Yamagata Dashi

Chopped summer vegetables like cucumber, eggplant, and myoga dressed with soy sauce, dashi is an essential dish on Yamagata summer tables.

Highlights

Finely chopped summer vegetables are combined with aromatics like shiso, myoga, and ginger, sometimes mixed with sticky seaweed. Its refreshing texture and fragrant aromatics stimulate the appetite, making it perfect when the heat dulls your hunger.

Enjoying the Seasons

It is traditionally made with vegetables at their summer peak. Spooned over freshly cooked rice, chilled tofu, or somen noodles, it goes down easily. Each household has its own chopping style and blend, which adds to the charm.

Access and Basic Information

Enjoyed as home cooking mainly in the Murayama region, it is also sold at supermarkets and farm stands across the prefecture and is popular as a souvenir.

A Quick Tip

Making it ahead and chilling it in the fridge lets the flavors meld. Beyond rice, it pairs well with natto and noodles too.