Ara no Sugatani (Simmered Whole Ara Fish)
The grandeur of the ara and its impressive presentation

About Ara no Sugatani (Simmered Whole Ara Fish)

Ara no Sugatani (アラの姿煮, Simmered Whole Ara Fish) is a stunning centerpiece of "Kunchi cuisine," a traditional feast served during the Karatsu Kunchi Festival in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. This autumn festival, held at Karatsu Shrine, is a grand celebration of gratitude for the harvest.

Historically, while men participated in the festival events, women stayed home to prepare meals for family and guests as a way of showing appreciation. One standout dish that continues to captivate is the massive ara fish cooked whole. The size of the fish is truly remarkable, with even the smaller ones exceeding 60 centimeters in length.

The ara is stuffed with daikon radish and boiled eggs, then simmered slowly for an entire day in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce and sake—each requiring as much as ten bottles. Due to its immense size, a regular pot isn't sufficient, so households commissioned custom-made, iron boat-like pots to cook this extraordinary dish. The result is a visually stunning and deliciously rich delicacy that exemplifies the heart and hospitality of Kunchi cuisine.

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