Must-Try Foods In Jozenjidori Avenue (Sendai) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Jozenjidori Avenue, Sendai, Japan

Jozenjidori Avenue is a bustling street in the heart of Sendai and is known for its vibrant food culture. Sendai, being the largest city in the Tohoku region, has a rich culinary heritage that dates back centuries. Historically, the region was under the feudal rule of the Date clan, which influenced its traditional cuisine, known as "Date-meshi." Over time, Sendai’s food culture evolved, with Jozenjidori Avenue emerging as a modern hub where traditional meets contemporary.

The avenue has always been a focal point for social gatherings and festivals, which are often accompanied by food stalls serving local delicacies. The bustling street, with its diverse selection of eateries, reflects the area's agriculture and its proximity to the sea, giving rise to a spectrum of flavors unique to this part of Japan.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Jozenjidori Avenue, Sendai

1. Zunda Mochi (Veg) - Sweet mochi balls topped with a paste made from edamame (young soybeans), providing a unique, creamy texture.
2. Sasa Kamaboko (Non-Veg) - A traditional fish cake, often shaped like a bamboo leaf, that is grilled to perfection, revealing a slightly smoky flavor.
3. Hattojiru (Veg option available) - A local soup dish with hand-kneaded wheat flour dumplings, served in a soy sauce-based broth with vegetables and sometimes with chicken.
4. Harako Meshi (Non-Veg) - A dish combining rice with salmon and topped with salmon roe, offering a rich flavor of the sea.
5. Gyutan (Non-Veg) - Grilled beef tongue, typically served with rice and oxtail soup, it’s a specialty that Sendai is particularly famous for.
6. Kaki Ryori (Non-Veg) - Various oyster dishes, such as fried oysters or oyster hotpot, showcasing Sendai's access to fresh seafood.
7. Tofu Dengaku (Veg) - Skewered tofu grilled and topped with a sweet and savory miso-based glaze.
8. Oshinoko (Veg or Non-Veg option) - Pickled vegetables or meats, a traditional accompaniment to regional meals.
9. Soy Sauce Ice Cream (Veg) - An unusual but delicious dessert that combines the rich flavor of soy sauce with creamy ice cream.
10. Sendai Miso Ramen (Veg or Non-Veg option) - A hearty noodle soup featuring robust miso-based broth, which can be found with vegetable or meat toppings.

Top Famous Restaurants in Jozenjidori Avenue, Sendai

Aji Tasuke

Address: 4-4-13 Ichibancho, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0811, Japan

Famous Food: Gyutan (Non-Veg)

Zunda Saryo

Address: 1-1-1 Chuo, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0021, Japan

Famous Food: Zunda Shake (Veg)

Kanrantei

Address: 1-Chome-25-37 Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi 981-0213, Japan

Famous Food: Matcha with Zunda Mochi (Veg)

Rikyu

Address: 1-8-3 Central, Aoba Ward, Sendai, 980-0021, Japan

Famous Food: Gyutan Set Meal (Non-Veg)

Kaki No Sato

Address: Various locations in Sendai

Famous Food: Oyster dishes (Non-Veg)

Sendai Kushidori

Address: 2-12-24 Kokubuncho, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0803, Japan

Famous Food: Grilled Skewers variety (Veg and Non-Veg options)

Mame-Tanuki

Address: 2-2-46 Kokubuncho, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0803, Japan

Famous Food: Dumplings with vegetables (Veg)

It's Vegetable

Address: 2-10-10 Ichibancho, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyami 980-0811, Japan

Famous Food: Vegetarian Ramen (Veg)

Kisoji Sendai

Address: 2-1-1 Chuo, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0021, Japan

Famous Food: Shabu Shabu with local vegetables (Veg and Non-Veg options)

Tanya Zenjirou

Address: 3-5-14 Ichibancho, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0811, Japan

Famous Food: Sendai Tofu Steak (Veg)