Hello! This is Masuo!

During my trip to Akita City, I visited Otafuku Honten, a famous restaurant serving authentic Kiritanpo Nabe (grilled rice stick hot pot).

If you’re looking for the best local food experience in Akita, you can’t miss this place!

What is Kiritanpo? A Traditional Akita Dish

Kiritanpo is a traditional dish from Akita Prefecture, made by pounding cooked rice, shaping it around a wooden stick, and grilling it over charcoal.

Originally, it was a way for hunters and farmers to preserve leftover rice, and over time, it evolved into various forms:

• Miso-grilled Kiritanpo – brushed with miso and grilled for a rich flavor
• Kiritanpo Nabe (hot pot) – simmered in a savory broth made with Hinai Jidori (a famous local chicken breed)

Among these, Kiritanpo Nabe is the most iconic and a must-try when visiting Akita!

Otafuku Honten – A Famous Restaurant for Kiritanpo in Akita

Otafuku Honten is a well-known Japanese restaurant in Akita City, located in the Oomachi district.

Location: About 20 minutes on foot or 6 minutes by taxi from JR Akita Station
Atmosphere: Traditional Japanese-style interior with counter seats and private rooms
Signature Dish: Kiritanpo Nabe, featuring Hinai Jidori broth and locally sourced ingredients

When I arrived, the area was lively with many restaurants, but Otafuku Honten stood out for its authentic local flavors.

Note: Photography is only allowed for food; other areas inside the restaurant are off-limits for photos.

Since I wanted to try various dishes, I arrived at 5:00 PM without a reservation and was able to get a seat without any issues.
(The restaurant was not too crowded because of the heavy snow that day!)

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Tasting the Famous Kiritanpo Nabe at Otafuku Honten

I ordered the Kiritanpo Nabe (1 serving).
The great thing is that they allow single portions, so you can try other dishes as well!

First, they served an appetizer, which was already delicious and full of flavor.
It raised my expectations for the main dish!

After a short wait, the ingredients for the Kiritanpo Nabe were brought to the table.

What Makes Otafuku’s Kiritanpo Nabe Special?

✅ Rich and flavorful Hinai Jidori broth
✅ Handmade Kiritanpo using Akita’s premium rice
✅ Fresh local vegetables like seri (Japanese parsley), maitake mushrooms, burdock root, and leeks

A staff member carefully prepared the hot pot at our table, ensuring that everything was cooked to perfection.

And finally, the steaming Kiritanpo Nabe was ready!

The presentation was beautiful, and the aroma was mouthwatering.

The Taste – Absolutely Delicious!

Broth:

The Hinai Jidori chicken broth was incredibly rich yet had a clean, refined taste.
It warmed my body from the inside, making it the perfect dish for cold weather.

Kiritanpo:

Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside.
It absorbed the flavorful broth perfectly, making each bite more delicious.

I was completely satisfied with the portion size and the depth of flavors.
Honestly, I could drink this broth every morning and night – it was that comforting!

Now, I can confidently say I LOVE Kiritanpo Nabe!

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Other Recommended Dishes at Otafuku Honten

Otafuku Honten also offers a variety of delicious Akita specialties besides Kiritanpo Nabe.

Hinai Jidori Chicken

A must-try! The skin is crispy, and the meat is incredibly juicy.
It’s simply seasoned with salt and pepper, allowing the natural flavors of the chicken to shine.

Tai (Sea Bream) Sashimi

This dish impressed me from the moment it arrived.
The thick-cut sashimi had a delicate texture, firm bite, and natural sweetness.
Honestly, it was one of the best sashimi experiences I’ve had!

Maitake Mushrooms Stir-Fried in Butter

Surprisingly, this was the most shocking dish of the night (in a good way!).
The first bite made me say, “Wow… what is this?!”
The rich, umami-packed flavor was the best Maitake I’ve ever tasted.

🍶 Akita’s Local Sake
Although I couldn’t drink, the restaurant offers a variety of locally brewed sake, which pairs perfectly with the dishes!

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Restaurant Information

📍 Restaurant Name: Otafuku Honten
📍 Address: 4-2-25 Omachi, Akita City, Akita Prefecture
🚆 Access: 20 minutes on foot or 6 minutes by taxi from JR Akita Station
⏰ Opening Hours: 17:00 – 22:00
📅 Closed: Sundays
📞 Phone Number: 018-862-0802
💺 Seating: Counter seats & private rooms (Reservation recommended)

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Final Thoughts – A Must-Visit Spot for Akita’s Local Cuisine!

If you want to experience authentic Akita cuisine, Otafuku Honten is a must-visit restaurant.
Their Kiritanpo Nabe, made with rich Hinai Jidori broth, was simply outstanding.

Every dish, from appetizers to side dishes, was packed with flavor and carefully prepared.
If you visit Akita, be sure to add this place to your itinerary!

💡 Pro Tip: Since it’s a popular spot, I highly recommend calling ahead to make a reservation.