
ARTICLES
Yakitori but Pork? The appeal and differences between Muroran yakitori and Bibai yakitori are thoroughly explained!
Muroran yakitori and Bibai yakitori are two of Hokkaido's most famous local delicacies and soul food, Muroran yakitori from Muroran City and Bibai yakitori from Bibai City. They have different characteristics and each has its own delicious taste, and we would like to introduce the charm and differences of each.
Yakitori" but not "Tori-"? The Mystery of Muroran Yakitori
First of all, let us introduce "Muroran Yakitori". Muroran Yakitori" as a local delicacy has "three characteristics".
1: Pork is used instead of chicken
Muroran Yakitori, although called Yakitori, is actually made of pork. The reason for this goes back to the beginning of the Showa period. At that time, there was a growing demand for pigskin as a material for military boots. This may be the reason why pork was more inexpensive than chicken, and there were many stalls that grilled pork on skewers. These skewers, loved by the "iron men" of Muroran, which prospered from its iron manufacturing industry, are thought to be the prototype of "Muroran yakitori.
Image source: "Our Local Cuisine," Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
2: Onions, not leeks, are sandwiched between the onions
In general, yakitori should have onions sitting between the meat. In the case of Muroran yakitori, however, what is there is onion. Onions go well with Hokkaido's climate, are inexpensive, and go well with pork, so this style seems to have taken root naturally.
3: Garnished with a mustard
When you order yakitori at a Muroran yakitori restaurant, you are sure to find mustard on the plate. There are various theories as to why this is the case, but some genuine Muroranians are such devotees of karashi that they say, "You have to mix the sauce and karashi so that they become one before eating it," making Muroran yakitori and karashi inseparable.
Image source: "Our Local Cuisine," Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
I thought it was seasoned with sauce, but it seems that whether it is seasoned with sauce or salt has nothing to do with the conditions for being Muroran yakitori. Incidentally, there is no menu called "Muroran Yakitori," but it is locally called "Butasei" (pork spirit). Each restaurant has its own unique style, such as the secret sauce and the way the meat is prepared, and many Muroran citizens seem to have a favorite restaurant they go to. When you visit Muroran, be sure to compare the different restaurants!
- 1
- 2
「History」Related Articles
-
ARTICLES
When "snow bugs" fly, the first snow is near? The true nature and mysterious ecology of "snow bugs," a winter feature of Hokkaido
History etc / Hokkaido
2025.10.08
-
ARTICLES
A must-buy on your trip to Hokkaido! The reason why the classic souvenir "Shiroi Koibito" has been loved for so long
History etc / Hokkaido
2025.08.14
-
ARTICLES
[Chanko? Shankko?] What is the "Children's Bon Dance" that everyone in Hokkaido knows?
History etc / Hokkaido
2025.08.10
-
ARTICLES
Why is Tanabata in Hokkaido in August instead of July? We'll uncover the mysteries of Tanabata that you're too embarrassed to ask about!
History etc / Hokkaido
2025.08.07
-
ARTICLES
Embark on a journey through the stories of Hokkaido! The "Hokkaido Heritage Digital Stamp Rally 2025-2026" has begun
History etc / Hokkaido
2025.08.01
-
ARTICLES
[Listen to the first chorus] The standalone CD of "Children's Bon Dance Song," famous for the "Shanko-Shanko" tune, will be released on July 30th! Original fans will also be distributed.
History etc / Hokkaido
2025.07.31