Tohoku gourmet

This is the place to say that Akita's Ekiben! We'll talk about the charm of Hanazen's chicken rice bento!

When talking about Akita ekiben, the first name that comes to mind is " Hanazen's Torimese (chicken rice )." This dish, which consists of soft, plumply cooked rice topped with tender, chunky chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, is a taste of Akita that continues to be loved by locals and travelers alike. In this article, we'll introduce the appeal of Torimese, where to buy it, and even online shopping information! Why not take it with you on your trip?

What is Hanazen's chicken rice?

Hanazen Chicken Rice Bento

An exquisite ekiben lunch born from staff meals

a staff meal when the company was founded kiritanpo bento sold on trains lost their flavor when they cooled and went unsold, so they took out just the chicken, simmered it in a sweet and spicy sauce, and served it as staff meals for the employees.
After the war, they started cooking burdock, soy sauce, sugar, and rice obtained from food rationing, all together because "it was too much trouble to separate the rice and side dishes." People were surprised because there was no such thing as "chahan" (rice with tea) in Akita at the time, but by combining this with the staff meal chicken, chicken rice was born. This idea gave birth to a dish that represents Akita's ekiben culture.

The appeal of ekiben that has spread nationwide

In the 1960s, when trains were the main means of transportation, Odate Station was a bustling stop for overnight trains, and chicken rice was loved by many travelers. While adhering to the basic principles of ekiben taught to them by their predecessors, such as "delicious even when cold" and "able to eat with one hand," the store has continued to provide the same taste for many years. It
has now established itself as Akita's soul food, and is popular with tourists as "an ekiben that you must try at least once if you visit Akita."

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

Commitment to local ingredients

Shinkansen Komachi and the countryside

The rice used in Hanazen's chicken rice is Akita Komachi rice from Akita Prefecture . The tenderly simmered chicken and plumply cooked rice are perfectly matched by soaking in the special sweet and spicy sauce.
The minced egg and maple leaf gluten garnished with the simmered dish also add a touch of elegance to the dish, adding a special touch to your trip. The craftsmen's dedication to maintaining the same unchanging flavor has resulted in an ekiben that will remain in the memories of many people.

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

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

Enjoy freshly made flavors at Hanazen Main Store

Hanazen main store is in the back of the image

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 other major stations and tourist events in Akita Prefecture. It is also sold at local supermarkets, making it easy to purchase. What's more, Akita Furusatokan , sells frozen chicken rice, allowing you to thaw and enjoy it whenever you like! It's great that you can enjoy the flavors 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

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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