Atsumeshi
A beloved fisherman’s dish from Saiki City in Oita Prefecture

About Atsumeshi

Atsumeshi (あつめし) is a traditional meal that originated as a hearty dish for fishermen in Saiki City, Oita.

Freshly caught fish such as horse mackerel, mackerel, or amberjack is cleaned with seawater, cut into bite-sized pieces, and marinated in a savory soy-based sauce. These flavorful marinated pieces are then generously placed on a steaming bowl of freshly cooked rice and mixed together for a simple yet satisfying meal. The name “Atsumeshi” comes from the piping hot rice (“atsu-atsu gohan”) topped with marinated fish. Written in kanji, it translates to "温飯," meaning "warm rice."

For an added delight, once you’ve enjoyed part of the dish, pour hot tea over the remaining rice and fish to create a delicious ochazuke-style meal. This changes the texture of the fish, offering a new and unique layer of flavor and enjoyment.

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