Sicilian rice is a nutritious soul food of Saga. Warm rice, sweet and spicy meat, and plenty of vegetables are served on one plate. It is healthy and filling, and is a local B-class gourmet dish loved by locals.

The sake became known outside the prefecture after winning the Silver Grand Prix (2nd place) at the 1st Kyushu B-1 Grand Prix held in 2009.

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

Characteristics of Sicilian rice

Sicilian rice is a single plate topped with rice, vegetables, and meat, drizzled with mayonnaise. There are many variations depending on the restaurant. It is often topped with thinly sliced beef and onions sauteed in a sweet and spicy sauce, but pork or chicken can also be used. Some restaurants also top it with roast beef from Saga beef.

The vegetables used are lettuce, cucumber, tomato, etc. Some styles have lettuce or cabbage underneath the rice. There are also unique Sicilian rice dishes with curry flavor or topped with a soft-boiled egg.

Sicilian rice is a simple dish that looks like a salad, but has an exquisite taste. You can enjoy the different textures and temperatures of the warm rice, sweet and spicy meat, and crunchy raw vegetables. The sweet and spicy meat also goes well with mayonnaise. The meat is strongly seasoned, but since it is eaten with rice and vegetables, it is not heavy. The aroma and color are great, making it a dish that will whet your appetite.

The History of Sicilian Rice

Sicilian rice is said to have first been created in a coffee shop in downtown Saga City around 1975. Details are unknown, but one theory is that it was a staff meal. At the time, it was made with whatever was on hand, such as onions and green peppers. As the staff meal was well received by employees, the restaurant added it to the menu after making some adjustments to make it look attractive. It has since become a standard menu item at coffee shops and restaurants, and is served in many eateries.

It is said that the dish was named "Sicilian rice" after the Mediterranean island of Sicily, the setting for the movie "The Godfather," because the green of the lettuce and cucumber, the white of the boiled egg, and the red of the tomato are reminiscent of the Italian tricolor flag.

There is another theory. In Nagasaki, next to Saga, there is a dish called Turkey Rice. And next to the country called Turkey is a country called Syria, and since Saga and Nagasaki are also neighbors, this is the theory that the dish was named "Syria...Sicily...Sicilian Rice" in competition with the country called Turkey.

Sicilian rice was featured on a television program in 2007, and the Saga Tourism Association received a flurry of inquiries. In addition, as local gourmet foods became more popular in various parts of Japan to promote local areas, Saga City also began an initiative to promote Sicilian rice as a local B-class gourmet food.

In 2008, the Saga City Tourism Association designated April 4 as "Sicilian Rice Day." This was thought up based on the wordplay of "Si (April) Si (4th)" of Sicilian rice.

Saga Tourism Information

Saga Prefecture, where you can eat Sicilian rice, has many attractive tourist spots. This time, we will introduce three popular tourist spots in Saga City.

Saga Shrine

Saga Shrine is located in Saga City, Saga Prefecture. The shrine enshrines the 10th lord of the Nabeshima clan, Nabeshima Naomasa, and the 11th lord, Nabeshima Naohiro. Nabeshima Naomasa is enshrined as a special government-sponsored shrine for his contributions to the dawn of modern Japan by creating Japan's first reverberatory furnace, cannon, and Armstrong gun. It is a popular power spot where it is said that if you visit all eight shrines within the grounds, including Matsubara Shrine, which enshrines the ancestors of the Nabeshima clan, your wishes will come true and good fortune will be granted. During the New Year's visit, the shrine is crowded with many worshippers.

Yoshinogari Historical Park

The Yoshinogari Ruins are a representative ruin from the Yayoi period. Yoshinogari Historical Park, where watchtowers, pit dwellings, and raised-floor storehouses have been restored, is a tourist spot where you can see, feel, and experience life in the Yayoi period. Experiences such as making fire, making magatama, making clay flutes, and making braided cords are popular with children and adults alike. Yoshinogari Historical Park is not just about history. There are 10 types of fun large playground equipment and a barbecue space, so you can have fun all day long. People who find the romance of history visit from all over the country.

Mitsuse Le Vert Farm Acorn Village

Mitsuse Le Vert Farm Acorn Village was created with the image of a rural French landscape. It is located on the Mitsuse Plateau, about 450m above sea level, on the border between Fukuoka and Saga prefectures. It is a popular tourist spot with an area where animals live, a bakery, a souvenir shop, a winery, and a restaurant on a vast grassland of about 870,000 square meters. You can feed small animals and experience horseback riding. You can also try archery and digging sweet potatoes. After enjoying the experience, you can spend a fulfilling time eating a meal and choosing souvenirs.

How to get to Saga

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

If you're heading to Saga from Tokyo, we recommend flying. It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Haneda Airport to Saga Airport.

It takes about 70 minutes from Kumamoto Station to Saga Station, and about 80 minutes from Nagasaki. It takes about 3 hours from Oita Station to Saga Station.

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

Location of Saga City, Saga Prefecture

summary

Colorful and filling, Sicilian rice is recommended for both lunch and dinner. Each restaurant has its own unique arrangement, so you can enjoy a variety of flavors. It is served at many local eateries, cafes, restaurants, and other places to eat, so you won't have any trouble finding a place to eat. Saga Prefecture is also full of attractive tourist spots, so there is plenty to see.

If you visit Saga, be sure to try Sicilian rice.

\ We are looking for Tempo Star member stores! /