Basashi

Basashi is fresh horse meat sliced thin and eaten raw, long cherished mainly in Naganos Ina valley. Low in fat and rich in quality protein, horse meat charms with a clean taste and tender texture. It is classically enjoyed with garlic soy sauce or ginger soy sauce.

Highlights

Lean cuts, marbled cuts, and mane fat each differ in texture and flavor, so a sampler platter is a treat to compare. Because freshness is everything, specialty shops take great care in sourcing and handling. Local taverns also serve horse meat stews and the hotpot known as sakura nabe.

Enjoying the Seasons

It can be enjoyed all year, but the clean lean cuts go down easily even in the heat, while a warm sakura nabe warms the body in winter. Paired with local sake, it conveys the richness of Shinshu cuisine.

Access and Basic Information

You can taste it at diners and taverns in southern Nagano such as Ina and Iida. Around Iida Station, shops serving horse dishes are scattered about, popular as a culinary pleasure of southern Nagano travel.

A Quick Tip

First-timers find lean cuts easiest to start with. A small touch of garlic or ginger condiment brings out the meats umami even more.