We introduce six local Okayama burgers and sandwiches that showcase regional ingredients, such as "amago" trout raised in pristine streams, " Sozuri (meat from around the bone) from Tsuyama , and parent chickens and gara shrimp from Kasaoka , along with our taste test report.
2026.07.17Okayama Prefecture boasts a wealth of unique local burgers and sandwiches, born from the region's distinctive ingredients and culinary culture. From hearty sandwiches featuring whole river fish raised in pristine streams, to juicy burgers using traditional Tsuyama meat dishes, and seaside burgers packed with the delicious flavor of freshly caught shrimp from the fishing port, these are all regional specialties that you won't find at national chain restaurants. Here are six of my personal recommendations, based on my food tours around Okayama Prefecture. Be sure to stop by during your drive or sightseeing!
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Table of Contents
- 1. A whole freshwater fish! "Kagami's Flounder Sandwich" (Kagamino Town )
- 2. Wagyu burger using " Sozuri (meat from around the bone), " a local specialty of Tsuyama ( Tsuyama City)
- 3. "Bisei Burger" ( Ibara City ), full of the bounty of the Takaharu .
- 4. Local ramen transformed into a burger! "Kasaoka Chicken Chashu Burger" (Kasaoka City)
- 5. The legendary " Oshima Burger" (Kasaoka City ), a burger you can only enjoy once a week.
- 6. Kumquat adds a nice touch! "Bizen Burger" (Bizen City )
1. A whole freshwater fish! "Kagami's Flounder Sandwich" (Kagamino Town )
Located in Kagamino Town in northern Okayama Prefecture , "KAGAMINO Foods & Goods COHAN" is situated in an open location overlooking the tranquil Lake Okutsu. This restaurant is located within the Mizunosato Okutsu Lake Visitor Center, which reopened in May 2025 after renovations, and allows you to enjoy a meal while taking in the lakeside scenery.
Our top recommendation is the "Kagami Flounder Sandwich," which features a whole amago (a freshwater fish belonging to the salmon family, popular among stream anglers) raised in the local clear streams. In the Kagamino Town area, amago has long been called "hirame" (flounder) in the local dialect, and that's how it got its name on the menu.
The sight of the fish peeking out from the bread is unique, but don't worry about it being difficult to eat as all the bones have been removed. It has a crispy, crunchy texture from head to tail, and the flesh inside is plump. It comes with three kinds of homemade dips—salsa, tomato sauce, and tartar sauce—so you can enjoy a variety of flavors as you eat.
[KAGAMINO Foods & Goods COHAN]
Location: 60-8 Kawachi , Kagamino-cho, Tomata Kagamino Town, Okayama Prefecture Tomata County
TEL: 0868-52-9100 ( Kagamino Tourism Bureau)
Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM *Lunch 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Cafe 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on Tuesdays
Parking: Available
2. Wagyu burger using " Sozuri (meat from around the bone), " a local specialty of Tsuyama ( Tsuyama City)
Trippy is a hamburger shop located inside BARNDOOR, a stylish multi-purpose complex in Tsuyama City . What makes it popular is that when ordering, you can choose between two types of patties, "Wagyu patties" and "Wagyu Sozuri patties," and customize everything from the type of cheese and sauce (BBQ, teriyaki, jalapeño) to the doneness of the meat.
One item you absolutely must try is the burger made with "Wagyu Sozuri Patty." This special patty uses " Sozuri (meat from around the bone) ," a local ingredient that has been enjoyed in the Tsuyama region for generations. "Sozuru" is a Tsuyama dialect word meaning "to scrape the meat off the bone," and it's the part closest to the bone that has the rich umami flavor concentrated within. When you actually eat it, the firm elasticity of the meat and the unique crunchy texture combine to create a luxurious and satisfying experience. It also pairs perfectly with the lightly toasted bun, vegetables, and cheese.
[Trippy]
Location: 1278-3 Takano- Okayama Prefecture , Tsuyama City , Okayama Prefecture (inside BARNDOOR)
TEL: 050-8884-3908
Opening hours: Weekdays 11:00-15:00, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays 11:00-17:00
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Parking: Available
3. "Bisei Burger" ( Ibara City ), full of the bounty of the Takaharu .
Bisei-cho in Ibara City is a Takaharu town known for its beautiful starry skies. At "Oshokujidokoro Hoshi no Sato," a restaurant attached to the local agricultural product direct sales market "Hoshi no Sato Aozora Ichi," you can enjoy the "Bisei Burger," which is made with a strong focus on local ingredients.
