Food In Mount Aso

Food History of Mount Aso, Kumamoto, Japan

The food history in the region around Mount Aso is closely tied with the area's rich agriculture, influenced by the fertile volcanic soil. The diet historically features a range of fresh vegetables, local grains, and river fish. The region is known for its excellent quality grass, which supports dairy farming. Additionally, Kumamoto is famous for traditional Japanese sweets (Wagashi) because of the abundance of high-quality water and grains. While the area is known for its horse meat (Basashi), we will focus on the non-cow meat and vegetarian aspects of the local cuisine.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Mount Aso, Kumamoto, Japan

1. Takana (Mustard Greens) - Vegetarian: Pickled or stir-fried mustard greens are a speciality, known for their unique peppery flavor.
2. Karashi Renkon (Mustard Stuffed Lotus Root) - Vegetarian: Lotus root is stuffed with a mustard-miso paste and then deep-fried, creating a savory snack.
3. Ikinari Dango - Vegetarian: A local sweet treat, consisting of a steamed dumpling with a sweet potato and red bean paste filling.
4. Akaushi Beef (not cow) - Non-Veg: Aso is near Kumamoto city, which is famous for Akaushi beef. While not cow, it’s a highly praised variety of Japanese beef.
5. River Fish Cuisine - Non-Veg: Savor dishes made from fresh river fish such as trout or ayu, often grilled or served in a hot pot.
6. Onsen Tamago - Vegetarian: Eggs gently cooked in the hot spring waters, resulting in a creamy, soft texture.
7. Yamamomo (Mountain Peach) - Vegetarian: A small, tart berry that can be eaten fresh or used in desserts and beverages.
8. Soba noodles - Vegetarian: Buckwheat noodles often served cold with a dipping sauce or in a hot broth, a popular dish in this region.
9. Amakusa Daio Squid - Non-Veg: Fresh squid from the nearby Amakusa islands, known for its tender texture, often served raw as sashimi.
10. Green Tea - Vegetarian: Mount Aso's surrounding area is also noted for its tea production, with a variety of green tea that has a unique aroma and taste.

Top Famous Restaurants in Mount Aso, Kumamoto, Japan

• Aso Villa Park Hotel
  Address: 1230 Kawayo, Minami Aso, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-1404, Japan
  Famous Food: Onsen Tamago (Vegetarian)
• Sobakiri Miyoshi
  Address: 1490 Uchinomaki, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2225, Japan
  Famous Food: Soba noodles (Vegetarian)
• Kyomachiya Inaka Restaurant
  Address: 2373 Kawahara, Minamioguni, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-2402, Japan
  Famous Food: Takana dishes (Vegetarian)
• Amakusa Daio Restaurant Chain (Various Locations)
  Famous Food: Amakusa Daio Squid (Non-Veg)
• Ikinari Dango Obiya
  Address: Japan, 〒860-0845 Kumamoto, Chuo Ward, Anseimachi, 8−11
  Famous Food: Ikinari Dango (Vegetarian)
• Shinwaen
  Address: 605-1 Tawarayama, Minamiaso, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-1503, Japan
  Famous Food: Karashi Renkon (Vegetarian)