We’re in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture! That was quick!
Hyogo Prefecture
Kobe Beef 神戸牛
OK so there’s something I want to get off my chest first, because we all know that Kobe is famous for beef. I was watching a YouTube video a while ago and there was an American advert in it, advertising “100% American Kobe beef”. The mental gymnastics you would have to do to get there are just… there are no words… Anyway I’ve had my rant. So Kobe beef is the most famous beef in Japan. It is very expensive since there are only around 3,000 cattle per year that qualify for the name. It can be eaten in many ways, particularly barbecued, but if you want a steak, you might have to sell one of your limbs to pay for it. The fat is so evenly distributed within the meat, that you get an amazing, melt-in-the-mouth experience.
Hippari Octopus Rice Pot ひっぱりだこ飯
This extremely popular ekiben (lunch sold at a train station) has been a core product in Hyogo Prefecture since 1998. It is unique because it is put in a special pot and sealed before selling, to lock in the taste. It is topped with octopus and various other ingredients such as bamboo shoots and herbs, for a fulfilling taste.
Akashi Yaki 明石焼き
By looking at this dish, you would imagine that it was inspired by Osaka’s famous product, takoyaki; however, it is actually the other way around. These eggy dumplings are made on the same grill as takoyaki, but instead of being topped with various things, they are dipped into fish stock before being eaten.
