Saga Prefecture is a place where rich nature and traditions live on, and there are many delicious local delicacies. Here, we will introduce in detail the must-visit food spots in Saga and the exquisite delicacies that you should definitely try.
1. Yobuko squid (Karatsu)
Yobuko is a port town famous for its fresh, transparent squid. In this area, live squid is the specialty, and is characterized by its transparent flesh. In addition to the squid sashimi, tempura and grilled dishes are also excellent. Unlike squid from the Kanto region, the squid is not white, but transparent, which is a characteristic of fresh squid.
2. Hatomasaki turban shells grilled in a tub (Karatsu)
Located on the edge of Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, Cape Hadomisaki is a scenic spot with a beautiful coastline. At the food stalls here, you can enjoy fresh turban shells grilled in a tub. The fragrant grilled turban shells, with the aroma of the seashore, are truly delicious. This is a standard gourmet dish loved by locals.
3. Karatsu Burger (Karatsu)
Karatsu Burger is a local hamburger restaurant located in Niji no Matsubara in Karatsu City, and is a very popular menu item among tourists. This burger, made with a handmade patty and fresh vegetables, is very filling and allows you to enjoy the true essence of a local burger.
4. Drive-in Tori (Imari)
Drive-In Tori is a chicken specialty restaurant in Imari City, where you can enjoy grilling your own chicken on the grill at each table. The yakitori, marinated in a special sauce, is fragrant and juicy. Try it with their specialty chicken rice. It gets busy on weekends, so we recommend making a reservation in advance.
5. Saga Ramen (Saga City)
Saga ramen is characterized by its pork bone-based soup, and there are many ramen shops in Saga city. It has a rich yet mellow taste and is loved by locals. Compared to Hakata tonkotsu ramen, it has a softer soup and noodles, and some shops top it with local specialty seaweed and raw egg.
6. Oysters from the Ariake Sea (Kashima)
Kashima City faces the tidal flats of the Ariake Sea, which contains the most minerals in Japan, and is famous as a place where you can enjoy fresh oysters. Oysters from the Ariake Sea are characterized by their plump texture and rich flavor, and can be enjoyed grilled or raw. As oysters are harvested from the tidal flats, they are rich in nutrients, have a strong flavor, and are large in size. They are even more delicious if you visit in the winter.
7. Seafood and delicacies from the Ariake Sea (Kashima)
In the Ariake Sea , you can enjoy not only oysters, but also various other delicacies. Particularly famous are mudskippers , kuchizoko , warasubo , and sea mushrooms . These seafood products are rare flavors unique to Saga, and are valuable delicacies that can only be enjoyed locally. You can find rare ingredients not only at supermarkets but also at roadside stations.
8. Sake (Kashima)
Saga Prefecture is blessed with an abundance of groundwater and rice, and produces a large amount of high-quality sake. Kashima City in particular is an area dotted with sake breweries, and visitors can enjoy the carefully crafted sake of each brewery.
Kashima City sake brewery
Fukuchiyo Sake Brewery : A sake brewery known for its "Nabeshima" sake. It has won numerous awards both in Japan and overseas, with its "Nabeshima Junmai Ginjo" sake being particularly highly regarded.
Yano Sake Brewery : A sake brewery known for its brand name "Azumaichi." They brew modern sake while still maintaining traditional methods. Their Junmai Daiginjo sake is especially popular.
Baba Sake Brewery : A sake brewery known for its brand "Nogomi." Although they produce small quantities of sake, they offer a selection of high-quality sake, which has garnered attention nationwide.
Kohime Sake Brewery : One of the oldest sake breweries in Saga Prefecture, famous for its brand "Kohime." They brew sake that reflects the local climate.
9. Ide Chanpon (Takeo)
"Ide Chanpon" with its main store in Takeo City is a long-established local champon restaurant. The champon, topped with plenty of vegetables and pork, is very filling and has a refreshing soup. In addition, katsudon is also a hidden favorite, and katsudon specialty restaurants have recently opened.
10. Carp dishes
Carp dishes are one of the traditional local dishes of Saga Prefecture. Carp can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as sweet-simmered carp, washed carp, and as sashimi. In particular, dishes made with fresh carp are a masterpiece that lets you feel the bounty of nature. You can enjoy them at local restaurants and specialty shops.
11. Saga Beef
The last thing we'll introduce is Saga Beef, a brand of beef that Saga is proud of. Characterized by fine marbling and tender meat, it can be enjoyed as steak, shabu-shabu, or yakiniku. Saga Beef is highly regarded nationwide, and it's definitely worth a visit to Saga just to experience its deliciousness.
summary
Saga Prefecture is a place where you can enjoy delicious cuisine nurtured by the rich nature and culture. Enjoy the unique flavors of Saga, such as Yobuko squid, Saga beef, and seafood from the Ariake Sea. There are dishes that can only be tasted in each area, so when you visit Saga, be sure to visit these gourmet spots.
