Hokkaido Mefun
At a glance
| Name | Hokkaido Mefun (Mefun) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Hokkaido |
| Region | Hokkaido & Tohoku |
| Type | Salt-cured or fermented salmon kidney delicacy |
What is it?
Mefun is a dark, soft shiokara-style delicacy made from the kidney running along a male salmon's backbone. Its concentrated marine flavor and strong saltiness make it a condiment eaten in very small amounts.
History and local context
The name is often connected to an Ainu word for kidney. Mefun belongs to Hokkaido's tradition of using the whole salmon and is more often encountered as a processed product or sake accompaniment than as an everyday main dish.
How to enjoy it
Place a little on hot rice, tofu or cucumber, or pair it with sake. Because kidney preparation, salting and fermentation require careful hygiene, choose a reputable commercial product and follow its refrigerated-storage directions.
Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Hokkaido Mefun from?
It is associated with Hokkaido, in the Hokkaido & Tohoku region of Japan.
What kind of food is Hokkaido Mefun?
This guide classifies it as salt-cured or fermented salmon kidney delicacy. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Hokkaido Mefun online?
Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.
Order from Japan
Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.
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