Hamamatsu is renowned in Japan for its highly regarded regional cuisine from the land, the lake, and the sea. Rather than sushi and kaiseki style fare the region is famous as 'the' place to go for some Japanese local favourites like Lake Hamana grilled eel -Unaju, Hamamatsu gyoza dumplings and Lake Hamana oysters, enjoyed grilled from oyster shacks on the lake in wintertime. If you mouth is watering read on to discover the best haunts where you can enjoy Hamamatsu fare like a local.

Hamamatsu Gyoza at Ishimatsu Gyoza

Originally from China, Japan has adopted this dumpling snack with gusto and Hamamatsu Gyoza are particularly favoured. Hamamatsu is famously one of the 3 top places to enjoy gyoza in Japan. Ishimatsu Gyoza, founded in 1953 is one of the most popular specialty stores. Ishimatsu Gyoza's Gyoza is filled with pork, cabbage, and garlic. Unlike other places in Japan which boil gyoza, Hamamatsu gyoza are pan fried to perfection and crispy on the outside, when you bite into it the cabbage and meat juices explode in your mouth.  Ishimatsu use a soy-vinegar sauce slightly sweeter than usual, making the sweetness of the cabbage even more delicious. Commonly served with a garnishing of with bean sprouts an addition said to have originated at this very shop. These gyoza are small and light, and very morish, it's not hard to make 10 or more disappear in one sitting.

Lake Hamana Grilled Eel - Kanerin

Lake Hamana is said to be where eel farming began in Japan and the Hamamatsu unagi has been a highly regarded brand for over 100 years and is the number one producer in Japan. There are plenty of specialist Unagi restaurants in the area. Kanerin, one of the best known Unagi restaurants in Hamamatsu, established over 100 years ago, offers traditional unaju (grilled eel on rice) made with a secret sauce recipe which has been fiercely guarded for generations. Eating their unaju is a melt in the mouth sensation. The richness of the unagi, the secret sauce, and perfectly cooked rice in absolute harmony. Don't forget a sprinkle of sansho pepper and a Japanese sake or beer to complete your experience just like a local.

Lake Hamana Oyster Shacks – a winter treat

On the edge of Lake Hamana, these shacks are typically open from January to March. The lake has a long history of oyster cultivation, and locals are proud of the high quality, flavour and texture of their oysters.  Lake Hamana oysters are eaten cooked and one of the most popular ways to enjoy them in the shacks is grilled or steamed with natural sea salt straight from the grill while piping hot. Current season, Oyster Shacks open from 20 December 2023 to 24 March 2024. Note. They close when the oysters run out.

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