Cathay businessHelp and supportNotification centre
  • Sign in / uponeworld
    Cathay Pacific
    Notification centre
    Tasting tour Japan's Shikoku island
    Rob Goss savours the regional culinary dishes and flavours of Shikoku Island, the smallest of Japan's main islands but a contender to be its tastiest
    Credit: Courtesy/FoodGPS
    Find the best fares to
    Tokushima

    Regional flavours make travelling around Japan a foodie’s delight. The four prefectures that comprise Japan’s Shikoku Island – Ehime in the west, Kagawa in the north, Kochi in the south and Tokushima out east – are perfect examples. Here are some classic Shikoku dishes to look out for.

    Tokushima ramen of Shikoku Island, Japan

    Credit: Shutterstock

    Tokushima Ramen

    One of Japan’s less-heralded ramen variations – and criminally so – Tokushima ramen features thin, softish noodles topped with green onions, pork belly and beansprouts. One Tokushima twist is that it can also be served with a raw egg on top. The main quirk, however, is that Tokushima ramen broth comes in three different hues – brown (the most common), yellow or white, depending on the combination of stock and the type of soy sauce in the mix – although each one tastes a little sweeter and saltier than a typical ramen. There are plenty of no-frills places to slurp up Tokushima ramen in Tokushima city, but the brown broth version at Inotani  (4-25 Nishidaikumachi; +81 886531482) is widely considered a standout.

    Sanuki Udon of Shikoku Island, Japan

    Credit: Shutter Stock

    Sanuki Udon

    For many Japanese, sanuki udon is the most identifiably Shikoku Island dish. Hailing from Kagawa, these slightly springy wheat noodles are typically served in a stock made with dried sardines and can come with a variety of toppings – a raw egg mixed into the bowl and a sprinkling of green onions is one classic option. It’s Shikoku soul food at its simplest and best. You’ll find sanuki udon all over Shikoku Island – there are an estimated 800 restaurants in Kagawa prefecture alone.

    Katsuo no Tataki of Shikoku Island, Japan

    Credit: allenfotowild

    Katsuo no Tataki

    Nothing says Kochi like katsuo no tataki: bonito tuna that’s seared over a straw fire just enough to scorch the outside while the fleshy centre remains tender and raw. Served in slices with raw garlic and onions (or green onions) and a sprinkling of ponzu sauce – a mix of soy, citrus and sake – it goes extremely well with beer or sake. Head to Hirome Market  (2 Chome-3-1 Obiyamachi, Kochi) in the heart of Kochi city to find dozens of stalls and food stands serving it. The market is especially lively at night with the after-work crowd.

    Uwajima Tai Meshi of Shikoku Island, Japan

    Credit: Getty Images

    Uwajima Tai Meshi

    Tai (red snapper) is the main ingredient in this Ehime signature dish, which is almost as much fun to prepare as it is to eat. You begin by mixing a raw egg into a soy- and fish-stock-based sauce before adding chunks of raw snapper, then pour the entire mixture onto a bowl of hot rice. The Dogo area of Matsuyama has some great tai meshi joints. Try Gansui  (3-6-4 Okaido) or Kadoya  (20-24 Dogoyunomachi).

    Hero image: Courtesy/FoodGPS

    More inspiration

    Tokushima travel information

    Country / Region
    Japan
    Language
    Japanese
    Airport code
    TKS
    Currency
    JPY
    Time zone
    GMT +09:00
    Climate
    Humid subtropical
    Country / Region
    Japan
    Time zone
    GMT +09:00
    Currency
    JPY
    Airport code
    TKS
    Language
    Japanese
    Climate
    Humid subtropical
    Find the best fares to
    Tokushima