Watari Town, Miyagi Prefecture, where the Abukuma River flows.
Have you heard of "harako rice," a fisherman's meal that has long been eaten in this region?

It is actually a limited-time local dish that uses a certain ingredient, and when it is in season many customers come to Watari Town, where it originated, and throughout the prefecture to try it.

This time, we will introduce you to the delicious "harako rice."

What is Miyagi's local gourmet dish "Harako Meshi"?

Harako rice is a local dish from Watari Town, Miyagi Prefecture. It is loved as a representative taste of autumn, and is a popular delicacy that attracts many tourists from September to November in search of a taste. Every autumn in this region, salmon return to the river to spawn.

The salmon is simmered in sweet soy sauce and the remaining broth and harako (which in this region refers to ikura) are used to complete the dish, which is called "harako rice."

The history and origin of harakomeshi

During the Edo period, when Date Masamune, the first lord of Sendai, visited Watari Town, he was amazed by the deliciousness of the "harako rice" presented to him by the local people, and told his aides about it, which is said to have been the catalyst for the dish becoming popular throughout the world.

In recent years, many restaurants have begun cooking rice in salmon simmered in sweet soy sauce and the broth, and topping it with salmon roe and salmon, but the traditional harako rice handed down in Watari Town is made a little differently.

The original harako rice is made by mixing freshly cooked rice with harako salmon in simmered salmon meat. It's a simple recipe, but the rice soaks up the broth packed with the flavor of the salmon and harako, filling your mouth with the delicious taste of the salmon.

You might be worried that mixing the salmon roe with the rice will destroy the grains, but by mixing it lightly and gently, the shimmering salmon roe and the shredded salmon meat come together to create a beautiful bowl of rice. The popping salmon roe also goes perfectly with the rice.

In the past, it was customary to make a lot at once and share it with neighbors and relatives.

How to make harako rice

From here, I will introduce how to make harako rice. Wild autumn salmon is used for harako rice. The recipe begins by removing the skin and bones of the salmon and cutting it into pieces. Seasonings include soy sauce, sake, sugar, etc., and the salmon meat is added after boiling them. Once cooked, separate the salmon meat from the broth.

Next, the harako are prepared by rinsing them and breaking them up one by one in 50-60 degree water. After draining the water, they are lightly cooked in salmon broth, then removed and soaked in a mixture of soy sauce and mirin. It is said that lightly cooking the harako improves its flavor.

Then, use the salmon broth that you saved earlier to cook rice. After that, top the cooked rice with salmon meat and salmon roe to complete the dish. Sometimes you can also add mitsuba for color.

How to eat harako rice deliciously

Harako rice, which goes down great with rice thanks to its sweet and spicy soy sauce seasoning and the deliciousness of salmon, is mainly served as a set meal. At restaurants, they use every part of the salmon, including the fins and head, and it is standard to make a soup with salmon head and eat it with pickles. Please gently break up the salmon meat and mix it lightly with the salmon roe before enjoying.

Additionally, local restaurants use salmon stewed in secret sauces and other carefully selected ingredients, which adds a big attraction to the food.

Miyagi's harako rice is a proud dish that each restaurant takes pride in, claiming that their restaurant is the best. You can also add extra toppings to increase the amount of salmon roe, so be sure to give it a try.

Things to do in Watari-cho

Watari Town is blessed with abundant nature, including the sea, rivers, and mountains. The area is also rich in food, with fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits. Let's take a look at some recommended spots in Watari Town.

"Tori no Umi Fureai Market" where you can find all the local specialties

Located near Arahama Fishing Port, which is said to be the birthplace of harako rice, this direct sales store sells fresh locally caught seafood, vegetables, and specialty products.

In autumn, "Harako rice" is also sold, and the "Grilled flatfish" made by fishmongers who are experts in seafood is also delicious. Soft-serve ice cream made with local specialties such as strawberries, blueberries, and apples is also popular.

We also recommend small gifts that can only be purchased here as souvenirs. This is truly a spot where all the delicious things from Watari Town are gathered.

Torinoumi Park: A place filled with openness

Tori no Umi Park is within walking distance from Tori no Umi Fureai Market.

Facing the Pacific Ocean, this open park has a playground where you can play with your children, and a multi-purpose plaza perfect for picnics. With soccer and baseball fields nearby, it's a bustling place not only on weekends but every day.

Irresistible for strawberry lovers: "Strawberry Land Kouchanen"

Watari Town, known as a strawberry producing area, boasts the largest production volume in the Tohoku region.

This strawberry farm is popular for its large, ripe, bright red strawberries, including the Miyagi Prefecture original brand "Moikko." The refreshing sweetness of the strawberries will have you reaching for one more, so why not enjoy strawberry picking on your days off or outings? You can also purchase freshly picked strawberries at the farm shop.

Access to Watari Town

Watari Town is about 30 minutes by train and 50 minutes by car from Sendai, and can be accessed by train, Shinkansen, and car.

If you are coming from Yamagata or Fukushima, it takes about an hour via the Tohoku Expressway. If you are coming from Morioka or Fukushima, you can take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai or Shiroishi, then take the Joban Line to JR Watari Station.

Please feel free to use this as a reference.

Location of Watari Town, Watari District, Miyagi Prefecture

summary

This time we introduced Miyagi Prefecture's local gourmet dish, "Harako Rice."

"Harako rice," a dish whose deliciousness has been passed down since the time of Date Masamune, is a luxurious dish sprinkled with local delicacies. Be sure to try this seasonal dish, which can only be enjoyed in autumn, at the restaurant.

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