Okayama local gourmet "Ebimeshi" in a restaurant near Okayama Korakuen Garden

This time we will introduce "Ebimeshi", a specialty of Okayama. The black visual is very striking! It looks very unusual! What does it taste like? What is in it? And where can you eat it?

• Table of Contents
• What is Ebimeshi?
• 1. Ujo Coffee Shop
• 2. Cafe Antenna
• A recommended souvenir from Okayama! "Shrimp rice sauce"
• I tried making "Ebimeshi" at home!

What is Ebimeshi?

It is a popular local delicacy in Okayama. Its black appearance gives the impression that it would be spicy, with a thick sauce like yakisoba or okonomiyaki, but contrary to its appearance, it has a mellow taste. It is seasoned with caramel sauce, ketchup, curry powder, and other spices. There are also various secret ingredients, so you can enjoy the original taste of each shop.

1. Ujo Coffee Shop

This cafe is located on the first floor of Hotel Excel Okayama, about an eight-minute walk from Okayama Okayama Castle, commonly known as "Karasujo." It is also conveniently located, about a one-minute walk from the "Joka" tram stop.

This shrimp rice (780 yen) is a traditional dish handed down directly from the restaurant where it originated. It is a light yet rich flavor.

At "Ujou Coffee Shop," there is also a special version (1,180 yen) topped with fried shrimp with heads on! The fried shrimp is so big that it overflows from the plate, and the batter is crispy and the inside is soft and plump. It goes perfectly with the special tartar sauce with a refreshing sourness, and each ingredient is large, so you can enjoy the texture.

We were shown how it's made! Large shrimp, onions, and rice are fried over high heat. Seasonings and caramel are added and the frying pan is vigorously shaken, and the rice quickly turns black. The dish is completed by topping it with crispy fried shrimp coated in coarse breadcrumbs and homemade tartar sauce. The delicious, fragrant smell tickles your nose.

The interior of the restaurant has a calm atmosphere with a theme of Okayama Castle. There are seats for one person, so you can feel free to come alone. In addition to local Okayama gourmet foods such as shrimp rice and demi-katsu, the Karasu Castle Dog, a pitch black homemade bread made with squid ink and inspired by the black exterior walls of Okayama Castle(Karasu Castle), is also intriguing.

[Ujo Coffee Shop]

Address: 5-1 Ishisekicho, Kita-ku, Okayama City Kita Ward

TEL: 086-224-0505

Business hours: 11:00-20:00 (last order 19:45)

Closed: Tuesdays

Parking: None

[Official] Karasujo Coffee Shop | Okayama gourmet and coffee (Ishiseki- Kita Ward -ku , Okayama City )

2. Cafe Antenna

This cafe is located about a 5-minute walk from Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan. Cafe Antenna's shrimp rice is served with a salad set (1,100 yen).

It has a spicy yet mellow taste, and is filled with plump shrimp. The secret to its mellowness is the secret ingredient, Shimizu white peach, a specialty of Okayama. The fried shrimp on top is also crispy!

The recipe is simple. First, fry shrimp and onions, then add rice, and then add seasonings and a secret ingredient: Shimizu white peach paste! When you add the jet-black seasoning and mix it, the white rice gradually changes color. Finally, top with vegetables, fried shrimp, and tartar sauce to complete the dish.

The interior of the shop is decorated with stained glass, creating a stylish atmosphere that is loved by locals and regulars alike. The parfaits, which use plenty of fruits from Okayama, are also popular, and the types of parfaits available change depending on the season, such as strawberries from December to May, Shine Muscat from June, and Shimizu white peach from July. Be sure to order one as a dessert after your shrimp rice!

[cafe Antenna]

Address: 1-8-23 Izushicho, Kita Ward , Okayama City

TEL: 086-221-9939

Business hours: 11:00-18:00 (last order 17:30)

Closed: Tuesdays Parking: 2 spaces

A recommended souvenir from Okayama! "Shrimp rice sauce"

There is also a sauce that allows you to enjoy authentic shrimp rice at home. "Shrimp rice sauce" (490 yen) is sold at select shops such as "Harenokuni Okayamakan," which has a wide selection of products unique to Okayama, so it would make a great souvenir from Okayama. You can also buy it online! Please try making it at home.

[Sunny Country Okayama Hall]

Address: 1-1-22 Omotemachi, Kita-ku , Okayama City, Kita Ward

TEL: 086-234-3370

Business hours: 10:00-18:00

Closed: Tuesdays

Parking: None

Shrimp rice sauce | Sunny Country Okayamakan Online Shop

I tried making "Ebimeshi" at home!

I actually tried making it at home using the shrimp rice sauce.

・Seafood mix 30g

・30g onion

・Rice: about 300g (1 bowl)

・2 tablespoons of shrimp rice sauce topping

・Shredded egg (as needed)

・Parsley (as needed)

Fry the onion and shrimp (I used a simple seafood mix this time), and when they are cooked through, add the rice and fry some more. When the rice is fluffy, add the "shrimp rice sauce." The sauce is thick and mixes well with the rice. If you use rice that has been cooked on the hard side, it will be easier to stir fry.

Once the rice has taken on a color, transfer it to a plate, top with the fried egg strips, and sprinkle with parsley to finish. Using large shrimp makes it look more photogenic. You can also wrap the finished shrimp rice in egg to make an omelet rice, or use bacon or ham instead of shrimp, and it will be delicious if you arrange it in different ways.

Cooking time is about 20 minutes. With just this sauce, you can recreate the authentic taste of shrimp rice. It's easy to prepare even when you don't have much time, so we recommend it. Please try making Okayama's local gourmet food, "Shrimp rice," at home.