Hitsumabushi

When people talk about Japan, unagi (eel) is something that usually pops into people's mind. Like sushi, Japan is very famous for their unagi and usually the image we have its a tender slice of eel with sweet sauce over a bowl of Japanese rice. This well-known unagi dish originated from Shizuoka prefecture which is located two prefectures away from Tokyo towards the south. However, Nagoya seems to have taken the simple unagi dish to whole new level. Although it has been part of Nagoya tradition and not something new, Nagoya has their own different way of eating this delicacy, actually three. This unagi delicacy which they have in Nagoya is called "hitsumabushi." O-hitsu meaning the wooden bowl they put the rice in and then musubi is the noun form of musubu which is to cover, in this case covering the rice with unagi pieces. With the name out of the way, now let me guide you through the three ways of eating "hitsumabushi." The first way is to scoop some rice into a separate bowl provided and then eat it as it is. This first way you can really savour the real taste of the unagi and the rice. The second way is to scoop some rice into the bowl again like the first way but this time add some of the "yakumi" or seasoned toppings to it. The toppings are usually toasted seaweed, spring onions and wasabi. You then mix it all up and eat it together with the unagi and rice. The third and last way is to eat it "ochazuke" style. To those who have had "ochazuke" might already know how to eat it but for those who do not know, I will guide you through it step by step. First of all like the first and second way you scoop the unagi and rice into the bowl. The next step is to add the "yakumi" on to the unagi and rice like you did in the second way. The last step for this third way is to add the "o-dashi." Pour the "o-dashi" into your bowl of rice and devour everything along with the hot broth. So, which way is the best way to eat it? Well, usually you will have enough to test out all three of the ways of eating "hitsumabushi" and have left over portions in the "o-hitsu" for you to savour the last bits the style of your choice. So the next time you find yourself in Nagoya, make sure to try out their "hitsumabushi."