"Ebimeshi" is loved by people of all ages in Okayama. The secret to its popularity is said to be its striking appearance and unique flavor. It is loved not only by locals, but also by people from outside the prefecture.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of shrimp rice.

Characteristics of Ebimeshi

Ebimeshi is a jet-black fried rice-like dish stir-fried in a special sauce made from caramel sauce, ketchup, curry powder, and spices.

In addition to the always-present peeled shrimp, other ingredients include mushrooms, green peas, onions and other vegetables. It is common to accompany it with scrambled eggs, shredded egg, lettuce and cabbage. Each restaurant puts in their own ingenuity to offer their own original flavors.

The savory aroma of shrimp rice whets your appetite, and when you take a bite, the sweet and spicy flavor spreads across your tongue. The plump shrimp and the rice are perfectly combined, creating a nostalgic taste.

The texture of the shrimp and onions adds a nice accent, and you can also taste the subtle sweetness. Shrimp rice, which has an impressive appearance and a mild flavor, is a popular menu item in Okayama.

Because shrimp rice is a Western dish, it can be served on a single plate with hamburger steak and fried shrimp, or it can be made in the style of an omelet rice, and there are many different variations depending on the restaurant.

The history of shrimp rice

Shrimp rice is a popular dish in Okayama, but its roots can be traced back to the curry house "Indeira" in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, which was founded in 1955. It was Tatsumi Idei who introduced shrimp rice, which was an original menu item at the restaurant from the time it first opened, to Okayama.

Mr. Idei, originally from Okayama, opened "Indeira" in his hometown in 1966 as a branch of the restaurant. Shrimp rice quickly became a popular menu item and began to be served at nearby coffee shops, spreading the dish further.

Although shrimp rice has its roots in Tokyo, the taste is actually completely different. People in Okayama prefer a slightly sweeter flavor with a strong impact, and shrimp rice has been gradually adapted to the Okayama taste over time while still respecting the Tokyo flavor.

The sauce used for shrimp rice has a different flavor than Worcestershire sauce or tonkatsu sauce, so it's hard to compare it to anything. Incidentally, the use of raw mushrooms is also an Okayama original.

The particular taste that "Indeira" has maintained since it opened has now become a local B-class gourmet dish that represents Okayama.

Okayama Prefecture Tourism Information

Okayama Prefecture, where you can eat shrimp rice, has many tourist spots, but the one we recommend is the Hiruzen Plateau. We will introduce three popular tourist spots in the Hiruzen Plateau.

The Hiruzen Plateau, located at an altitude of 500 to 600 meters, is one of the most popular resort areas in western Japan. You can relax by watching the cute Jersey cows grazing in the pastures.

In the vast natural surroundings, there are plenty of leisure facilities where you can enjoy cycling, barbecues, camping, and other activities, as well as amusement parks, hot springs, and other tourist attractions. You can enjoy it throughout the year, as a summer resort and a ski resort in the winter.

Hiruzen Jersey Land

At Hiruzen Jersey Land, you can interact with Jersey cows. It is recommended for those who want to spend a relaxing time surrounded by nature. There are also plenty of delicious gourmet foods such as ice cream and yogurt made with Jersey milk, Jersey beef diced steak, and cheese fondue.

Hiruzen Horse Park

You can enjoy horse riding at Hiruzen Horse Park. It is popular with families because you can feed the horses, lead them, and take them for a mini ride. Of course, you can also get a license. There is also an indoor riding arena, so you can use it without worry even on rainy days.

Hiruzen Winery

Hiruzen Winery cultivates wild grapes, a species that is indigenous to Japan and not found in Europe, and is dedicated to making wine. In addition to wine, they also produce and sell jams and juices. Wine tasting is available, so you can take your time to find your favorite flavor.

How to get to Okayama Prefecture

There are various ways to get to Okayama. Here are some recommended ways to get there. Travel time may vary depending on the season, weather, etc.

If you are heading to Okayama from Tokyo, we recommend flying. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Haneda Airport to Okayama Momotaro Airport. From Sapporo and Okinawa, it takes about 2 hours by plane. From Okayama Momotaro Airport to Tsuyama Station, it takes about 1 hour by rental car.

It takes approximately 3 hours from Kyoto Station, Osaka Station, Nagoya Station, or Hakata Station to Tsuyama Station.

We also recommend taking a leisurely drive to Okayama. Find the best way to get there.

Location of Okayama Prefecture

summary

Shrimp rice is a dish that each restaurant puts their own unique touches into. In addition to the standard menu, there are many other variations, so we recommend trying different varieties and comparing them. You might become addicted to the striking appearance and mild flavor.

If you visit Okayama, be sure to try shrimp rice.

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