Enｊoying ”kaiseki” featuring ”konnyaku” ”Naragejuku, Tanno Konnyaku

2013.5.42019.4.23

“Konnyaku” as fast food?

The production king of the “konnyaku” taros, the raw material of “konnyaku”, is claimed by Gunma Prefecture, but figures say that Yamagata Prefecture is the “konnyaku consumption capital” of Japan. People in Yamagata spend approximately twice the money on konnyaku compared to the Tokyo area. It is likely that the “konnyaku balls” that is eaten at various festivities and sporting events is one of the reasons for the high rate of consumption.
In Yamagata, round konnyaku is served on a stick, cooked in soy sauce, “sake”and dried squid. They are usually served with mustard. Wherever people gather, “konnyaku” balls are served. It is everybody’s favorite, young and old. It is comparable to fast food snacks elsewhere.

Konnyaku specialty restaurants

In Yamagata, there are a few ”konnyaku” specialty restaurants. “Tarugejuku Tanno Konnyaku” is one of such places, famous for the variety of dishes. Restaurant owner Masuo Tanno was originally a “konnyaku” manufacturer, but he opened “Tarugejuku Tanno Konnyaku” in 1986, because he wanted to promote ” konnyaku” and wanted people to realize the true deliciousness of “konnyaku”. The secret to the taste of his “konnyaku” is “Masuei no mizu”, alkaline natural water with high calcium content pumped from over 200 meters underground. Tanno traveled across the nation to sell “konnyaku” at food fairs and ate at the local delicacies, and studied so he could reflect it in the “konnyaku” preparation. “In the beginning, we did not have professional cooks, so it was all trial and error. “Konnyaku” can be flavored in any way, so then it’s a matter of how the texture is adjusted“ Tanno explained.

Because we want to see you smile

Nakata was utterly surprised by the variety of dishes in the course. Dishes that taste like shark fin, ”shabu shabu”, beef tongue, beef stew, steak, sushi, and other items that are mainly made from “konnyaku” graced the table, and we enjoyed every one of them. The souvenir “Konnyaku Mizore”, containing another Yamagata specialty “La France” pear was also excellent in taste and texture.
Konnyaku is a health food with a lot of dietary fiber with a long history. It has been called “the cleanser of the body” and the “broomstick of the stomach”. Tanno felt its effect when he was not well, and keeps making “konnyaku” dishes under the slogan, “We send you health because we want to see your smile”. If you’re thinking of a ”konnyaku” side dish upon reading this, we suggest you pay a visit. Your impression of “konnyaku” is bound to change.