A top contender in the ultimate battle of beef tongue cuisine — Idate no Beef Tongue from Miyagi

Text & Photography / Chen Guanxin, MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network

If food is one of the clues travelers use to piece together and understand foreign cultures, then when you visit Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture, you absolutely must try the nationally famous “grilled beef tongue,” which is also the birthplace of Japanese beef tongue cuisine.

The most famous food in Sendai, the largest city in Japan’s Tohoku region, is beef tongue cuisine. According to local guides, after World War II, U.S. forces set up a base in Sendai and discarded large amounts of beef tongue and oxtail, which they didn’t consume. Sano Keishirō, who had studied cooking in Tokyo and learned how to cook beef tongue from a French chef, began researching how to turn these discarded parts into delicious dishes. Later, due to their much lower price compared to beef and the unique flavor achieved through direct charcoal grilling, Sano Keishirō became the founder of Sendai’s original beef tongue restaurant, “Mitate-jo,” and helped ignite a beef tongue cuisine craze in Sendai and across the country. Today, there are over 30 beef tongue restaurants in Sendai alone, with the most famous naturally being “Mitate-jo.” The largest chains are “Rikyu” and “Idate no Beef Tongue.”

Upon arriving at the main shop of Idate no Beef Tongue, you’ll be dazzled by the variety of beef tongue products on display. These are categorized by cut and thickness, which determine quality and price. On the second floor, the simple yet cozy dining space is enhanced by the transparent grill area where you can watch the beef tongue being cooked over charcoal. Especially captivating is the sight of flames leaping over the wire mesh, the aroma of the tongue mingling with the smoky charred scent, and the crackling sound of the fire — an experience you won’t forget.