Iwate

A tradition (dating back to the Edo period) of a table full of mochi rice cake dishes

Mochi Zen (Rice cake dish)

Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture is known for its food culture of eating mochi (rice cake). The culinary tradition dates back to the Edo period, and is well represented in Mochi Zen, a table full of varieties of mochi dishes. Not only for New Year celebration, Mochi Zen is also served for other occasions, from weddings and funerals to the welcoming of guests. It is said that there are more than 300 varieties to flavor mochi; sweet bean paste, sesame seeds, sweet soy bean flour, walnuts, grated daikon radish, ginger, shrimps - these are just a few to name. Each local restaurant offers its own Mochi Zen to relish this rich culinary heritage.