Kitakami Croquette (Taro, beef, pork, and asparagus croquette)
A local favorite and a source of pride in Kitakami.

About Kitakami Croquette (Taro, beef, pork, and asparagus croquette)

Kitakami Croquette is a local specialty beloved in Kitakami, Iwate Prefecture. Its defining feature is the generous use of locally grown ingredients. The star is Futago taro, known for its sticky texture and rich flavor, which gives the croquette a distinctive smoothness. Kuroge wagyu beef raised amid Kitakami’s natural surroundings and nutrient-rich Iwate pork add depth of flavor and substance. Asparagus, one of the prefecture’s leading crops, provides a bright accent and helps create a well-balanced taste.

Created by the Kitakami Chefs Association as a way to revitalize the local community, Kitakami Croquettes are served at a variety of restaurants around the city. They can be enjoyed in many forms, including sandwiches, rice bowls, and as a soba topping. The dish has also represented Iwate’s local food scene at the B-1 Grand Prix and is well loved as a specialty of Kitakami.

At one long-established restaurant dating back to the Meiji era, you can enjoy it as part of a set meal while looking out over the Kitakami River, savoring the flavors of local ingredients. It is also available for takeout at expressway service areas, making it a popular stop for travelers.

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