Sendai Zoni

At a glance

NameSendai Zoni (Sendai Zoni)
PrefectureMiyagi
RegionHokkaido & Tohoku
TypeNew Year mochi soup traditionally based on grilled goby stock

What is it?

Sendai zoni is Miyagi's richly garnished New Year soup, traditionally using a clear stock from grilled and dried goby with mochi, frozen tofu, daikon, carrot, burdock and other ingredients.

History and local context

The combination of fish from the coast and preserved vegetables and soy foods from inland households expresses the food geography of the former Sendai domain, although today's recipes vary widely by family.

How to enjoy it

Taste the aromatic broth before eating the mochi and layered vegetables; when making it at home, use grilled-goby stock where available or acknowledge a substitute rather than presenting it as the traditional flavor.

Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Sendai Zoni from?

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

What kind of food is Sendai Zoni?

This guide classifies it as new year mochi soup traditionally based on grilled goby stock. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.

Can I order Sendai Zoni 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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