Bamboo Chikuwa
"Bamboo Chikuwa," a soul food of Tokushima Prefecture

About Bamboo Chikuwa

One of the beloved soul foods of Tokushima Prefecture is "Bamboo Chikuwa" (竹ちくわ, Take chikuwa).

What sets it apart from regular chikuwa? It’s sold with the bamboo still inside! Tokushima locals, so accustomed to the unique style, often feel something is missing when chikuwa comes without the bamboo.

The proper way to enjoy it? Hold the piece of bamboo firmly with both hands and take a big bite, much like eating a piece of meat on the bone. For added flavor, try squeezing some sudachi (a local citrus) over it or dipping it in sudachi soy sauce—simple but delicious!

The origins of bamboo chikuwa date all the way back to the late Heian Period during the Genpei War at Yashima. It is said that fishermen from Komatsushima city made it by shaping freshly caught fish paste around green bamboo and grilling it on the beach. This traditional method lives on, offering a taste of Tokushima's history and culture.

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