Yummy Yamagata: 6 Must-Try Yamagata Delicacies

Nestled in Japan’s northeastern Tohoku Region, and surrounded by mountains on all sides, Yamagata Prefecture (山形県) is renowned for its natural beauty and culinary heritage. Its local cuisine is deeply rooted in the region’s rich culture and natural resources, offering a unique gastronomic experience.

In this article, let’s check out six must-try delicacies from Yum-agata:

① Imoni: The Locals’ Quintessential Autumn Dish

Imoni, a taro and meat stew. | Photo by 山形県

One of Yamagata’s most beloved dishes, imoni (芋煮) is a traditional stew made of taro (里芋satoimo) and meat, and embodies the essence of Yamagata’s autumn. This hearty dish has become a symbol of community and togetherness, and is a must-bring to imonikai (芋煮会 taro stew parties), which are often held outdoors by riversides as the leaves begin to change colours. 

Every family has their own imoni recipe, there’s no right or wrong. | Photo by 山形県庁

The main ingredients of imoni include taro, thinly sliced beef (or pork), leeks, and konnyaku. Depending on the family recipe, some people may throw in extra vegetable ingredients like mushrooms, carrots, and cabbage.

The ingredients are then simmered in a savoury broth until the flavours meld harmoniously, and the result is a comforting and rich stew, with the taro providing a starchy, creamy texture that perfectly complements the tender meat and the slightly chewy konnyaku.

② Yonezawa Beef: The Pride of Yamagata

Yonezawa Beef has beautiful marbling. | Photo by 山形県庁

No exploration of Yamagata cuisine would be complete without mentioning Yonezawa Beef (米沢牛), one of Japan’s top brands of wagyu (和牛). Hailing from Yonezawa City (米沢市), this premium beef is celebrated for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and rich flavour, and can be enjoyed in various ways, such as steak, grilling, sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, or even atop sushi. 

Yonezawa Beef can be savoured in a variety of ways. | Photo by 山形県庁

What makes Yonezawa Beef so special? The answer lies in the meticulous care taken in raising the cattle, and the strict quality control. The cattle are raised in a pristine environment, fed a carefully controlled diet, and allowed ample time to fatten and mature, resulting in beef that is renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and umami-rich taste.

③ Tama konnyaku: A Savoury Snack on a Stick

Tama konnyaku: balls of konnyaku. | Photo by 山形県庁

Tama konnyaku (玉こんにゃく) is a popular street food in Yamagata, known for its chewy texture and subtle flavour. Made from the konjac plant, which is rich in dietary fibre and low in calories, konnyaku is commonly found in Japanese cuisine.

Have a break, have a tama konnyaku. | Photo by 山形県

“Tama” means “ball, and in Yamagata, tama konnyaku is typically served as round balls skewered on a stick. These konnyaku balls are simmered in a flavourful broth made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi, allowing them to absorb the savoury flavours. The result is a satisfying snack with a distinctive chewiness that is both healthy and delicious.

④ Dondonyaki: A Flavourful Pancake with a Twist

Dondonyaki is like okonomiyaki on a stick. | Photo by 山形県

Dondonyaki (どんどん焼き) is another beloved street food in Yamagata, resembling a savoury pancake or crepe, rolled on chopsticks that act as a skewer. Similar to okonomiyaki (お好み焼き), which hails from the Kansai Region in Western Japan, the base of dondonyaki is a batter made from flour, water, and eggs, which is spread thinly on a hot griddle. Various fillings such as cabbage, pork, and bonito flakes are then added. While okonomiyaki is served flat, dondonyaki is rolled up and served on a stick.

Portable and easy to eat. | Photo by 山形県庁

Dondonyaki is a popular choice at festivals and street fairs, appreciated for its delicious flavour and portability. The name “dondonyaki” is derived from the Japanese word “dondon,” which mimics the sound of drums, reflecting the lively and festive atmosphere in which this dish is often enjoyed. 

⑤ Hiyashi Ramen: A Refreshing Summer Treat

Cool and refreshing hiyashi ramen. | Photo by 山形県

Hiyashi ramen (冷やしラーメン), or cold ramen, is Yamagata’s answer to the sweltering summer heat. Unlike the usual bowls of ramen which are served with steaming soups, hiyashi ramen is served chilled, offering a refreshing and invigorating dining experience.

Do you prefer your ramen hot, or cold? | Photo by 山形県庁

Hiyashi ramen features cold ramen noodles topped with a variety of ingredients such as sliced cucumber, bamboo shoots, beansprouts, fishcakes, and pork. Some places even include ice cubes made of broth in the soup!

⑥ Cherries: The Jewels of Yamagata

Yamagata produces around 70% of Japan’s cherries. | Photo by 山形県

Finally, you cannot visit Yamagata without trying some of its sweet and delicious cherries (さくらんぼ sakuranbo). Yamagata is renowned as Japan’s top producer of cherries, and is often referred to as the “Fruit Kingdom” because of the amount and variety of delicious fruits that it produces. 

The prefecture’s favourable climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for cherry cultivation, resulting in a high-quality harvest that is celebrated nationwide. Yamagata’s cherries, especially the prized Sato Nishiki variety, are known for their vibrant colour, juiciness, and perfect balance of sweetness with tartness.

Cherry picking season is from June to July. | Photo by 山形県庁

Mid-June marks the start of cherry-picking season, attracting tourists from all over Japan who come to enjoy the fresh cherries straight from the orchards. Yamagata’s cherries are not only a delicious treat, but also a symbol of the region’s agricultural prowess and dedication to quality. Whether eaten fresh, used in desserts, or transformed into jams and preserves, Yamagata cherries offer a taste of the region’s natural sweetness and are a source of great local pride.

Yummy delights galore in Yum-agata

From the hearty and communal imoni to the luxurious Yonezawa Beef, each of these foods offers a unique taste of Yamagata’s traditions and flavours. Whether you’re slurping down a bowl of refreshing hiyashi ramen on a hot summer day, enjoying the savoury dondonyaki or chewy delights of tama konnyaku at a local festival, or indulging in the fresh, juicy cherries straight from the orchard, the foods of Yamagata provide a gastronomic journey that is both diverse and delightful. 

Enjoy an all-Yamagata snack box with JAPAN RAIL CLUB!

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What are you waiting for? Join us on a yummy-licious journey to Yamagata with our all-Yamagata Omiyage Snack Box, only available in June 2024! Subscribe by 30 June 2024 with the promo code “YUMMY12” to enjoy a 12% discount with a 3/6/12-month subscription plan. Subscribe today and bon appetit!