Shishi Nabe (wild boar hot pot)
A rustic winter specialty shaped by Ish岡’s local food culture

About Shishi Nabe (wild boar hot pot)

Shishi nabe, a winter specialty of Ishioka City in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a hearty local hot pot made with fresh wild boar caught in the area and plenty of seasonal vegetables. The Yasato district of Ishioka is an authorized area for shipping wild boar meat, and hunting culture has taken root there over generations. The dish is also connected to local efforts to address damage caused by wild animals. A “Shishi Nabe Map,” updated annually, helps promote the use of captured wild boar as a resource for the community and highlights the dish as a winter attraction.

Wild boar meat appears to have been a valuable source of protein for people in Japan since the Jōmon period. Although there were times when people avoided eating the meat of four-legged animals, wild boar is prized for its rich, savory flavor—deeper than pork, yet with a clean finish. It is also described as high in protein and low in fat, and as containing iron and B vitamins. Shishi nabe is seasoned with miso or soy sauce, and fragrant burdock root, green onions, mizuna, and garland chrysanthemum are often added, bringing the sweetness of the vegetables together with the meat’s deep flavor.

Shishi nabe pairs especially well with Ibaraki junmai sake, whose mellow taste enhances the savoriness of the wild boar. Several restaurants in the city typically serve it from around November through March. Availability and details vary by restaurant, so checking in advance or making a reservation is recommended.

When visiting Ishioka, try shishi nabe, a dish that brings together the area’s nature and culture.

Related videos

Reviews