Food In Kamakura

Kamakura, Japan: A Culinary Journey Through History

Kamakura, a coastal town in Kanagawa Prefecture, was once the political center of medieval Japan. The Kamakura period (1185-1333) saw a melding of warrior culture with the refined aesthetics of court aristocracy, which influenced its food culture heavily. With the spread of Zen Buddhism, vegetarian cuisine, especially the art of shojin ryori (temple food), became prominent. As a seaside town, Kamakura also boasts a rich selection of seafood dishes, embracing fresh catches from Sagami Bay. Over the centuries, this city has developed a culinary landscape that reflects its historic legacy combined with a thriving, contemporary food scene.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Kamakura

1. Shirasu-don (Non-Veg) - A bowl of rice topped with tiny, white bait fish, often served raw or lightly boiled. Shirasu is a local delicacy of the Shonan area.
2. Tenzaru Soba (Veg Option Available) - Cold soba noodles served on a bamboo mat paired with tempura. You can opt for vegetable tempura to keep it vegetarian.
3. Matcha Ice Cream (Veg) - Creamy ice cream flavored with matcha (powdered green tea) reflecting Kamakura's tea culture.
4. Yuba (Veg) - A dish made from the skin that forms on the surface when making tofu, often served with fresh wasabi or in sushi.
5. Sasa Kamaboko (Non-Veg) - A type of fish cake that is grilled and shaped like a bamboo leaf, a specialty of the region.
6. Sweet Potato Treats (Veg) - Desserts made from sweet potatoes, which are a popular crop in the area. Look out for sweet potato soft serve, pastries, and chips.
7. Renkon Chips (Veg) - Lotus root sliced thin and deep-fried into crispy chips seasoned with salt or other spices.
8. Vegetable Pickles (Veg) - A diverse range of traditional Japanese pickled vegetables, known as tsukemono, including daikon radish and cucumbers.
9. Kamakura Beer (Non-Veg) - Local craft beers that offer a taste of the region's unique brewing styles. Note that some beers may use animal products in their filtration process.
10. Zenzai (Veg) - A sweet red bean soup typically served with mochi (rice cake), perfect as a warming dessert on colder days.

Kamakura's Top Restaurants and Their Famous Dishes

• Restaurant: Tsuruya Eiraku
  Address: 2 Chome-1-30 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0005, Japan
  Famous Dish: Vegetarian Tenzaru Soba - Veg Option Available
• Restaurant: Sangosho
  Address: 4 Chome-10-5 Yuigahama, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0014, Japan
  Famous Dish: Shirasu-don - Non-Veg
• Restaurant: Kamakura Matsubara-an Keyaki
  Address: 1 Chome-1-9 Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0006, Japan
  Famous Dish: Matcha Ice Cream - Veg
• Restaurant: Imaizumitei
  Address: 2 Chome-7-24 Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0006, Japan
  Famous Dish: Renkon Chips - Veg
• Restaurant: Akimoto
  Address: 1 Chome-5-38 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
  Famous Dish: Yuba Dishes - Veg

Please note that while some restaurants offer dishes that are typically vegetarian, it's best to confirm with the restaurant directly to ensure the preparation meets your dietary requirements.