Kiritanpo

Akita's local dish “kiritanpo nabe,” filled with the aroma and flavor of charcoal fire

About Kiritanpo

“Kiritanpo nabe,” a traditional local dish from Akita Prefecture, is a hot pot dish made by grinding cooked non-glutinous rice, wrapping a cedar stick around the tip, and grilling it, and simmering it along with chicken and vegetables. There are various theories, but it is said that this dish originated in Odate City and Kazuno City in the northern part of Akita Prefecture, and it is said that it began when people who charcoal-grilled or cut trees in the mountains stabbed leftover rice on sticks, grilled it, and then put it in a chicken pot and ate it.

The name “dandelion” is named because rice wrapped around a skewer resembles a “tampo (short ear)” that protects the blade tip of a spear, and it came to be called “kiritanpo” because it was cut into a size that is easy to eat when putting it in a pot. Locally, it is eaten by putting it in chicken stock broth and simmering it, or grilling it with miso paste.

Hinai chicken, burdock root, green onions, Japanese parsley, maitake mushrooms, and konnyaku noodles are used as the main ingredients for kiritanpo nabe. Hinai chicken is a local chicken produced in Akita prefecture, has fine fat, and is said to go great with dandelions.

In terms of nutrition, chicken is high in protein and rich in B vitamins, which is useful for recovering from fatigue and improving muscle strength. Burdock root is rich in dietary fiber and can be expected to have the effect of regulating the intestinal environment. Seri contains vitamin A and vitamin C, and is expected to improve immunity and have antioxidant effects.

Japanese sake from Akita prefecture goes well with kiritanpo nabe. In particular, clean, dry sake enhances the flavor of chicken and vegetables, and deepens the overall flavor of the pot.

Every year in Akita Prefecture, events such as the “Authentic Odate Kiritampo Festival” and the “Kiritampo Birthplace Festival” are held, and they are loved by locals and tourists. At these festivals, you can experience making kiritanpo and enjoy freshly made kiritanpo nabe, making it a great opportunity to enjoy Akita's food culture.

When you visit Akita, be sure to try authentic kiritanpo nabe and local sake, and experience traditional food culture.