The patty is made with 100% "Bisei Manten Pork," a local brand of pork. It is characterized by the juiciness and sweet flavor of the fat that is unique to pork. On top of that is a fried egg made with locally produced "Hoshi no Sato Eggs" and plenty of fresh seasonal vegetables such as lettuce and tomatoes from Bisei. These are sandwiched between "Bisei 8-Grain Bread," which is fragrant and flavorful. The homemade sauce brings everything together, but the simple flavors of the ingredients themselves are allowed to take center stage, resulting in a well-balanced dish. This is a dish packed with the blessings of nature in Bisei.
[Restaurant Hoshi no Sato]
Location: 45-1 Nishimizusuna, Bisei-cho, Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture Ibara City(within Hoshi no Sato Aozora City)
TEL: 0866-87-3595
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on Tuesdays
Parking: Available (shared with Hoshinosato Aozora Market)
4. Local ramen transformed into a burger! "Kasaoka Chicken Chashu Burger" (Kasaoka City)
Located about a 1-minute walk from JR Kasaoka Station, "Gon-chan Burger," which just opened in January 2026, offers a "Chicken Chashu Burger." The owner, who grew up in Kasaoka, created it inspired by "Kasaoka Ramen," a local specialty ramen that he has enjoyed since childhood (a soy sauce sauce-based ramen dish known for using chicken broth).
Our homemade char siu (roast pork) is made with mature chickens (chickens that have finished laying eggs, and are characterized by their firm texture and rich flavor compared to young chickens) that have been thoroughly marinated in soy sauce sauce, resulting in a satisfying bite that releases delicious flavor with every bite. Beneath it is a juicy patty made from 100% domestic beef. The contrast between the juicy patty and the chewy texture of the mature chicken char siu is refreshing, making this a luxurious burger where you can enjoy two textures in one bite.
[Gon-chan Burger]
Location: 32-2 Chuo , Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture
TEL: 090-1184-4159
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last order 8:30 PM)
Closed on Mondays
Parking: None
5. The legendary " Oshima Burger" (Kasaoka City ), a burger you can only enjoy once a week.
In the Oshima district of Kasaoka City, located along the Seto Inland Sea , you can enjoy the " Oshima Burger" only once a week, on Saturday mornings. Its creation was sparked by a collaborative project between Sanyo Gakuen University and the Oshima region that began in 2014. University students involved in community revitalization volunteer work researched Oshima's ingredients and food culture, and devised this local burger to convey the charm of the area.
The burgers are sold at "Cafe Terrace Sasaeai," a community space that is only open on Saturday mornings. The banners displayed along the coastline of Oshima signal that the shop is open. They offer "Shrimp Cutlet Burgers" and "Tempura Burgers" made with fresh small shrimp called "Garaebi" caught at the nearby Oshima fishing port, and there's also a "Greedy Burger" that lets you enjoy both.
The author ordered the "Shrimp Cutlet Burger." I was impressed by the surprisingly plump texture of the shrimp and the exquisite combination with the special sauce that complemented it perfectly. The bun is made with rice flour from Oshima, resulting in a soft and simple texture. Since it is available in limited quantities and is only available while supplies last, it is recommended to visit early in the morning if you want to try it.
[Cafe Terrace Sasaeai (House with a view of the sea on Oshima)]
Location: 1839-6 Okayama Prefecture - Oshima , Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture
TEL: 0865-67-6818 ( Oshima Community Development Council)
Opening hours: Every Saturday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Limited quantities available, ends when sold out)
Closed: Sunday to Friday (Open only on Saturdays)
Parking: Available
6. Kumquat adds a nice touch! "Bizen Burger" (Bizen City )
"Shurakukan Honkan," a traditional Japanese house restaurant, is located in the town of Imbe, where many Bizen Pottery (Bizen yaki is one of Japan's representative traditional pottery styles, characterized by its rustic texture achieved by firing pottery at high temperatures without using glaze) are concentrated. This popular restaurant, housed in a charming 140-year-old traditional Japanese house, offers Bizen Pottery pottery experiences as well as dishes that have won awards at national local curry competitions.
The patty of the "Bizen Burger" you can enjoy here is made with 100% "Bizen Kurogyu," a brand of beef characterized by its rich, flavorful lean meat. Another distinctive feature is the kumquat (a small citrus fruit that can be eaten with the peel on) instead of pickles. These unique ingredients are sandwiched between French bread (about one-third the size of a regular burger) that has been steamed and baked to a moist finish. The "Bizen Burger Premium" pictured also has plenty of vegetables and bacon. It is said that "you can tell it's a Bizen Burger even if you eat it with your eyes closed," and the combination of the fruity sweet and sour taste of the kumquat and the savory flavor of the meat is a one-of-a-kind finish that can only be tasted here.
[Traditional Japanese House Restaurant Shurakukan Main Branch]
Location: 597 Imbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture
TEL: 090-3639-3014
Opening hours: 11:00 - 14:00
Closed on Thursdays
Parking: Available
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