Sendai Station offers a wide variety of beef tongue ekiben, and there are even specialty shops dedicated to them. In this article, I’ll introduce “Gyutan-ju” from Hakuyoken, one of the many beef tongue ekiben available.
The deciding factors were the slightly smaller package compared to other beef tongue bento boxes and the price of 1,780 yen. I also chose it because the name “○○-ju” made me expect a slightly luxurious feel.
When I opened the lid, all I saw was salt-grilled beef tongue and beef tongue marinated in Nanban miso, densely arranged on top of white rice. It’s very simple. While some beef tongue bento boxes come in heated containers so you can eat them warm, the beef tongue in this “Gyutan-ju” still had great flavor even when cold—it was very tender yet had a satisfying chew. The rice, while slightly sweet, also has a refreshing lightness that perfectly complements the flavor of the beef tongue.
Since the portion of rice is on the smaller side, the beef tongue definitely takes center stage. The richly flavored beef tongue pairs perfectly with the included yuzu kosho paste, and even when you squeeze some lemon on it, the distinctive flavor of the beef tongue never fades. The green chili peppers pickled in nanbanzuke have a stimulating heat, but it’s a savory kind of spiciness that makes them perfect for taking a break from the main dish. They’d also go well with the beef tongue.
The “Beef Tongue Rice Bowl” was a simple ekiben designed for people who want to savor the flavor of beef tongue while enjoying a meal, even if the portion is on the smaller side.
© Source travel watch