Speaking of Akita station bento, this is it! We talk about the appeal of Hanazen's chicken rice bento!

When it comes to ekiben (train station bento boxes) in Akita, the first name that comes to mind is "Hanazen's Chicken Rice." This dish, featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce on top of fluffy cooked rice, is a beloved Akita specialty for both locals and travelers. In this article, we'll introduce the charm of Chicken Rice, where to buy it, and even online ordering information! Why not take it with you on your travels?

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What is Hanazen's chicken rice?

An exquisite ekiben lunch born from staff meals

Hanazen's chicken rice dish originated as a "staff mealsold on trainskiritanpo bentowould lose its flavor when it cooled down and end up unsold, so they would take out the chicken, simmer it in a sweet and savory sauce, and eat it as a staff meal.
After the war, they obtained burdock root, soy sauce, sugar, and rice through food rationing and cooked them all together because "it was too much trouble to separate the rice and side dishes." At the time, there was no such thing as "chameshi" (rice cooked with tea) in Akita, so it surprised people, but by combining this with the chicken from the staff meal, chicken rice was born. This idea gave birth to a dish that represents Akita's ekiben (train station bento) culture.

The appeal of ekiben that has spread nationwide

In the 1960s, when trains were the primary mode of transportation, Odate Station was a bustling transit point for overnight trains, and its chicken rice bento was loved by many travelers. While adhering to the fundamental principles of bento boxes passed down from previous generations—that they should be delicious even when cold and easy to eat with one hand—they have continued to offer the same unchanging taste for many years.
Today, it has established itself as a soul food of Akita and is popular with tourists as a "bento box you must try at least once if you visit Akita."

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We'll tell you why chicken rice is so loved!

Commitment to local ingredients

The rice used in Hanazen's chicken rice isAkita Komachi from Akita Prefecture. The tenderly simmered chicken and fluffy rice are perfectly complemented by the sweet and savory special sauce.
The scrambled egg and the maple leaf-shaped wheat gluten served with the simmered vegetables add a touch of elegance to the meal, making it a special treat for travelers. The dedication of the artisans who continue to uphold the same unchanging taste is what creates this memorable ekiben (train station bento box).

Ekiben that combines convenience and luxury

The moment you open the lid, the aroma and beautiful colors of this chicken rice will make you exclaim, "Wow!" in admiration. The vibrant color of the minced egg, chestnuts, and maple leaf gluten is a feast for the eyes. The contrast between its compact size that fits in one hand and its authentic flavor is what attracts so many travelers. It's not only a great travel companion, but also makes a wonderful souvenir

It's just delicious!

The moment I took my first bite, I was surprised by how delicious the rice was, packed with the flavor of chicken. The seasoning was just right, and it didn't fall apart when I picked it up with chopsticks. The minced egg not only adds color, but also helps to mellow out the sweet and salty chicken. The accompanying stew had a nostalgic flavor, and the chewy maple fu was a nice accent. I'm not sure when is the right time to eat the chestnuts on top of the rice, but I enjoyed them as a dessert

Not only was the rice cooked in chicken broth, but the chicken on top, and the stew, everything was delicious! There were no outstandingly delicious side dishes, but the overall meal was well-balanced and I felt very satisfied. Nationwide, Kiyoken's shumai bento and Gunma Prefecture's Toge no Kamameshi are famous, but it's no wonder that Hanazen's chicken rice bento is the undisputed leader in the Tohoku region

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Where can I buy chicken rice? Recommended places to buy it

Enjoy freshly made flavors at Hanazen Main Store

Hanazen's main store, located near JR Odate Station, serves freshly made chicken rice. Warm chicken rice has a different appeal from cold ekiben, and the fact that you can enjoy it in a relaxed atmosphere in the eat-in space is a plus. It's a valuable experience that allows you to experience the special feeling that can only be found at the main store

You can also purchase it at stations, supermarkets, and the Akita Furusatokan

Hanazen's chicken rice can be purchased at JR Odate Station, as well as at major train stations and tourist events throughout Akita Prefecture. It's also sold at local supermarkets, making it easily accessible. Furthermore, the Akita Prefecture antenna shop "Akita Furusato-kan" in Tokyo sells frozen chicken rice, allowing you to thaw and enjoy it whenever you like! It's great to be able to enjoy the taste of Akita without having to go to Akita.

Deliver the taste of Akita anywhere in the country via mail order

Hanazen's official website sells chicken rice online, and it can be delivered anywhere in the country! It's popular as a gourmet food item and also makes a great gift for family and friends who live far away. It's a great way to experience its charm even if you can't make it to Akita

• Hanazen Co., Ltd

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summary

Hanazen's chicken rice is a symbol of Akita's ekiben culture. Its appeal lies in its unchanging tradition and the taste that makes the most of local ingredients. Whether you enjoy freshly made chicken rice at the main store, the convenience of purchasing it at stations or supermarkets, or even through nationwide mail order, it is a dish that will leave you satisfied. Be sure to enjoy Hanazen's chicken rice on your next trip, or for a special moment at home!

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