Miyagi Hokki Meshi

At a glance

NameMiyagi Hokki Meshi (Hokki Meshi)
PrefectureMiyagi
RegionHokkaido & Tohoku
TypeRice cooked in surf-clam broth and topped with sliced clam

What is it?

Hokki meshi cooks rice in a sweet-savory broth made by briefly simmering sliced surf clam with its liquor, soy sauce, sugar and often carrot, then returns the cooked clam on top to steam gently.

History and local context

It is a winter and early-spring specialty of Miyagi's southern coast, especially Yamamoto and Watari, where cold-season surf clams were a treasured household feast. The 2011 tsunami disrupted fisheries, and local producers worked to revive the dish.

How to enjoy it

Mix some rosy clam slices through the rice while leaving others visible on top, and eat while warm with pickles or clear soup. Remove the clam's firm digestive parts, rinse grit well and avoid overcooking, which toughens the meat.

Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Miyagi Hokki Meshi from?

It is associated with Miyagi, in the Hokkaido & Tohoku region of Japan.

What kind of food is Miyagi Hokki Meshi?

This guide classifies it as rice cooked in surf-clam broth and topped with sliced clam. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.

Can I order Miyagi Hokki Meshi 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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