Sendai Miyagi, Japan Travel Guide
Sendai cuisine draws influence from Miyagi Prefecture's abundant agricultural produce, seafood from the Pacific coast, and livestock like Sendai beef. The Date clan's history also shaped specific local dishes.
Anticipate umami-rich, savory tastes. Local miso and soy sauce frequently can be seen in dishes.
Beef tongue (gyutan), edamame (soybeans), rice, seafood (oysters, sanma/Pacific saury, sea urchin), local vegetables, and miso paste.
Gyutan (beef tongue), Zunda mochi (sweet edamame paste on mochi), Sasakamaboko (fish cake).
Harako Meshi (salmon and roe rice), Kaki Ryori (oyster dishes from Matsushima), Serafin Don (seafood bowl).
Sendai's most famous dish: thick slices of charcoal-grilled beef tongue, served with barley rice, oxtail soup, and pickled vegetables.
Find it at Rikyu, Umami Tasuke, and Kisuke.
A local sweet featuring pounded mochi rice cakes topped with a sweet, green paste made from edamame (soybeans).
Available at specialty Zunda shops and souvenir stores.
A local fish cake specialty, often shaped like a bamboo leaf. Made from white fish paste, grilled or steamed.
Widely available at souvenir shops and markets for food.
Hagi no Tsuki (custard cream sponge cake) and Zunda Shake (edamame milkshake).
Komeko Pan (bread made from rice flour).
Upscale restaurants in luxury hotels (e.g., The Westin Sendai) offer sophisticated dining. Specialized sushi restaurants and From japan kaiseki (multi-course) restaurants provide refined experiences.
Numerous izakayas (Japanese pubs), ramen shops, soba/udon restaurants, sushi restaurants, curry houses, and Western-style cafes/restaurants operate throughout the city center.
Convenience stores offer ready-to-eat meals. Budget ramen/udon shops, fast food, and food courts provide affordable options. Sendai Asaichi (Morning Market) has fresh produce and prepared foods.
Food halls in the basements of big stores (e.g., Fujisaki, Mitsukoshi) offer a wide array of gourmet foods, bentos, and local delicacies.
Perfect for high-quality grab-and-go meals and souvenirs.
Expect fresh seafood, prepared dishes, sweets, and international selections.
A culinary exploration in itself.
Pasta and pizza restaurants.
Bistros and patisseries.
Noodle and BBQ spots.
Curry and naan restaurants.
Widespread use of brown sauce made from fermented soybeans (contains wheat) and other allergens that are common makes gluten-free dining difficult.
Carry translation cards to explain restrictions.
Online blogs and Facebook groups for "Gluten-Free Japan" are resources. Google Translate's camera aids in deciphering menus.
Larger chains or hotel restaurants may be more accommodating.
Tap water in Japan is generally safe to drink. Restaurants maintain high hygiene standards.
Legal drinking age is 20. Alcohol is widely available in restaurants, izakayas, and convenience stores.
Specific cooking classes focused solely on Sendai cuisine for tourists are limited. Some general Japanese cooking classes might be available.
Initiatives in rural Miyagi Prefecture focus on local traditions, crafts, and agricultural experiences, fostering community connection.
Japanese-style pubs offering a wide range of small dishes, sake, and beer. These are popular for social dining.
Occasionally, traditional Japanese performing arts (e.g., drumming, dance) appear at local festivals or special events.
Check local listings for specific dates.
Seasonal festivals often present opportunities to sample unique festival foods not always available in restaurants.
A delicious approach to see local culture.
For popular fine dining spots, notably on weekends or during peak seasons, reservations are advisable.
Many smaller eateries and izakayas prefer cash. Larger restaurants and hotels accept credit cards.
Many menus have pictures or some English. Translation apps assist with communication.
You find everything from gourmet bentos to local sweets.
