Among Hokkaido's local gourmet dishes and soul foods, two famous types of "yakitori" are Muroran City's "Muroran Yakitori" and Bibai City's "Bibai Yakitori." They have distinct characteristics and their own unique deliciousness. This time, we'll introduce the appeal and differences of each.

It's "Yakitori," But Not "Tori" (Chicken)? The Mystery of Muroran Yakitori

First up is "Muroran Yakitori." As a local gourmet dish, "Muroran Yakitori" has three key features.

1: It Uses Pork, Not Chicken

Muroran Yakitori, despite its name, is actually made with pork. The reason dates back to the early Showa era (around the 1930s). At that time, there was a high demand for pig leather to make military boots. Because of this, pork was apparently cheaper and more readily available than chicken, and food stalls selling grilled pork skewers were common. These skewers, beloved by the "iron men" of Muroran, a city that flourished with steel manufacturing, are considered the origin of "Muroran Yakitori."

Image source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries "Uchi no Kyodo Ryori"

2: It Uses Onions, Not Green Onions

Typical yakitori skewers usually have pieces of green onion (negi) between the meat. However, in the case of Muroran Yakitori, you'll find onions there instead. Onions are well-suited to Hokkaido's climate, making them inexpensive and readily available. They also pair wonderfully with pork, so this style naturally became the standard.

3: It's Served with Western-style Mustard

When you order yakitori at a shop in Muroran, it's almost guaranteed to come with a dollop of mustard on the plate. There are various theories as to why this became the norm, but among true Muroran natives, there are even "mustard believers" who insist that "you must mix the sauce and mustard until they become one before eating." That's how inseparable mustard is from Muroran Yakitori.

Image source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries "Uchi no Kyodo Ryori"

I had assumed the seasoning was always tare (sauce), but apparently, whether it's sauce or salt doesn't affect its status as Muroran Yakitori. Incidentally, there's no menu item called "Muroran Yakitori"; locals call it "Butasei" (pork skewers). Each restaurant has its own unique character, with secret sauces and meat preparation methods, and many Muroran residents have their own favorite go-to spot. When you visit Muroran, be sure to try and compare a few!