What Is Kiritanpo? Exploring the Local Delicacies of Akita (+ Recipes and Restaurant Picks)
In the Tohoku region of northern Japan, Akita Prefecture is famous for its abundant nature, hot springs, and the adorable Akita Inu dog. Akita also boasts a rich cuisine culture, the star of which is the humble “kiritanpo,” a traditional food made from half-mashed steamed rice wrapped on a stick and roasted over a charcoal fire.
Many travelers visit Akita just to try kiritanpo, and eateries are selling it all throughout the prefecture.
Here, we’ll dive into the history of kiritanpo along with how to make it and some highly recommended restaurants serving it!
Top image: PIXTA
What Is Kiritanpo?
(Image: Akita Specialty Hometown Odate Kiritanpo Association)
A “tanpo” is made of coarsely mashed rice wrapped around a stick of cedarwood and roasted. A “kiritanpo” is created when a tanpo is cut, although many people simply call both varieties “kiritanpo,” whether cut or not.
The Japanese kanji for tanpo is “短穂,” which means “short rice plant” named from the obvious resemblance.
Being made..