Japan Rankings
If you're traveling to Japan and want to experience authentic local food, don't miss out on the incredible "B-Class Gourmet" scene. These affordable, regional dishes represent the soul of each community—and many have even won top honors at the famous B-1 Grand Prix, Japan’s biggest local food competition.
Here are the past Gold Grand Prix winners from the B-1 Grand Prix and where you can enjoy them on your next trip.
🏅 Winner: 2006 & 2007
Fujinomiya Yakisoba features firm, chewy noodles stir-fried with pork, cabbage, and nikukasu (meat residue). It's topped with dried sardine powder for an umami-rich punch.
Where to try:
Head to Fujinomiya City, near Mt. Fuji. "Yakisoba Gakuen" (Yakisoba School) is a great spot to taste multiple variations and learn the history behind the dish.
🏅 Winner: 2008
This dish highlights grilled pork offal with a chewy texture and savory, smoky flavor. "Shirokoro" refers to the round, plump shape of the intestines when cooked.
Where to try:
Available at horumon-yaki restaurants in Atsugi City. Try local izakayas like Shirokoro Honpo for a casual introduction.
🏅 Winner: 2009
Unlike other yakisoba, this version uses straight noodles, a sweet Worcestershire-based sauce, and is always topped with a fried egg and pickled ginger.
Where to try:
Restaurants like Yokote Yakisoba Lab in Yokote City offer the most authentic versions, often with multiple egg topping options!
🏅 Winner: 2011
A unique version using chicken and locally grown cabbage, tossed in a rich miso-based sauce rather than soy. It’s a sweet-savory twist on the classic noodle dish.
Where to try:
Visit Hiruzen Highlands, especially during spring or summer, and try it at Maniwa Michi-no-Eki rest stop.
🏅 Winner: 2012
A hearty soup made with chicken or fish broth and special wheat crackers (nanbu senbei) that soften but never turn mushy. Add mushrooms, vegetables, and meat for a rustic experience.
Where to try:
Try Yatai Mura in Hachinohe, a street food village where locals gather for casual food and drinks.
🏅 Winner: 2013
Characterized by ultra-thick noodles stir-fried with pork belly and bean sprouts, seasoned with a salty sauce. A symbol of community revival post-2011 disaster.
Where to try:
Head to Namie Town. The Namie Yakisoba Taikenkan (experience hall) offers tastings and cooking workshops.
🏅 Winner: 2014
Thinly sliced beef ribs and onions grilled in a sweet-salty soy sauce. Served on sizzling iron plates—simple, but unforgettable.
Where to try:
Visit Barayaki Taishō in Towada City for a classic, smoky version that locals swear by.
🏅 Winner: 2015
Spicy ramen featuring chili oil, soy sauce, and onions with a mild chicken or pork base. Despite the name, it’s nothing like Sichuan-style dan dan noodles!
Where to try:
Try it in Katsuura City, particularly at Edoya or Menya Shōten, where recipes date back to local fishermen.
🏅 Special Winner: 2016
Similar to takoyaki but softer and eggier, Akashi Tamago-yaki is made with dashi-rich batter and octopus, served with light broth for dipping.
Where to try:
Go to Akashi Uonotana Market, and stop at Hinode—a long-running favorite among locals.
🏅 Winner: 2019
Huge deep-fried gyoza, about twice the size of regular dumplings. Crunchy outside, juicy inside, with a satisfying garlic punch.
Where to try:
In Tsu City, many school cafeterias serve these, but visitors should head to Tsu Gyoza Club or Gyoza-no-Osho.
If you’re passionate about authentic food experiences in Japan, follow the B-1 Grand Prix trail! Each dish not only reflects local taste, but also community pride and history. From savory noodles to comforting soups, B-Class Gourmet in Japan is a budget-friendly way to taste the heart of each region.
