"Wappa-meshi" is one of Niigata's most famous local dishes.

It has a history of over 60 years, and the moment you open the lid, you can't help but smile. In this article, we will introduce the characteristics of Niigata's wappameshi, the history of its origin, and its different types. Please enjoy until the end.

What is Niigata's Wappa Meshi?

Wappa-meshi is a dish made by steaming rice in a bento box and topping it with ingredients such as salmon and salmon roe. Wappa is a container made by joining together round wooden boards such as cedar or cypress, and was originally used as a lunch box.

Niigata Prefecture, known as one of Japan's leading rice-producing regions, cooks rice with bonito and kelp stock and tops it with seafood and other ingredients. By serving the rice in a magewappa and then steaming it, the aroma of the wood is transferred to the rice, which, combined with the umami of the ingredients, brings out its deliciousness.

Another feature of wappa is that rice served in it stays fluffy even when it cools down. This is because the wood used to make wappa regulates excess humidity. Another advantage is that the rice does not harden or become soggy over time.

The origin and history of Wappameshi

The origin of Niigata bento rice is said to be "Inakaya" located on Furumachi-dori in Chuo Ward.

The previous owner, who had trained at a restaurant in Ginza, invented "Wappameshi" with advice from "Kitaoji Rosanjin," a gourmet who had been a long-time friend of his, and since then, the restaurant has been operating as a Wappameshi and local cuisine restaurant. The taste has been passed down to this day, and the ingredients change depending on the season, making it loved by many people throughout the year.

Currently, in addition to the restaurant where it originated, wappa-meshi can be eaten at many traditional Japanese restaurants within the prefecture.

How to make Niigata bento

The way wappa-meshi is prepared varies from restaurant to restaurant.

Basically, you add dashi and seasonings to the rice, cook it, put it in a magewappa, and steam it for about 10 minutes. Once the ingredients are cooked, put mitsuba and other ingredients on top and steam it, then top with ingredients like salmon roe and it's done.

The aroma of soup stock spreads from the fluffy rice, and you can enjoy a refined, timeless flavor.

A variety of flavors! Types of Wappa-meshi

In addition to the standard "Salmon Oyako Wappa," the original Wappa Meshi restaurant also serves Wappa Meshi topped with crab, shrimp, oysters, and more. The greatest attraction is the way the ingredients come together with the fragrant dashi rice, allowing you to fully enjoy the flavors of the ingredients. From here, we will introduce the types of Wappa Meshi you can eat in Niigata.

Salmon and baby bento box

When talking about Niigata bento rice, many people probably think of this dish. It is a luxurious dish of gently flaking salmon meat and crunchy salmon roe. Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, is also known as the "town of salmon," and the restaurant where this dish originated uses locally produced salmon roe. If you don't like raw salmon roe, you can also eat it cooked as "toto beans."

Shrimp bento

"Ebi Wappa" is a box of steamed shrimp that are large enough to be eaten as sashimi. The rich flavor and crisp texture are irresistible. It also goes great with rice cooked in dashi.

Crab bento

The crab, which is made using two different parts of the crab and is scattered throughout the bento box, has an excellent texture and taste. Combined with its gorgeous color, you'll find it hard to stop eating.

Chicken bento

If you don't like seafood, we also recommend the chicken bento box. The chicken is marinated in sake and soy sauce and steamed until it is plump and tender. It is said to be popular with children too.

Conger eel bento

This is a seasonal bento that can be eaten from early summer to autumn. Fluffy conger eel is smeared with a sweet and spicy sauce and served with bright yellow shredded egg. The rich, sweet and spicy sauce is a perfect match for rice.

Oyster bento

This bento box rice dish is topped with plenty of fresh oysters caught in Sado. It is available from late October until spring. The oysters are seasoned with miso before being steamed, so the flavor is well-absorbed and you can enjoy the milky taste of the oysters. This is a popular seasonal bento box rice dish.

In addition to the above, you can find a variety of other wappa-meshi depending on the shop. Be sure to try this dish, which is lavishly sprinkled with local produce.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Niigata City

From here, we will introduce some recommended spots in Niigata City related to "Wappa Meshi."

"Marinepia Nihonkai" an aquarium full of things to see

Located in Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Marinepia Nihonkai is an aquarium that exhibits approximately 30,000 animals from 600 different species, including creatures that are only found in the region and exotic creatures.

There are booths introducing the diversity of marine environments such as coral reefs and mangroves, booths displaying creatures from the Sea of Japan, and you can also encounter cute small aquatic animals such as American beavers and Eurasian otters.

Northern Culture Museum: Full of tradition and art

The Northern Culture Museum, which is filled with Niigata tradition and artistry, is home to a 28,000m2 (8,800m2) site with a stroll-around pond garden where you can enjoy the garden, as well as artworks.

Within the garden, there is a large 150-year-old wisteria tree that blooms from late April to early May. You can also enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring and vibrant autumn leaves in November. The view from the large hall is spectacular.

Minato Marche Pier Bandai: A collection of local seasonal produce

Minato Marche Pier Bandai, where Niigata's delicious seasonal produce is gathered, is located about a 10-minute drive from Niigata Station and offers a wide range of Niigata specialties, including fresh fish, vegetables, and local sake.

There are restaurants that are popular for their reasonably priced set meals and rice bowls made with freshly caught fish, a popular donut shop, cafes, and free rest areas, making this a great place to shop and eat. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by.

Access to Niigata City

Niigata City, located in the middle of the Japan Sea coast, is easily accessible from major cities via expressways and direct flights from Narita Airport.

It takes about two hours to get from Tokyo to Niigata by Shinkansen. From Nagoya or Shin-Osaka stations, it takes about three hours and 40 minutes via the Tokaido Shinkansen and Joetsu Shinkansen, respectively. There are also limousine buses that go directly to the station from Niigata Airport, so please make use of them.

Location of Niigata Prefecture

summary

This time we introduced Niigata's local gourmet food, "Wappa Meshi."

"Wappa-meshi" is a meal that allows you to enjoy gorgeous presentation and the luxurious taste of local ingredients. Please be sure to try it when you are in the area.

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