Kochi Gourmet

OVERVIEW

Sample delicacies while browsing a bustling food market and learn to sear your own fresh fish for another taste of the local cuisine. While meandering among the dozens of stalls in the Hirome Market, you will see a remarkable variety of foods that are traditionally served in the Kochi Prefecture. They may include mackerel sushi, gyoza dumplings and takoyaki, a fried dough ball snack typically stuffed with octopus. Still, the most prevalent item is katsuo – Japanese for “bonito” – a fish caught locally in great numbers. Its deep red meat is leaner than tuna and has an extraordinarily distinct taste. Although the fish may be eaten raw, smoked or steamed, one of the most preferred preparations is to sear the bonito over an open flame. While following the chef’s instruction at the restaurant Tosa Tataki Dojo, you can try your hand at searing bonito and then enjoy the result, a dish known as katsuo no tataki.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse the stalls of Hirome Market and sample some of the local specialties.
• Gain insight into Kochi’s cuisine, much of which revolves around seafood such as bonito.
• Learn some of the ways bonito is typically prepared, searing being one of them.
• Sample bonito after searing it yourself over a straw-fueled open flame.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.