Introducing the top 10 unmissable local gourmet dishes from the Yamagata region.

Benkeihan

Yamagata's traditional food “Benkei-han,” steeped in strong history and nature

As the name suggests, the local dish “benkeimeshi (benkeimeshi)” from Yamagata Prefecture is cooked rice characterized by its strong and exciting flavor. It has a long history, and it is said that ...

Dondon Yaki

Yamagata’s soul food loved by all generations!

Dondon Yaki (どんどん焼き, Dondon yaki) is a popular street food from Yamagata's inland areas, known for its rich savory sauce and its unique presentation – rolled around disposable chopsticks for ...

Grilled Black Seabream

A mild and refined flavor that everyone will love!

Grilled Black Seabream (クロダイ, Kurodai) is a fish commonly caught near rocky shores and piers from Yunohama to Kamo in Tsuruoka City. Known for its firm, white flesh, it belongs to the sea br...

Sakata Ramen

A flavor that even ramen enthusiasts can’t resist, you’ll want to come back for more!

Sakata Ramen (酒田ラーメン, Sakata ramen) originates from Sakata City in Yamagata Prefecture, specifically from the northern Shonai region. Its unique broth is crafted using pork bones, chicken,...

Natto Soup

A traditional winter dish from Yamagata, cherished as a seasonal classic

Natto Soup (納豆汁, Natto-jiru) is a hearty and nutritious wintertime staple that has been loved in Yamagata Prefecture for generations. The natto, fermented soybeans, is mashed to enhance its f...

Yamagata Soba

Aromatic "Ita Soba" beloved by the people of Yamagata

Yamagata Soba (山形そば, Yamagata soba), commonly known as "Ita Soba," is a type of soba noodle enjoyed widely across the inland areas of Yamagata Prefecture. Its defining feature is that the no...

Tama Konnyaku

The beloved daily snack of Yamagata locals

Tama Konnyaku (玉こんにゃく, tama konnyaku) is a cherished soul food of Yamagata Prefecture, affectionately called “Tama-kon” by the locals. As Yamagata has long been known for its production of ko...

Hiyashi ramen

It was born to survive the hot summer in Yamagata. It is a cold ramen that originated in Yamagata City. As its name suggests, it is cold ramen, and both soup and noodles are cold, and sometimes ic...

Musou Jiru (Bamboo Shoot Soup)

A herald of spring from Shonai—Savor the rich flavor of fresh bamboo shoots

Musou Jiru (孟宗汁, Bamboo Shoot Soup) is a traditional springtime dish from the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture, made with tender bamboo shoots from the Mosochiku bamboo and served in a miso-...

Kujira Mochi

An old-fashioned flavor passed down in Mogami, Yamagata

Kujira Mochi (くじら餅, Kujira mochi) is a traditional sweet that has been enjoyed for generations in the Shinjō and Mogami regions of Yamagata Prefecture. Despite its name, it does not contain a...