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[Shonai Region, Yamagata Prefecture] What is "Dongara Soup," a beloved dish in the Shonai region that warms both body and soul?

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In the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture, there is a soup that has long been loved and eaten during the harsh winter months

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

It's called"Dongara-jiru," andit's such a beloved local dish in the Shonai region that it's practically synonymous with winter. It's so popular that it's hard to imagine anyone living in the area who hasn't tried it.

Here we will introduce information such as the origin of "Dongara Soup" and the dates of the "Dongara Soup (Winter Cod Festival)" which is looked forward to by the people of Yamagata Prefecture, especially those from Shonai

Please read to the end

What is acorn soup?

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Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website -Dongara-jiru / Kandara-jiru (cod soup)

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

Codfish caught between early January and early February are called winter codfish, and it is said that the dish originated when fishermen made and ate it on board their boats or on the beach to warm themselves up from the cold

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website -Dongara-jiru / Kandara-jiru (cod soup)

that the freshly caughtwinter cod is cut into chunks from head to tail, including the internal organs, so that nothing goes to waste.

The seasoning is basically just miso, but in some regions sake lees are also added

the word "dongara" is a corrupted form of the word "dongara" (body and shell)It is said that

Dongara soup and sake will warm you right to the core!

Introducing the "Dongara Soup (Winter Cod Festival)" held in various parts of the Shonai region

each area every year from mid-January to February, during the harsh winter, dongara-jiru (winter cod festival) is heldin

Many people from within and outside the prefecture, as well as local residents, look forward to the event every year. Some areas will be holding the event for the first time in three years in 2023, and many are looking forward to it

"Sakata Sea of ​​Japan Cold Cod Festival"

It appears the event will be held at three locations within Sakata City.
For more information, please contact the following.

INFORMATION

  • Name: 36th Sakata Sea of ​​Japan Winter Cod Festival
  • Venue: Nakamachi Mall, Nakadori Shopping Street, Sakata Seafood Market
  • Dates: Saturday, January 28th and Sunday, January 29th, 2023
  • Event hours: 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM * Cold cod soup will be available until around 2:00 PM (while supplies last)
  • Selling price: 700 yen per cup
  • For inquiries, please contact the 36th Sakata Sea of ​​Japan Cold Cod Festival Executive Committee (0234-22-9311) at the Sakata Chamber of Commerce and Industry

"Shonai Tourist and Product Center Winter Cod Festival"

As a countermeasure against COVID-19, the venue will be limited in capacity, and there will be a complete turnout system and ventilation every 45 minutes

*Please note that reservations are required

INFORMATION

  • Name: Shonai Tourist and Product Center Winter Cod Festival
  • Venue: Shonai Tourist and Products Center
  • Address: 80-1 Nakadori, Nunome, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, 997-0851
  • Dates: Saturday, January 14th to Sunday, January 29th, 2023
  • Opening times: Reservations required (seats rotate every 45 minutes). Please contact the official website or phone number below for reservations
  • URL: Shonai Tourism and Local Products Center Shonai Winter Hot Pot Festival Official Website
  • Reservation phone number: 022-25-5114

GOOGLE MAP

Sharin Cold Cod Festival

This roadside station is right in front of the sea. It's 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
  • Date and time: Sunday, January 22, 2023, 10:00-14:00 (Ends when sold out)
  • URL: Roadside Station "Atsumi" Sharin Official Homepage

GOOGLE MAP

"Sea of ​​Japan Winter Cod Festival"

INFORMATION

  • Name: 35th Ginza Winter Festival, Sea of ​​Japan Cold Cod Festival
  • Venue: Tsuruoka Ginza Shopping Arcade Special Venue (Honmachi, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture)
  • Address: 1-4-23 Honmachi, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, 997-0034
  • Date: Sunday, February 5, 2023
  • Event hours: 10:30-15:00
  • Inquiries: 0235-22-2202 (Tsuruoka Ginza Shopping District Promotion Association)

GOOGLE MAP

Try making Dongara Soup (cold cod soup) at home!

It is also sold as a set with dongara soup

It seems that they also offer mail order, so it might be worth searching for it

You can also make a miso-based dish using raw cod fillets, milt, and raw cod roe, which are sold for hot pot at supermarkets, along with green onions and tofu

By the way, in my house we also add shredded burdock to reduce the fishy smell

It's also great for an evening drink, so I highly recommend it!

summary

We have introduced you to Dongara Soup (cold cod), a delicious dish that represents the winter season in Shonai. What do you think? I hope you are now eager to try it

I'm sure there are some people who just heard the term "dongara soup" and wondered what kind of soup it was

To explain once again, cod caught in the middle of winter is called kandara, and dongara soup is a miso-based soup made using whole kandara, cut into chunks

Winter cod festivals, where people eat the dongara soup, are held all over the Shonai region

In the coldest part of winter in northern Japan, dongara soup is the perfect way to warm both body and soul!
If you ever have the chance, you should definitely visit the festival that serves it.

Delicious local food, highly recommended

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