Aizu's wappa rice is a local dish packed with the deliciousness of Fukushima! [Fukushima Prefecture]

There is a local dish called "Wappameshi" from Niigata and Fukushima (Aizu-Wakamatsu). We will start by explaining what "Wappameshi" is. Both Niigata and Fukushima (Aizu) are famous for producing rice. We will introduce "Wappameshi," which was born in a region where the rice is so delicious

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What exactly is "wappameshi"?

"Wappameshi" is sometimes written as "frame rice" or "ring box rice," and is rice served in a round box made from a thin wooden board called a "wappa." In the past, it was also used as a lunch box

"Wappameshi" is rice placed in this "wappa" and topped with ingredients, then steamed until warm. It is a dish that allows you to fully enjoy the deliciousness of rice in the rice-producing regions of Niigata and Fukushima

The appeal of "wappameshi" is that by steaming it in a "wappa," the rice retains the aroma of wood and has a great flavor

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What is the history of "Wappa Meshi"?

The history of "wappameshi" dates back to 1955 in Niigata Prefecture, when it was first made by a restaurant called "Inakaya." In Aizu, Fukushima, the original was a restaurant called "Takino" in 1970. Now, "wappameshi" has become a widely known local dish. In the cold Tohoku region, "wappameshi," which is steamed warm and filled with rice and lots of ingredients, is a real treat

Even the same bento box can be served differently in Niigata and Fukushima. For example, Niigata uses a bento box made of cedar planks, while Fukushima uses a hinoki wood bento box. Niigata also uses rice cooked in dashi stock, while Fukushima uses plain rice

The ingredients also differ in that Niigata uses seafood such as salmon and crab, while Fukushima uses mountain produce such as wild vegetables and mushrooms. Each dish is characterized by its local ingredients

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The secret to the deliciousness of Wappa-meshi

Warm, steamed bento boxes are very popular and delicious, but here we will explain why bento boxes are so delicious

First of all, the secret to its deliciousness is that it uses rice from delicious rice-producing regions such as Fukushima and Niigata prefectures. Furthermore, various ingredients are ingeniously placed on top of the rice, making it a visually appealing sight. Furthermore, because the wappa is made of wood, it has a moisture-regulating effect, so the rice doesn't get too soft when steamed, and it's delicious

The reason why eating rice in a bento box is delicious is because the moisture-regulating properties of the bento box help keep the rice fresh for a long time

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What is Fukushima's "Takino" bento?

Speaking of delicious bento boxes, I would like to introduce "Takino," which is famous as the original "ring box rice" in Fukushima Prefecture. "Takino" uses Aizu rice and is a rare restaurant that offers bento boxes with a variety of ingredients

All of these are delightful "ring box meals" that allow you to enjoy Fukushima's seafood and mountain produce. There is a wide variety, including "Salmon Ring Box," "Kettobashi Ring Box Meal" (Kettobashi is horse meat and burdock stewed in a sweet and spicy sauce), "Fern Ring Box," "Mushroom Ring Box," "Five-Variety Ring Box," "Salmon and Baby Ring Box," "Greedy Ring Box [7 Varieties]," "Crab Ring Box," and "Salmon Roe Ring Box."

If you come here, you can enjoy a bento box filled with all the delicious delicacies of Fukushima. The "Yokubari Ring Box" is particularly appealing, as it is filled with salmon roe, salmon, mushrooms, crab, fern, bamboo shoots, and eggs, bringing together seafood and mountain produce

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Wild vegetables are popular in Fukushima bento boxes! Why not try them in Aizuwakamatsu?

Speaking of the appeal of Fukushima Prefecture's bento box rice, bento box rice topped with wild vegetables is an essential part. It is steamed in a bento box, allowing you to fully enjoy the aroma of wood and the rich flavor of the wild vegetables. Many people have commented that the wild vegetable bento box rice was delicious

Generally, bento rice is not flashy, but when it is steamed in a bento, the colorful ingredients look beautiful. It is a dish that is pleasing to the eye as well

Takino, the original bento box restaurant where you can enjoy Fukushima Prefecture's bento box rice, is located in Aizuwakamatsu and is housed in a charming, historic building, so why not take the time to enjoy a meal?

Takino＜Information＞

• Name: Takino
• Address: 5-31 Sakaemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
• Phone number: 0242-25-0808
• Business hours: 11:00-20:00
• Official URL: http://www.takino.jp/
• Gourmet site: Tabelog

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