Towada Bara-yaki is a local dish that originated in Misawa City, Aomori Prefecture about 60 years ago. It is made by grilling thin slices of beef marinated in a soy sauce-based, sweet and spicy sauce, with plenty of sliced onions on an iron pan until the onions are light brown. It later became established in Towada City, where Lake Towada is located. Towada City is located in the mountains of Aomori Prefecture. The city is surrounded by nature and has many tourist attractions such as Lake Towada, Oirase Gorge and more
Towada City’s Soul Food – Towada Barayaki
In Towada City there is a famous dish that can only be described as being the soul food of this city. Towada Barayaki translates as “Rose Bake”. It is a simple meal that consists of beef and onions, served on a sizzling hot plate of iron. It is a meal that can be cooked at home, however, to appreciate the full taste of this meal you really should visit Towada City and its restaurants, once there you will appreciate that Towada Barayaki is much more than just beef and onions on a burning hot iron plate.
Origins of Towada Barayaki
The concept of rose baking did not originate in Towada, it began in Misawa City, also in Aomori Prefecture after WW2 had ended. Misawa was a US military base, at that time beef was expensive so a food stand outside the military base used the cheaper cuts of beef to create a meal for locals and the visitors from the USA. The dish was created from trial and error and its popularity quickly spread to Towada City. Friends and family would gather around the iron plate to chat and share a meal. There are now more than 60 stalls and restaurants selling this dish in the city. It is popular among children right up to the elderly and is regarded as soul food for the citizens of Towada.
Eating Towada Barayaki with chopsticks
Eating and Enjoying Towada Barayaki
I would like to share my initial encounter with “rose bake”. I had the option to choose between two sauces: sweet or spicy, and I opted for the sweet one. Shortly after, a sizzling hot iron plate filled with meat and onions was placed in front of me on a small burner embedded in the table. It was as if I had my own barbecue setup right at my table.
To ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly without overcooking, it is important to keep stirring the meat and onions. The combination of the sweet taste of the onions and the sauce infuses the meat with a perfect flavor. It is recommended to place the meat on top of the onions and prevent the sauce from remaining on the iron plate. Stirring regularly is essential as the sauce may caramelize if left in contact with the sizzling plate for too long. As the “rose bake” cooks, you will be greeted with a delightful aroma of sweetness and savoriness in the air. Now, it’s time to sit back and enjoy this delectable dish. Grab your chopsticks and indulge in this delicious meal.
Where is Towada City ?
Towada City, located near Lake Towada, is a fantastic destination to indulge in the delectable towada barayaki. However, it’s worth noting that Towada City is nestled in the mountainous area of Aomori Prefecture. Consequently, reaching this city requires either taking a flight or embarking on a journey aboard the high-speed Shinkansen bullet train, as it is quite a distance from Tokyo.
Lake Towada is an incredibly stunning lake and one of the finest tourist attractions. It’s a delightful experience to savor the beauty of the lake while relishing Towada barayaki.
Where to eat Towada Barayaki
Towada Barayaki offers affordable and easily accessible rose grills all over the city. Discover the top spots for delicious grilled roses in Towada.
Taishoen Shokudo (大昌園食堂)
This long-established yakiniku restaurant has been operating since 1963, offering authentic Towada barayaki for 770 yen. The lunch set, available from 11:00 to 15:00, includes rice and miso soup at a good value. Watching the beef and onions sizzle on the iron plate as the sweet and savory sauce coats everything creates an appealing experience. The portions are generous, though the barayaki set may not be available outside lunch hours, so timing matters.
Tsukasa Barayaki Taishu Shokudo (司バラ焼き大衆食堂)
Located near the Museum of Contemporary Art, this popular establishment draws both locals and tourists. The beef Towada barayaki lunch costs 1,650 yen while the pork version is 1,430 yen, both including complimentary rice refills plus salad, pickles, and side dishes. Their signature tower-style presentation involves onions cooked first with beef layered on top, which you grill yourself. The heat control creates juicy results. Note that the restaurant is often closed on Sunday nights and Mondays.
Oirase Beer Brewery & Restaurant (奥入瀬ビール ブルワリー＆レストラン)
The Towada barayaki here uses “Versailles no Barakattare,” a B-1 Grand Prix gold-winning sauce, and costs 1,100 yen as a single dish or 1,540 yen as the Stream Plate with five items. The sauce, made with Towada garlic and apples, arrives on a hot skillet. The craft beer pairings are notable. The location is in the Oirase area, so visitors traveling by car from the city center should confirm access details.
Oshokujidokoro Kandagawa (御食事処 神田川)
This lakeside dining establishment offers Towada barayaki alongside Hinai-jidori chicken and Momo pork, with views of Lake Towada. The barayaki is prepared teppanyaki-style. The menu also includes niboshi ramen and pot-cooked rice. The lakeside setting provides a pleasant atmosphere for families, with cool summers and winter snow views enhancing the experience.
Michi-no-Eki Towada, Towadapia (道の駅とわだ・とわだぴあ)
This roadside station offers an accessible way to try Towada barayaki while browsing for souvenirs. The beef and onions in sauce come out hot with ample portions. With numerous hot springs and tourist attractions nearby, it serves as a convenient stop during drives. Operating hours from 9:00 to 19:00 accommodate both lunch and dinner. Since the dining menu may change daily, calling ahead to confirm barayaki availability is recommended.
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