JMSDF Kure Curry is not the only way to enjoy Kure's Gourmet.
Throughout its long history since the Meiji Era (1868-1912), the food culture has developed in its own unique way, producing many specialties that are unique to this area. Not only the variety, but also the wide range of genres makes Kure’s Gourmet's individuality stand out.
Kure is often thought of as "JMSDF Kure Curry", but there is more to it than that. One thing that cannot be left out when discussing Kure's food situation is Kure’s Naval Gourmet. Kure’s Naval Gourmet refers to the food served on the naval vessels built by or belonging to the Kure Naval District, as well as food prepared according to recipes handed down from the former Japanese Navy. The Kure Naval Gourmet Study Group, in cooperation with restaurants in the city, is widely promoting the attractions of Kure both domestically and internationally through Kure Naval Gourmet. In collaboration with the popular manga "Chef of the Fleet" and the Kure Naval Gourmet Research Association, an event was held for a limited time in which nine restaurants in the city offered menus that appeared in the manga.
The many naval gourmet dishes were born from research and study to prevent illnesses caused by long voyages and to make meals, one of the few pleasures on board, as tasty as possible. The "omelet rice" of the battleship Yamato topped with green peas to replenish vitamins, the "cabbage rolls" of the refueling ship Ondo, which used mashed potatoes, a rarity in those days, as ingredients for the health of naval personnel, and the "meat and potatoes" of the battleship Asama, which condensed flavor by cooking without water, are just some of the dishes that we have become familiar with. You will find that even the menu items you are familiar with are a little different in Kure.
In addition to naval gourmet food, Kure is also home to many other delicious gourmet foods. The noodle menu is also unique to Kure, including "Kure cold noodle", which is eaten year-round and features firm flat noodles and a rich sweet and sour soup, and "thin udon noodles", which originated from a device devised by naval arsenal workers to enable them to eat quickly in a limited amount of time. The "Miso Daki (chicken skin stewed in miso sauce)”, is also a staple of the menu.
Facing the Seto Inland Sea and enjoying a mild climate, Kure City also offers oysters and other fresh seafood, as well as citrus fruits such as mandarin oranges and lemons.
In addition, there is a large selection of sweet gourmet foods. These include "Bikkuri Manju", a large bun filled with red bean paste and cream, and "Melon Pan", an oval-shaped bun filled with homemade cream and a unique taste and appearance, and "Fry Cake", a deep-fried manju bun that is delicious even when cold and has a perfect balance of crispy dough and sweet red bean paste.
And the best Kure food at night is the food stalls. On Kuramoto Street in the city center, food stalls begin to appear at dusk, lit by red lanterns. The Yatai Street, which has electricity, water, and sewerage, a rarity in Japan, is lined with a wide variety of stores offering ramen, oden, Italian, and other creative cuisine. Please enjoy eating and drinking as you wander around Hiroshima Prefecture's only Yatai Street.
