Best Places to Eat in Okayama Japan

Delicious Discoveries: A Guide to the Best Eats in Okayama

Okayama, a vibrant city known for its stunning gardens and historical sites, also boasts a delightful culinary scene. While not as internationally renowned for its street food as some other Japanese cities, Okayama offers unique and tasty treats worth exploring!

Here’s a guide to some popular eats in Okayama, Japan:

Local Specialties:

  • Okayama Bari-Bari Udon: This unique style of udon noodle is a must-try. Served with a variety of toppings like tempura, fish cakes, and vegetables, the “bari-bari” (meaning “firm-firm”) texture refers to the noodles’ chewy consistency. You can customize your bowl by choosing from a range of toppings - a fun and interactive experience!

Where to Find Okayama Bari-Bari Udon:

  • Street Food Stalls: During lunchtime or festivals, you might find small stalls offering bari-bari udon.

Other Popular Street Food Options in Okayama:

  • Nikuman (Meat Buns): While not unique to Okayama, these steamed buns filled with savory pork and vegetables are a common street food delight.

  • Okonomiyaki: This savory pancake dish is popular throughout Japan, but different regions have their own styles. Okayama has its own version of okonomiyaki, so be sure to ask around for the best local spots!

  • Takoyaki: These bite-sized octopus balls are a delicious and popular snack in Okayama, as they are throughout Japan.

Where to Find “Bari-Bari” Vendors:

  • Okayama Station area: During lunchtime and on busy days, you’ll often find food stalls offering various local delicacies.
  • Street markets: Keep an eye out for street markets or festivals in Okayama, as they usually feature a wide array of street food vendors.
  • Around Okayama Castle: This historical site draws tourists and locals alike, making it a prime location to find tasty treats nearby.

Popular “Bari-Bari” Udon Shops:

While the “bari-bari” concept is popular throughout Japan, this refers to the specific texture of the noodles, not necessarily a unique filling. The following are just examples of what you might find in a general Japanese food context:

  • Look for street vendors: Especially during festivals or lunchtime rushes at train stations and markets, you’ll likely find “bari-bari” udon stalls.
  • Small restaurants near downtown: Try searching for “udon” or “Okayama ramen” (yes, they sometimes have “bari-bari” options) in quieter areas around the city center - these are often the best spots to try local variations of dishes.

Remember:

  • “Bari-bari” udon is a relatively recent trend, so it’s not always guaranteed you’ll find it at traditional ramen shops.
  • The “bari-bari” texture is achieved by using a different type of flour or cooking technique, and the fillings can vary widely depending on the vendor.

Enjoy the experience:

When searching for “bari-bari udon” vendors, remember that many restaurants in Japan offer a variety of textures for their noodles**. Ask locals for recommendations, look for “bari-bari” options on the menu, or do some research online to discover the best spots for this unique dish.

For a truly authentic experience, try to find “bari-bari udon” at a traditional ramen shop.

This is not just a trend - it’s a cultural staple!

Remember:

  • Look for “bari-bari” as a descriptive term on the menu, or ask the server what kind of noodles they offer.
  • Be prepared to wait in line. “Bari-bari udon” is known for its quality and freshness, so be patient and enjoy the anticipation!
  • Enjoy the variety of “bari-bari” udon toppings available.

Finding it:

  • “Bari-bari udon” vendors are often found at traditional Japanese food stalls.
  • Look for dishes like “Okayama Kake Udon,” “Nikukyuke Udon,” or “Sanuki Udon”, as these are regional variations of udon that can indicate a “bari-bari” style.

Local Udon Culture:

In Japan, the word “bari-bari” is often used to describe a dish that has been prepared with a firm texture (especially when referring to Sanuki udon). This chewy, firm noodle texture is a hallmark of “bari-bari” udon and is achieved through a specific process.

  • Sanuki Udon:

    • Udon Flour: “Bari-bari” uudn uses a special kind of flour that gives it a unique, chewy texture.

  • Freshness: The freshness of the noodles makes them more flavorful and…