Towada Barayaki: Aomori Beef & Onion Dish

Barayaki, known as a local delicacy of Towada City in Aomori Prefecture, is a dish of beef short rib and plenty of onions stir grilled in a sweet and savory sauce. The sight of it sizzling on the iron griddle stirs the appetite just to watch. It pairs superbly with rice and is a common people taste that has long been cherished by locals.

Highlights

The stars of barayaki are the flavorful beef short rib and the onions grilled to draw out their sweetness. A sweet and savory soy sauce based glaze coats everything, and the secret to its deliciousness is cooking the onions until soft and melting. The united flavor of meat, onions, and sauce keeps bowls of white rice coming. Adding rice at the end to make fried rice is also a popular way to enjoy it. The citizens group Towada Barayaki Zeminaru once reached the top at a nationwide food event, and it is known as a dish that symbolizes the town.

Enjoying the Seasons

Barayaki eaten on a hot iron griddle feels especially delicious in the cold season. Gathering with friends around the griddle makes for a time that warms both body and heart. On the other hand, its hearty flavor is also perfect for a body worn out by summer heat. As a local dish that can be enjoyed year round, it is loved regardless of season.

Access and Basic Information

Within Towada City there are many eateries and pubs that serve barayaki. You can enjoy it casually at downtown restaurants, and the special sauce is sold at souvenir shops so you can recreate it at home. From JR Hachinohe Station you can head to central Towada City by bus, and many people stop by while sightseeing at Lake Towada or the Oirase Gorge, making it perfect for a meal on a trip.

Practical Travel Notes

• Towada barayaki has a record of reaching the top at a nationwide food event through the activities of a citizens group, and it is known as a success story of town revitalization.
• The special sweet and savory sauce is sold at souvenir shops and supermarkets, so taking it home lets you recreate the Towada flavor at your own table.
• Because it is grilled boldly on an iron griddle, oil tends to splatter and the aroma of the sauce clings easily to clothing. It is wise to avoid clothes you would mind staining.
• Combining it with sightseeing spots like the Towada Art Center, Lake Towada, and the Oirase Gorge lets you enjoy the southern part of Aomori efficiently.

A Quick Tip

The trick to its deliciousness is grilling the onions well to draw out their sweetness. Pile the sauce coated meat and onions on rice and take a big bite to fully enjoy the taste of Towada. Be sure to try the fried rice at the end as well.

Sightseeing Checklist

• Budget guide: From around 1,000 yen per portion
• Where to eat it: Restaurants serving barayaki in Towada City (look for the banner of member shops)
• Best time of day: Lunch or dinner, paired with rice or a drink
• Avoiding the crowds: Popular shops are busy at both lunch and dinner, so shift your timing
• Combine it with: Towada Art Center, Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada

📚 Sources

This article is compiled from tourism information for Towada City and Aomori Prefecture and information published by the individual restaurants. Prices and menus differ by restaurant and may change, so please check the official information of each restaurant for details.