【Japanese Cuisine】Speaking of Fukagawa Meshi in Tokyo? The representative rice dish "Japan's Five Great Famous Rice"

In Japan, a country rich in rice culture, there are a variety of rice dishes. In addition to common rice dishes such as Tempura Donburi and Gyudon, there are also unique regional rice dishes that embody the traditions and climate of each area. These include Fukagawa Meshi from Tokyo, Sayori Meshi from Gifu, Uzume Rice from Shimane, Kayaku Rice from Osaka, and Chushichi Meshi from Saitama. These are collectively referred to as the "Five Great Rice Dishes of Japan". In this article, we will explore the roots of Japanese food culture, focusing on these five great rice dishes. Let's step into the world of flavorful dishes created by local ingredients and traditional cooking methods together. 

What are the Five Great Rice Dishes of Japan? 

The "Five Great Rice Dishes of Japan" refers to the dishes selected by the Imperial Household Agency in 1939 as representative local rice dishes from national local cuisines. These dishes have unique flavors and cooking methods that utilize the history, culture, and local products of the region, and are loved by the local people. For Japanese people, rice is not just a meal, but an important part of culture and life. At the dining table, rice is valued as a place to deepen bonds with family and friends, and its flavor is further enriched by the combination of seasonal and local specialties. The Five Great Rice Dishes of Japan are positioned as part of this Japanese food culture.ffffffff

List of the Five Great Rice Dishes of Japan 

• Tokyo, Fukagawa "Fukagawa Meshi"
• Gifu Prefecture, Kani City, Mitake Town "Sayori Meshi"
• Shimane Prefecture, Tsuwano Town "Uzume Rice"
• Osaka Prefecture, Namba "Kayaku Meshi"
• Saitama Prefecture, Ogawa Town "Chushichi Meshi" 

Tokyo, Fukagawa "Fukagawa Meshi"

Fukagawa flourished as a fishing town during the Edo period (1603-1868), where many fishermen who caught fish, shellfish, and seaweed lived. In this area, clams were particularly abundant, and they were sometimes referred to as "Fukagawa" locally. The origin of Fukagawa-meshi lies in the dish "bukkake-meshi", which the fishermen of Fukagawa used to eat on their boats. At that time, the fishermen would boil the clams they caught with leeks and tofu, and pour the soup over rice to eat. This dish later evolved into the current bukkake type with miso and soy sauce, and was served at food stalls and single-meal restaurants, becoming a popular and easy meal.

There is another type of "Fukagawa-meshi", where clams are cooked with rice, known as the "takikomi" type. This is said to have been created with the idea of craftsmen such as carpenters carrying it as a lunch box. This is a unique feature of Fukagawa, where fresh clams are available at a reasonable price, and it has been loved as a home-cooked meal.

Restaurants in Tokyo where you can eat Fukagawa-meshi  

・Kappo Miyako

Address: 2-7-1, Tokiwa, Koto-ku, Tokyo

・Zenjyo Tempura Katayama

Address: 1-14-2, Hirano, Koto-ku, Tokyo

・Fukagawa-juku Main Store

Address: 1-6-7, Miyoshi, Koto-ku, Tokyo

・Fukagawa Kazuho

Address: 2-8-8, Kiba, Koto-ku, Tokyo

・Fukagawa Kamasho

Address: 2-1-13, Shirakawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo