Cod

[Shonai region, Yamagata prefecture] What is “Dongara soup” that is loved in the Shonai region and warms your body and soul? ?

  • ikoke
  • Last updated: 2023.09.28

In the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture, there is a soup that has been loved for a long time and eaten during the mid-winter season.

It used to be a delicious food only found near the sea, but now that distribution has improved, it is eaten throughout Yamagata Prefecture.

Its name is ``Dongara soup,'' and there's probably no one living in the Shonai region who hasn't tried it. It is a local food that is so popular that it is synonymous with winter.

Here, we will introduce information such as the origin of ``Dongara soup'' and the schedule of ``Dongara soup (cold cod festival)'', which is looked forward to by the people of Yamagata prefecture, especially the people of Shonai.

Please read to the end.

What is dongara soup?

Dongara Jiru
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website - Dongarajiru/Cold cod soup (Dongarajiru/Kandarajiru)

Dongara soup is a soup made from cod (fish) caught in the middle of winter.

It is said that the origin of this dish is that cod fish caught from early January to early February was called kantara, and fishermen would prepare and eat it on their boats or on the beach to warm up their cold bodies.

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website - Dongarajiru/Cold cod soup (Dongarajiru/Kandarajiru)

that the freshly caught cold cod is cut into pieces, from the head to the tail, including the internal organs, and is used entirely without any waste .

Basically, only miso is used for seasoning, but depending on the region, sake lees may also be added.

It is said that the word "dongara" came to be derived from the name of the body (body and gara) .

“Dongara soup” and sake will warm you to the core!

Introducing “Dongara soup (cold cod festival)” held in various parts of the Shonai region

a dongara soup (cold cod festival) is held in each region from mid-January to February during the mid-winter period

Not only local residents, but also many people from inside and outside the prefecture look forward to visiting this event every year. The event will be held in 2023 for the first time in three years, and it is much anticipated.

"Sakata Japan Sea Cold Cod Festival"

It seems that it will be held at three locations in Sakata City.
If you would like to know more, please contact us below.

INFORMATION

  • Name: 36th Sakata Sea of ​​Japan Cold Cod Festival
  • Venue: Nakamachi Mall, Nakadori Shopping Street, Sakata Seafood Market
  • Date: January 28th (Saturday) and January 29th (Sunday), 2020
  • Event time: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. *Cold cod soup will be sold until around 2 p.m. (until sold out)
  • Sales price: 700 yen per cup
  • Contact: Sakata Chamber of Commerce and Industry "36th Sakata Japan Sea Cold Cod Festival Executive Committee" (0234-22-9311)

"Shonai Tourist Products Center Cold Cod Festival"

To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the number of people in the venue will be limited, and the venue will be completely replaced and ventilated every 45 minutes.

*Please note that reservations are required.

INFORMATION

  • Name: Shonai Tourist Products Center Cold Cod Festival
  • Venue: Shonai Tourism and Products Center
  • Address: 80-1 Nakadori, Nunome, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture 997-0851
  • Date: January 14, 2020 (Saturday) to January 29, 2020 (Sunday)
  • Holding time: Reservation required (complete replacement every 45 minutes) Please contact the official website below or call the reservation phone number.
  • URL: Shonai Tourism and Products Center Shonai Winter Hot Pot Festival Official Homepage
  • Reservation phone number: 022-25-5114

GOOGLE MAP

"Sharin Cold Cod Festival"

This is a roadside station right in front of the sea. This is the perfect location for dongara soup!

INFORMATION

  • Name: Sharin Cold Cod Festival
  • Venue: Roadside Station “Atsumi” Sharin
  • Address: 606 Tonoura, Hayata, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture 999-7121
  • Event date and time: January 22, 2020 (Sunday) 10:00-14:00 (ends when sold out)
  • URL: Roadside Station “Atsumi” Sharin Official Homepage

GOOGLE MAP

"Japan Sea Cold Cod Festival"

INFORMATION

  • Name: 35th Ginza Winter Festival Japan Sea Cold Cod Festival
  • Venue: Tsuruoka Ginza Shopping District Special Venue (Honmachi, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture)
  • Address: 1-4-23 Honmachi, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture 997-0034
  • Date: February 5, 2020 (Sunday)
  • Event time: 10:30-15:00
  • Inquiries: 0235-22-2202 (Tsuruoka Ginza Shopping District Promotion Association)

GOOGLE MAP

Try dongara soup (cold cod soup) at home!

It is also sold as a dongara soup set.

It seems that they are available to order, so you might want to search for it.

It is also a good idea to make miso with raw cod fillets, milt, and raw cod roe, which are sold at supermarkets, with green onions and tofu.

By the way, at my house, we also add chopped burdock to reduce the fishy smell.

It goes well with an evening drink, so I recommend it!

summary

I introduced the delicious dish that is representative of Shonai in winter, ``Dongara soup (cold cod)''. What do you think? Maybe you want to try it.

If you just heard “dongara soup”, what kind of soup is it? I'm sure some of you thought so.

To explain again, the cod caught in the middle of winter is called cold cod, and ``dongara soup'' is a miso-flavored soup made from whole cold cod cut into pieces.

Cold cod festivals where you can eat the acorn soup are held all over the Shonai region.

Dongara soup is the best because it will warm your body and soul in the coldest winter of the year in northern Japan!
If you have the chance, why not visit it if you have the chance to know that such a festival exists

Delicious local food, highly recommended.

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