Savouring Signature Dashi and Local Fish Dishes at Miyuki Saigawaten (三幸 犀川店)
Miyuki was opened in 1967 by Kakegami Tomiko. She introduced signature dishes such as Miyuki age (三幸あげ)—where the minced fish is deep-fried only after an order is placed—and Teppan-Grilled Tororo Yam (とろろの鉄板焼), thereby establishing an entirely new dining genre of “oden alongside a la carte dishes”.
Eventually, Tomiko entrusted the main restaurant to her son, Tsutomu, whilst supporting her daughter, Harumi, in opening the Saigawaten (犀川店) branch, working together to ensure the restaurant’s resounding success.
The restaurant’s true draw is its unique dashi broth, which evolved to be distinct even from the previous generation’s recipe.
In Kanazawa, a perfectly clear oden dashi is the standard. However, while Miyuki’s broth shares that same golden hue, its umami profile is exceptionally rich and refined. “We are incredibly generous with the ingredients for our dashi, and we are particularly mindful of bringing out a gentle sweetness. Many places in Kanazawa rely solely on a salty flavour profile, but the locals here actually prefer a touch of sweetness,” explains Harumi.
The fish dishes, hand-picked by a head chef who spent many years working at the fish market, are also incredibly popular.
Four to six fresh items are added to the menu daily; at this time of year, it is all about the kanburi (寒鰤)! It is also a real delight that premium fish like nodoguro are so wonderfully accessible at this establishment.
The Exact Dashi Recipe is a Closely Guarded Secret. The Chawanmushi Made from the crab trimmings used in Kani-men is also Absolute Perfection!
The Perfect Closing Dish! Oden Ramen
Miyuki Saigawaten Restaurant Info
Miyuki Saigawaten
Address: 1-9-8 Katamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Telephone: 076-262-1332
Opening Hours: 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm (Last Orders) *The serving of oden ends when the day’s prepared ingredients are sold out.
Closed: Sundays and Public Holidays *Reservations required
Photography: Miyahama Yumiko / Composition: Fujita Yu
*This article is reprinted from the magazine ‘Waraku‘ (和樂) (February/March 2024 issue).
*All displayed prices are inclusive of tax. Prices and opening hours may be subject to change. Please confirm before your visit.
This article is translated from https://intojapanwaraku.com/travel/258083/
