When visiting Sendai, you absolutely can’t miss its most iconic classic dish: beef tongue. I did plenty of research before the trip, and my first stop was the conveniently located Tanya Zenjiro Sendai Ekimae-Honten. Since it was very close to where I was staying, after taking a number, I could use the extensive network of elevated walkways to browse the nearby department stores while I waited. It was a very convenient way to combine shopping and dining.
The moment I stepped inside, the aroma of charcoal immediately whetted my appetite. In the semi-open kitchen, the chefs energetically grilled various cuts of meat. I ordered their signature classic thick-cut beef tongue with fragrant, pleasantly chewy Japanese white rice. With just simple salt seasoning, the smoky char and savory sweetness of the meat juices were perfectly sealed in. The springy, juicy texture was unforgettable. To this day, that beef tongue dinner in Sendai still holds the top spot in my heart.
