Hirome Ichiba
The Gourmet Break in Kochi
Hirome Ichiba is a market and a food court located in Kochi, the capital of the eponymous prefecture in the south of Shikoku Island in Japan. A typical yokocho atmosphere enlivens this restaurant section, that makes for an essential visit to enjoy Katsuo bonito-based local specialties.
Hirome Ichiba is located in the heart of Kochi city, at the intersection of Ohashi-dori and Obiya-machi shotengai shopping streets, and in the vicinity of Kochi Castle 🏯. The market opened in 1998 and remains in its original condition. Its outward appearance is not so inviting, but it is actually hiding one of the most important places for the local life.
An affordable local food hall
Hirome Ichiba is naturally a place to do daily shopping, as it sells pretty much everything (from fish caught in the Pacific Ocean to clothing items). And thanks to its about 60 restaurants, one can also eat at pretty much anytime of the day, either a conventional Japanese cuisine (noodles, fritters) or Kochi’s iconic dish, the seared bonito steak, called katsuo no tataki, into which several of them specialize.
Some restaurants have their own seats, but most of them share tables and seating in a food court section. Customers first choose their seat, then go order at their favorite shop.
Despite the crude neon lighting, the laid-back atmosphere allows to easily strike up a conversation with your neighbors at the wood table. Prices are affordable, and trays must be disposed after use, in the same way as in a canteen. Note that bringing food that was not bought at the market is forbidden.
Katsuo no tataki seared bonito
Seared bonito is the regional specialty, and especially of Myojinmaru, a household name owning several restaurants in Kochi. The preparation of a tataki is already a show in itself: a generous fish steak is quickly flamed on a rice straw fire 🔥, then cut in thick slices and seasoned with coarse salt. It is then ready to eat with coarsely minced fresh garlic and / or a citrus flavored ponzu (tare) sauce. Seared bonito is available all year round, but tastes the best in early summer and fall 🍁.
To end the meal on a sugary note, or for a snack, you can try the imo kenpi, another local specialty consisting of sugary fries made from sweet potatoes.
Hirome Ichiba can be visited as the highlight of a day of discoveries including the nearby castle, or after strolling the alleys of the Sunday Market, that extends in the open-air on Otesuji Avenue every Sunday morning.