Gansu

Gansu is a Hiroshima fish paste specialty, made by mixing minced fish with onion and chili, coating it in breadcrumbs, and frying it. Crisp outside and fluffy within, it offers a mild heat and the savory sweetness of fish. Its name is said to come from a polite turn of phrase in the Hiroshima dialect, and it has long been a local favorite.

Highlights

Freshly fried gansu is fragrant, and each bite spreads the sweetness of the fish paste with a gentle chili kick. Delicious on its own, it can also be lightly grilled for extra aroma or simmered with egg. As an affordable, everyday treat, it is a staple of local tables.

Enjoying the Seasons

You can enjoy it all year, but piping hot and freshly fried it is especially welcome in the cold season. In summer it is popular as a snack with beer, its mild heat stirring the appetite. It adapts to any season as a topping for udon or soba or a rice bowl.

Access and Basic Information

Gansu is said to have originated in Kure and is cherished across western Hiroshima and the coastal areas. It is sold in supermarkets, fish paste shops, and gift stores in central Hiroshima, easy to pick up between sights. Some shops serve it freshly fried, perfect to enjoy on the spot.

A Quick Tip

Eaten while warm, the crisp coating really stands out. A side of mayonnaise or lemon brings a different flavor to enjoy. Frozen or vacuum packed versions make handy souvenirs, and refrying at home brings back that just made taste.