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What Food To Try in Fukushima and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Fukushima for 2024.

National currency: Yen, symbol — ¥ (international currency code JPY).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Fukushima cafes and restaurants
$4.2 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $3.88
$20.8 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $20.77
$4.6 
Combo Meal
Starting from $4.5

What to Try in Fukushima

Must-try Dishes
Onigirazu - Rice Sandwich - A delightful fusion of sushi rice and various fillings like grilled chicken or veggies, all wrapped in seaweed. Locals often prepare it for picnics, making it a perfect grab-and-go meal.

Negi Soba - Green Onion Buckwheat Noodles - These chewy buckwheat noodles are served cold with a splash of savory dipping sauce, topped with fresh green onions. Best enjoyed during the hot months, locals often savor this dish at casual noodle shops.

Wakame Udon - Seaweed Udon Noodles - Thick, chewy udon noodles mixed with a generous portion of seaweed in a savory broth, offering a warm and nourishing meal. This comforting bowl is a popular choice for lunch, often enjoyed in cozy izakayas.

Fukushima-Wagyū - Fukushima Beef - Tender slices of marbled beef, lightly grilled and served with local vegetables, showcasing the region's high-quality meat. A dinner favorite in many restaurants, it's often savored during special occasions for its rich flavor.

Yaki Nikuman - Grilled Meat Bun - A fluffy bun stuffed with seasoned minced pork and veggies, grilled until crispy on the outside. This favorite street food can often be found at local festivals; locals love to grab one while enjoying the festivities.

Meishi Katsu - Rice with Grated Yam - Steamed rice topped with fresh grated yam and a hint of soy sauce, creating a creamy texture that’s unique to the region. Generally enjoyed during spring, it reflects the seasonal produce of Fukushima.

Yukko - Raw Beef Sashimi - Thinly sliced raw beef accompanied by a quail egg and a sprinkle of sesame, delivering a rich and enticing experience. Many people enjoy this dish at izakayas, although it’s crucial to ensure they're fresh, as it’s a bit uncommon in other regions.

Oden - Stewed Delights - A comforting stew of various ingredients like radish, fish cakes, and boiled eggs simmered in a light shoyu broth. Typically served during winter, locals gather around hot oden stalls, perfect for warming up on cold days.

Desserts & Drinks
Fukushima Lemon Sour - 福島レモンサワー (tart lemon cocktail) - A refreshing blend of shochu (a distilled spirit), soda water, and fresh lemon juice. Locals often enjoy it in izakayas after work, particularly during summer for its chilling effect and vibrant flavor.

Matcha Latte - 抹茶ラテ (sweet green tea milk) - Creamy frothed milk mixed with high-quality matcha powder, creating a rich, smooth drink. Popularized by many cafes around town, it's especially delightful in fall when the weather cools down.

Kannguu - 甘酒 (sweet rice drink) - A warm, non-alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice and water, served sweetened. Typically enjoyed during New Year celebrations or at local festivals, it's both comforting and nostalgic for many.

Jidori Pudding - 地鶏プリン (local chicken egg custard) - Silky smooth custard made using rich yolks from local free-range chickens, often flavored with caramel. You might find it at traditional sweet shops, especially during spring when eggs are freshest.

Kurodatsu - くろだつ (black rice cake dessert) - Soft, chewy dessert made with black rice flour, often filled with sweet red bean paste. A special treat during local festivals like the Adatara Fire Festival, locals really enjoy it as a shareable snack with friends and family.

Food and Groceries in Fukushima

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $1.79
Bananas $2.28
Oranges $2.08
Potatoes $2.77
Apples $4.25
Beverages
Water 1.5L $1.1
0.5L Local Beer $2.77
Imported Beer $2.42
Wine Rating >4.0 $6.92
Milk 1L $1.54

Various Groceries
Meat (Beef or Pork) $16.87
Chicken $6.4
Cigarettes $6.92
Rice $4.15
Local Cheese $14.9

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

On a recent evening, the hustle and bustle of the local izakayas flooded the streets in the Kawai district. It’s not uncommon to see groups of friends gathering around low tables, sharing small plates of food and laughter until quite late. Mealtimes in Fukushima tend to skew towards later hours compared to many other places—dinner often starts around 7 PM and can stretch well into the night. This late dining culture creates a vibrant atmosphere, especially on the weekends.

When it comes to food prices, you’ll find that a typical meal can range from ¥1,000 to ¥3,500, depending on where you decide to indulge. For example, a hearty bowl of ramen can cost around ¥800 in a casual eatery, while a more upscale place might have set meals starting at ¥2,500. There’s a noticeable price variation between the Kawai district, which is known for its lively izakayas, and the more boutique-oriented areas like the Aizuwakamatsu, where you might pay closer to ¥5,000 for a multi-course kaiseki.

Payment customs here are generally straightforward. It’s common to pay at the counter in smaller establishments, while larger restaurants may offer table service. Credit cards are increasingly accepted, but it’s wise to carry cash, particularly in smaller places or when you’re buying from street vendors. Oh, and before I forget, tipping is not customary here; just a friendly “arigato” is enough to express your gratitude for a meal.

One local dining custom that stands out is the practice of "nomihodai" (all-you-can-drink), which is a popular choice at many izakayas and restaurants. It typically allows diners to enjoy unlimited drinks for a set period (usually two hours) for around ¥2,500 to ¥3,500, making it a lively option for social gatherings. However, a common tourist mistake is to overlook these options and stick solely to ordering individual drinks without realizing how much more economical it can be.

For optimal dining, consider avoiding peak hours like Friday and Saturday evenings between 7 PM and 9 PM, when places can get quite crowded. Instead, aim for earlier or later settings to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Since local festivities often align with seasons, be sure to check seasonal fare as well—sakura mochi in spring and fresh catches during summer enhance the culinary experience in exciting ways.

As the food scene here evolves, I'm seeing a noticeable shift with younger generations leaning towards more sustainable and organic food choices, reflecting global food trends while still holding on to traditional flavors.