arcade, a covered shopping street where you can enjoy food stalls regardless of the weather. The vendors here are friendly and often offer samples to passersby, making it easy to try a variety of snacks.

For a more guided experience, consider joining a Hiroshima food tour. These tours allow you to sample a wide range of local dishes without the stress of planning and booking. The tour guides take care of everything, ensuring you get to try hidden gems that tourists might miss on their own. These tours are social events where you can meet fellow travelers and locals, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Hiroshima's street food scene is a vibrant and essential part of the city's cultural tapestry, offering a culinary journey that highlights the city's unique flavors and traditional Japanese cuisine. Whether you're savoring grilled oysters at Hondori Shopping Street or enjoying a bowl of onomichi ramen in Shintenchi, each bite tells a story of the region's rich history and flavors.