Kiritanpo Nabe: Akita's Regional Hot Pot with Hinai Jidori Stock and Fresh-Pounded Rice Sticks

Kiritanpo Nabe

Kiritanpo nabe is Akita's regional specialty — "kiritanpo" (cooked rice pounded and molded onto cedar sticks, then grilled) simmered in rich stock from Hinai jidori (Hinai free-range chicken). Indispensable in Akita from autumn through winter.

Characteristics

- Kiritanpo: Half-pounded rice wrapped around a cedar stick and grilled (removed and sliced diagonally) - Hinai Jidori Stock: Rich stock from the prized Hinai breed of free-range chicken - Ingredients: Seri (water parsley), burdock, hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, green onion, chicken - Seri: Akita-grown seri is essential to authentic kiritanpo nabe

Where to Eat

- Regional Cuisine Restaurants in Akita City: Specialist restaurants serving Akita regional food - Ryokan and Hotels: Served as part of accommodation dining - Near Akita Station: Specialty restaurants close to the station

Getting There

- JR Akita Shinkansen Akita Station is the starting point

Tips

Authentic kiritanpo nabe features abundant seri. The seri's fragrance and texture elevate the hot pot's flavor. Pre-packaged kiritanpo sets as souvenirs can be purchased near Akita Station.