Okayama's local gourmet food "Ebimeshi" in a restaurant near Okayama Korakuen Garden

This time we will be introducing "Ebimeshi," a specialty of Okayama. Its black appearance is striking! Its unique appearance is amazing! What does it taste like? What is in it? And where can you eat it?

• Table of contents
• What is Ebimeshi?
• 1. Ujo (Crow Castle) Coffee Shop
• 2. Cafe Antenna
• A recommended souvenir from Okayama ! "Shrimp rice sauce"
• I tried making shrimp rice at home!

What is Ebimeshi?

This is a popular local delicacy in Okayama. Its black appearance gives the impression of being spicy, with a thick sauce like yakisoba or okonomiyaki, but contrary to its appearance, it has a mellow taste. It is seasoned with caramel sauce, ketchup, curry powder, and other spices. There are also a variety of secret ingredients, so you can enjoy the original taste at each shop.

1. Ujo (Crow Castle) Coffee Shop

This cafe is located on the first floor of Hotel Excel Okayama , about an eight-minute walk from Okayama Castle, also known as "Ujo (Crow Castle) ," the symbol of Okayama . It is also conveniently located just a one-minute walk from the "Joka" tram stop.

This shrimp rice (780 yen) is a traditional dish directly taught to you by the restaurant where it originated. It has a light yet rich flavor.

Ujo (Crow Castle) Coffee Shop also offers a special version (1,180 yen) topped with deep-fried shrimp! The deep-fried shrimp is so big it overflows the plate, and the batter is crispy and the inside is soft and plump. It also pairs perfectly with the refreshingly sour special tartar sauce, and each ingredient is large, so you can enjoy the texture as well.

We were even shown how it's made! Large shrimp, onions, and rice are fried over high heat. Seasonings and caramel are added, and the frying pan is vigorously shaken, causing the rice to turn black in an instant. The dish is then topped with crispy fried shrimp in coarse breadcrumbs and homemade tartar sauce, and is complete. The delicious, fragrant aroma tickles your nose.

The interior of the restaurant has a calm atmosphere with an Okayama Castle theme. There are seats for one person, so it's easy to go alone. In addition to local Okayama delicacies such as shrimp rice and demi-katsu, we are also interested in the Ujo (Crow Castle) , a jet-black homemade bread made with squid ink and inspired by the black exterior walls of Okayama Castle(Ujo (Crow Castle) ).

[ Ujo (Crow Castle) Coffee Shop]

Address: 5-1 Ishisekicho, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture Prefecture

TEL: 086-224-0505

Business hours: 11:00-20:00 (last order 19:45)

Closed: Tuesdays

Parking: None

[Official] Ujo (Crow Castle) Coffee Shop | Okayama Gourmet and Coffee ( Kita Ward, Okayama City )

2. Cafe Antenna

This cafe is located about a five-minute walk from Okayama Korakuen Garden , one of Japan's three most famous gardens. Cafe Antenna's shrimp rice is served with a salad (1,100 yen).

It has a spicy yet mellow flavor and is filled with plump shrimp. The secret to its mellowness is the secret ingredient, Shimizu white peach, a specialty of Okayama . The fried shrimp on top is also crispy!

The recipe is simple. First, stir-fry shrimp and onions, then add rice, and then add seasonings and the secret ingredient: Shimizu white peach paste! As you add the jet-black seasoning and mix, the white rice gradually takes on color. Finally, top with vegetables, fried shrimp, and tartar sauce to complete the dish.

The interior of the shop is decorated with stained glass, creating a stylish atmosphere that is loved by locals and regulars alike. The parfaits, which are made with carefully selected fruits from Okayama, are also popular, with the types of parfaits available changing with the seasons, such as strawberries from December to May, Shine Muscat grapes from June onwards, and Shimizu white peaches from July onwards. Be sure to order one as a dessert after your shrimp rice!

[cafe Antenna]

Address: 1-8-23 Kita Ward, Kita-ku, Okayama City

TEL: 086-221-9939

Business hours: 11:00-18:00 (last order 17:30)

Closed: Tuesdays Parking: 2 spaces

A recommended souvenir from Okayama ! "Shrimp rice sauce"

There is also a sauce that allows you to enjoy authentic shrimp rice at home. "Shrimp rice sauce" (490 yen) is sold at select shops such as " Specialty store of Okayama, the Land of Sunshine, " which has a wide selection of products unique to Okayama , so it would make a great souvenir from Okayama. You can also buy it online! Please try making it at home.

[Specialty store of Okayama, the Land of Sunshine]

Address: 1-1-22 Okayama Prefecture, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture

TEL: 086-234-3370

Business hours: 10:00-18:00

Closed: Tuesdays

Parking: None

Shrimp rice sauce | Specialty store of Okayama, the Land of Sunshine Online Shop

I tried making shrimp rice at home!

I actually tried making it at home using the shrimp rice sauce.

・Seafood mix 30g

・30g onion

・Rice: about 300g (1 bowl)

・2 tablespoons of shrimp rice sauce as topping

・Appropriate amount of tamago

・Parsley (appropriate amount)

Stir-fry the onions and shrimp (we used a simple seafood mix this time), and once they are cooked through, add the rice and continue to stir-fry. Once the rice is fluffy, add the shrimp rice sauce. The sauce is thick and clings to the rice easily. If you use rice that has been cooked a little firm, it will be easier to stir-fry.

Once the rice has browned, transfer it to a plate and top with the previously cooked shredded egg and sprinkle with parsley to finish. Using large shrimp will make it look more photogenic. You can also wrap the finished shrimp rice in egg to make omurice, or use bacon or ham instead of Ebino, which would also be delicious with other variations.

Cooking time is about 20 minutes. With just this one bottle of sauce, you can recreate the authentic taste of shrimp rice. It's easy to prepare even when you're short on time, so we recommend it. We encourage you to try making Okayama's local gourmet dish, shrimp rice, at home.