Sendai is home to the famous statue of Date Masamune, the Daimyo who founded modern-day Sendai along with these interesting local delicacies.
Zunda Shake
Zunda is the name given to a sweet paste made out of edamame beans. It is believed that Date Masamune, founder of Sendai in the Edo Period, invented the delicacy by crushing edamame beans with the handle of his sword and serving it with mochi. Today, you can enjoy drinkable zunda in these cute little pouches at stores and combinis all over Sendai.
Edamame Bean Desserts
Zunda shakes are not the only thing made with edamame beans in Sendai. You can also get edamame bean frappés, soft serves, and puddings at various cafes and restaurants across the city. Definitely a healthier alternative to a chocolate shake, these desserts provide the nutritional value of edamame beans like fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin K (great for bone and heart health), while delivering a nourishing impact and a tasty, nutty flavor.
Gyutan (Ox Tongue)
It wouldn’t be a complete article about Sendai’s local delicacies without mentioning the infamous gyutan or “ox tongue” dish. While it’s history isn’t as wild as that of zunda and was simply introduced by a yakiniku restaurant owner in 1948, its impact and popularity are certainly up there with its edamame bean compatriot.
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