[Akita Prefecture] Speaking of Akita's ekiben, this is it! Talking about the appeal of Hanazon's chicken rice bento

When you think of Akita's ekiben, the first thing that comes to mind Hanazono Chicken Meshi . This dish, which consists of tender chicken mixed with sweet and spicy sauce on top of fluffy cooked rice, is a flavor of Akita that continues to be loved by locals and travelers alike. In this article, we will introduce the appeal of chicken rice, where to buy it, and even information about mail order! Would you like to take it with you on your travels?

What is Hanazon chicken rice?

Exquisite ekiben made from a meal

`meal dish at the time of its founding . Kiritanpo bento sold on trains would lose its flavor and go unsold as it cooled down, so the chicken was taken out and boiled in a sweet-salty sauce to be eaten as a side dish for the employees.
After the war, he cooked all the burdock root, soy sauce, sugar, and rice he got from food rationing because he didn't want to separate the rice and side dishes. He was surprised because there was no such thing as ``cha rice'' in Akita at the time, but by combining this dish with chicken, torimeshi was born. This idea created a dish that represents Akita's ekiben culture.

The charm that spread throughout the country as an ekiben

In the 1960s, when trains were the main means of transportation, Odate Station was a busy stopover for night trains, and its chicken rice was also loved by many travelers. While adhering to the basics of ekiben taught by our predecessors: ``delicious even when cold'' and ``can be eaten with one hand,'' we continue to provide the same taste over the years.
Nowadays, it has established itself as Akita's soul food, and is popular among tourists as a must-try ekiben if you go to Akita.

Let's talk about why chicken rice is loved!

Commitment to local ingredients

The rice used for Hanazon's chicken rice is Akitakomachi, grown in Akita Prefecture . The tender stewed chicken and fluffy rice are soaked in the special sweet and salty sauce, creating a perfect combination of flavors.
In addition, the minced eggs and maple wheat gluten that accompany the stew look gorgeous and add to the special feeling of your trip. The craftsman's commitment to preserving the same taste is what creates ekiben that remain in the memories of many people.

Ekiben that combines convenience and luxury

The moment you open the lid, the aroma and beautiful color of the chicken rice will make you say, "Wow!" The bright egg mince, chestnuts, and maple gluten are a feast for the eyes. The gap between its compact size that fits in one hand and its authentic taste is what attracts many travelers. This item is not only great as a travel companion, but also as a souvenir.

It's delicious anyway!

The moment I took a bite, I was surprised at how delicious the rice was, packed with the flavor of chicken. The seasoning is just right, and even if you pick it up with chopsticks, it won't fall apart. Minced eggs not only add color but also make the sweet and salty chicken taste milder. The simmered dish that accompanies it has a somewhat nostalgic taste, and the chewy maple gluten is a nice accent. I don't know when is the right time to eat the chestnuts on top of the rice, but I enjoyed them as if they were a dessert.

The rice cooked in chicken stock, the chicken on top, and the stews are all delicious! There wasn't a particularly delicious side dish, but overall I felt it was well-balanced and highly satisfying. Nationally, Kiyoken's shumai bento and Gunma Prefecture's Touge's kamameshi are famous, but it's no wonder that Hanazen's chicken rice bento is the best in Tohoku.

Where can I buy chicken rice? Recommended purchase locations

Enjoy freshly made taste at Hanazon main store

Hanazon Main Store, located near JR Odate Station, serves freshly prepared chicken rice. Warm chicken rice has a different appeal than cold ekiben, and the good thing about it is that you can enjoy it in a relaxed atmosphere in the eat-in space. It is a valuable experience where you can enjoy the special feeling that can only be found at the main store.

Available at stations, supermarkets, and Akita Furusatokan.

Hanazon's chicken rice can be purchased at major stations and tourist events in Akita Prefecture, including JR Odate Station. It is also sold at local supermarkets, making it easy to purchase. Akita Furusatokan in Tokyo sells frozen chicken rice, which you can defrost and enjoy whenever you like! It's nice to be able to enjoy the taste of Akita without having to go to Akita.

Deliver the taste of Akita anywhere in the country through mail order.

You can purchase chicken rice online on Hanazon's official website, and it can be delivered anywhere in the country! It is also popular as a gourmet item and is perfect as a gift for family and friends who live far away. Even if you can't make it to Akita, you can still feel its charm.

• Hanazon Co., Ltd.

summary

Hanazen's chicken rice is a symbol of Akita's ekiben culture. Its charm lies in its unwavering tradition and carefully selected flavors that make use of local ingredients. Whether it's the freshly made chicken rice you can enjoy at our main store, the convenience of purchasing at stations or supermarkets, or even the nationwide distribution of our products online, it's a dish that will leave you highly satisfied. Please enjoy Hanazon's chicken rice as a companion on your next trip or for a special time at home!