01. The Morning Catch
Omicho Market
Known as "Kanazawa's Kitchen," this covered market has served the city since the Edo period.
🍤 Nodoguro (Blackthroat Seaperch)
The king of Kanazawa fish. Known for its high fat content and "melt-in-your-mouth" texture. Best enjoyed as sashimi or lightly seared with sea salt.
02. Royal Comfort
Jibuni Stew
The soul food of the Kaga region, originally served in the presence of the Maeda Lords.
🦆 The Technique
Thinly sliced duck or chicken is coated in flour and simmered in a dashi broth. The flour thickens the soup and locks in the juices of the meat. Served with seasonal bamboo shoots and wheat gluten.
Wagashi & Gold
Kaga Bocha
Roasted twig tea. Famous for its deep aroma and golden hue.
Seasonal Wagashi
Hand-crafted sweets designed to mirror the flowers currently in bloom in Kenrokuen.
Kinpaku Soft
Soft serve wrapped in 24k gold. A luxurious texture that vanishes on the tongue.
Kanazawa vs. The World
🍜 Kanazawa Ramen
Unlike the creamy white Tonkotsu of the South or the clear Shoyu of Tokyo, Kanazawa's local favorite features a Ginger-forward broth with salt-based seasoning.
🍶 The Oono Soy Style
In the nearby Oono district, the soy sauce is fermented using the local soft mountain water. This results in a sweeter, milder soy compared to the sharp, salty varieties found in Kanto (Tokyo), making it the perfect companion for delicate white fish.
Spice & Subtlety
If you are accustomed to Thai, Indian, or Sichuan heat, Kanazawa cuisine will feel incredibly mild. However, the "heat" here is found in Wasabi and Karashi (Japanese mustard).
Visitor Expectation
Kanazawa values the "Natural Taste of Ingredients." Do not expect chili-heat. Expect the sharp, refreshing burn of fresh-grated mountain wasabi.
The Dark Secret: Kanazawa Curry
Across Japan, curry is usually light brown and served on a ceramic plate. But in Kanazawa, "Go Go Curry" and "Champion Curry" have created a local legend with these four strict rules:
Ultra-Dark,
Thick Sauce
Served on
Stainless Steel
Topped with
Shredded Cabbage
Pork Katsu
is Mandatory