Miyagi Prefecture is famous for its "Hagi no Tsuki" and "Zunda (edamame bean paste)" sweets, as well as "Beef tongue" as souvenirs. Sasa-kamaboko" and seafood products are also good. A wide variety of products are sold at souvenir shops.

This time, however, I have gathered souvenirs that are rarely sold at souvenir stores. Here are some rare but tasty items that I (the author) have encountered in the northern part of Miyagi Prefecture.


1. "Custard Cake Shiratori" by Tsujiyama

This cream-filled cake has been sold for more than 40 years at Tsujiyama (Kurihara City), a long-established confectionery shop founded in the Meiji era (1868-1912). It is similar to "Haginotsuki" but has ears like "Boshi Bread. It has recently been renewed with rice flour from Miyagi, a rice-producing region. The combination of soft and smooth sponge cake and custard cream with a simple taste makes you want to eat it every day. Chocolate and cocoa flavors are also available.


Because they do not contain additives, they require refrigeration and do not last very long. It may be difficult to bring them as souvenirs to distant places. But that is why we hope you will try them there. The price is 120 yen per piece (tax not included). They are available at the Kannari PA (Kannari Parking Area) up and down the line, as well as at some supermarkets in Kurihara City.


2. "Lentil Rings" from Mieko's Room

The area around Izunuma, famous for its swans, located in northern Miyagi Prefecture, is said to be the northernmost lotus root producing area in Japan. The space between the joints of Izunuma's lotus root is short and has little bitterness, so it can be eaten without removing the starch. It is recommended to fry it quickly and add a dash of soy sauce.

The karinto made with lotus root does not have a distinct flavor of lotus root, but the subtle aroma that lingers afterward is addictive. I finished a bag in no time.


Sold at the antenna store "Gurutto MIYAGI" (Sendai City), "Kuriden" (Kurihara City), and "Epoca 21" (Kurihara City) adjacent to Kurikomakogen Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen Line, each bag costs around 400 yen (tax included).


Incidentally, unique flavors such as "Shiitake mushroom karinto" and "Sanma karinto" are also available from this karinto series. Each of them is sold in a different area within the prefecture, and it may be fun to try them out in different regions.

3. octopus plumps by Sanchei

Octopus Purin" is a quiche with octopus made by "Yamasei," a cake shop in Minamisanriku. It is not octopus-shaped pudding or pudding in an octopus jar. It is a delicious quiche filled with plump octopus, which is cut by hand to preserve its texture.


The price is 1,370 yen (5 pieces). It is available at Minamisanriku San San Shopping Street (Minamisanriku Town) and other stores. Since they are sold frozen, please warm them up in a toaster or oven.


Local" flavors that can only be tasted locally are also a pleasure to enjoy. Why not take a drive and find a great one?