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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 Soup" and is a local dish that is so beloved that it's almost synonymous with winter, and there's probably no one living in the Shonai region 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
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
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
, Dongara Soup (Winter Cod Festival) is held in each region every year from mid-January to February during the harsh winter months
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 will be held at three locations in Sakata City. For more information, please contact us below.
INFORMATION
Name: 36th Sakata Sea of Japan Winter Cod Festival
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
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
Dongara soup is the best thing to warm the body and soul in the coldest winter of the year in the northern part of the country! If you have the chance, why not visit a festival like this?
I'm originally from Tokyo, but I've lived in Yamagata Prefecture for 30 years. Nowadays, I am able to speak the dialect and become a local. He goes to the nearby prefectures of Miyagi and Fukushima about two to three days a month to gather information. I belong to the middle-aged group who loves cats, local sake, and side dishes. (The icon is a beloved cat)
