Located in Gifu Prefecture, Gero Onsen is above all famous for its hot springs. One standout dish from this city is Tomatodon, a savory beef stew simmered in a tomato-based sauce. This dish reflects the fusion of Japanese cuisine with European ingredients.
The Tomatodon was created in the Meiji era, when Japan opened up to Western culture. Gero Onsen became a popular stop for foreign travelers, leading to a rise in dishes that combined local and Western cooking methods. The use of tomatoes and braised beef in the Tomatodon echoes European traditions, while the dish was adapted to Japanese tastes with ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, and ginger.
I find it fascinating how a typical dish can be created through external influence! Another example is the Gero Onsen Pudding. Made with fresh milk, eggs, and sugar, it is a popular creamy custard dessert. Similar to European puddings, it deals with a Japanese twist and local ingredients.
If you visit Gero Onsen, I highly recommend trying the Tomatodon from Blanc Du Etoile restaurant:
Tomato was first cultivated in the South America and imported to Europe in the
ReplyDeleteAge of Discovery. So then imported to Japan. What a global food. But... I haven't known about tomatodon.
I went to Gero Onsen on vacation, so I searched the web for typical Gero food. Several sites recommended Tomatodon! That's how I found out about it.
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