Mito in Ibaraki Prefecture is associated with Mitsukuni Tokugawa = Mito Komon. The name “Kimon-sama” means “Inro” in Japanese, and “Inro” means “seal” in Japanese. The “Mito Inro Bento” is an ekiben that comes in a two-tiered box shaped like an Inro (seal case).
Of course, the promised hollyhock crest is also depicted. The upper section features side dishes seasoned with flavors typical of Mito, which is also known for its ume plum blossoms, while the lower section features rice made from rice produced in Ibaraki and other local ingredients, giving this bento a rich regional flavor.
The rice was takikomi gohan made with rice from Ibaraki. At first glance, the rice looks small due to the deep container, but it is chewy and packed tightly, so the volume was ample.
The rice is topped with a broiled egg, Tsukuba chicken teriyaki, octopus sakura-ni and gomoku-ni, all of which have a sweet taste. Tsukuba Chicken is a brand of chicken raised in the Tsukuba area of Ibaraki Prefecture.
Incidentally, the rice we received this time had some scorched rice-like texture, which was quite tasty. The manufacturer, Bento Mannen-ya, does not claim this on their website, so it may just be an individual difference, but if this is the case, I personally feel like I have hit the jackpot! If that is the case, I personally feel like I have hit the jackpot!
The appearance of the upper section looks plain, but when you try it, it was a unique side dish that reminded you that Mito is famous for its ume plum blossoms.
Among them, the pork with ume plum paste has a strong and quite refreshing ume flavor. Although it has a strong plum flavor, it does not have a pungent sourness, so even those who do not like pickled plums can enjoy it.
The sweetened ume plum liquor-like flavor of the nectar of the green ume plum is very dessert-like. In addition to these two items that strongly emphasize the ume flavor, there are also hearty stewed fried bean curd, stewed shiitake mushrooms, and stewed carrots.
Overall, the bento was sweetly seasoned, with an impressive bottom section that also featured the firm texture of octopus and Tsukuba chicken, an impressive top section with the freshness of ume plum, and a container design that gave the impression of Ibaraki to the fullest.
© Source travel watch