Top 3 Must-Try Foods in Akita Prefecture: Hinai Chicken, Century-Old Inaniwa Udon, and Hand-Roasted Rice Sticks

Whether it’s world-famous ramen or sashimi, or those heartwarming and adorable desserts that instantly brighten your mood, Japanese cuisine definitely holds a special place in everyone’s heart. Beyond these iconic dishes, don’t miss out on Japan’s unique local specialties. Hidden within Japan’s Tohoku region, Akita Prefecture offers delicious regional flavors. When talking about Akita cuisine, you absolutely must not miss“Hinai Chicken, Inaniwa Udon, and hand-roasted rice sticks”.

▲ Akita’s Top 3 Must-Eat Dish: Hinai Chicken – Parent-and-Child N<。（图／记者赵于婷摄，下同）

Hinai Chicken
You might be wondering, what kind of chicken has such a peculiar name? In fact, Hinai Chicken is a “free-range chicken from Akita, Japan,” somewhat similar to Taiwan’s native chicken. However, its meat quality is just as good—if not better. The flesh of Hinai Chicken is firm, low in fat, yet still tender and juicy. Don’t underestimate “Hinai Chicken.” This free-range chicken from Akita ranks among the top three in Japan. More importantly, once you’re in Akita, you must definitely try the “Parent-and-Child N” made with Hinai Chicken.<”。


▲ “Hinai Chicken” Parent-and-Child N<定食。

Although the “Parent-and-Child N”<”严格说起来算是日本很常见的平民美食，但经过秋田当地认证的比内地鸡的肉质相当优良，光看上去就觉得内质多汁鲜美，而且亲子N<不可缺少的半生熟的滑蛋也是用比内地鸡下的蛋，整碗亲子N<完美的传递的秋田当地的放山鸡的美味。

Inaniwa Udon
Aside from Japan’s top-three Hinai Chicken, you shouldn’t miss Inaniwa Udon, which boasts a history of over 300 years. While udon and ramen are quite common in Japan, Inaniwa Udon is considered a local specialty of Akita. Like Hinai Chicken, it is also one of Japan’s top three noodle dishes. The noodles of Inaniwa Udon are handmade, offering a smooth and chewy texture along with a crystal-clear appearance. Paired with a light broth, wasabi, and green onions, it’s incredibly refreshing.


▲ %plus Legacy 00: Inaniwa Udon, a Tradition Passed Down Through History.

Hand-Roasted Rice Sticks
After enjoying Hinai Chicken and Inaniwa Udon, you must try the local snack “hand-roasted rice sticks.” These rice sticks look somewhat similar to Taiwan’s sticky rice sausages. They are made by wrapping small rice dough balls around wooden skewers and then slowly roasting them—just like how Taiwanese people roast sausages during the Mid-Autumn Festival. First, the moist and sticky rice sticks are roasted until dry, then continued to be grilled until their surface turns slightly golden. Once a special sauce is brushed on, they’re ready to be bitten into.


▲ %Record Sparkling Array: Hand-Roasted Rice Sticks.