Beef tongue is now famous as a specialty of Sendai. Although Sendai isn’t particularly well-known as a production center for beef tongue, there are numerous beef tongue restaurants in the city, and it has become so established that there are even shops selling only beef tongue bento boxes at the station.
With so many varieties to choose from, it’s hard to decide, but the item I’m introducing today is the “Western-Style Braised Beef Tongue with Sendai Miso.” Most of the beef tongue ekiben sold at Sendai Station feature grilled beef tongue, which is known for its savory aroma, but this time I decided to try the braised version.
At first glance, this Western-style stew resembles beef stew, but it’s actually simmered slowly with Sendai miso. While it’s slightly different from traditional Japanese miso stews, its flavor—accented by the heat of chili peppers and the aroma of yuzu—is unmistakably Western. Its rich, deep flavor makes you want to enjoy it in a sturdy ceramic bowl.
The “Sendai Miso-Style Western-Style Braised Beef Tongue” uses a heat-activated container that warms up when you pull the string protruding from it. Personally, I believe that ekiben (station boxed lunches) should generally be delicious even when cold, but since stewed dishes are definitely better enjoyed warm, I really appreciate this feature. The 10-minute heating time feels a bit long when you’re hungry, but it was well worth the wait—it was absolutely delicious.
The large carrots, onions, and eggplant—all with a subtly sweet flavor—each bring out the strong yuzu flavor. The dish also features six thick, chunky slices of beef tongue simmered in rich Sendai miso. It’s quite filling and incredibly satisfying. The combination of this Sendai miso stew—with its subtle kick of chili—paired with saffron rice topped with raisins and fried onions is a refreshing and delicious experience.
As is often the case with heated-container bento boxes, the portion isn’t as large as the packaging makes it look. Still, with the generous chunks of beef tongue and plenty of large ingredients like mushrooms and carrots, it was very satisfying to eat. Combined with the meaty texture and a flavor that’s rich yet refreshing, it was thoroughly satisfying. Even though 2,000 yen is a bit pricey for a station bento, it’s well worth the price.
By the way, Sendai Station is directly connected to the airport via the Sendai Airport Access Line, but please note that these heated containers are not allowed on airplanes, so passengers flying should take this into account.
© Source travel watch