In this article, we are going to discover the AwajiShima Burger, a tasty adventure in the heart of Japan. Imagine enjoying burgers made with local stuff like Awaji beef, onions, and fresh seafood. It’s all from beautiful Awaji Island, surrounded by the sea and sunny weather. Every bite tells a story of the island’s hardworking cooks. Some of these burgers even won big prizes across Japan. Today, let’s dig into the story and flavors of this special Japanese burger. Join us to find out all about it in today’s article!
What is AwajiShima Burger?
Awajishima Burger is more than just a burger; it’s a culinary tribute to the flavors of Awaji Island. Bearing the exclusive title “Awaji Island Burger,” these delightful creations are born from a heartfelt desire to share the island’s unique cuisine. Crafted with abundant local ingredients such as onions, lettuce, succulent Awaji beef, and tender octopus, each bite encapsulates the essence of Awaji.
Some variations showcase the star ingredient, Awaji beef, while others go a step further, incorporating locally grown Koshihikari rice and milk from Awaji into the buns. The result is a series of burgers that offer a hearty and satisfying taste, making Awajishima Burger a culinary adventure celebrating the distinct flavors of Awaji Island.
About Awaji Island
Awaji Island, the mythical “Beginning Island,” unfolds in ancient Japanese texts. As detailed in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, deities Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto birthed islands, with the first, “Onokoro Island,” laying the foundation.
Awaji, traditionally known as “Nuo Island,” preserves an enchanting coexistence with nature, beckoning visitors to its mystical realm. The island thrives due to an idyllic climate and fertile soil, renowned for supplying the imperial court with nutritious vegetables. Awaji’s culinary legacy, featuring local dishes like “Tai Men” and “Chobo Soup,” reflects ancestral wisdom, with traditions persisting through evolving times.
About Awajima Onion
One of the thing that makes Awajima Burger special is its Awajima Onion. Awaji Island, representing Japan, is celebrated for its iconic produce – the Awajima onion. Cultivated for around 130 years, these onions hold a unique status. In 1964, Awaji Island became Japan’s leading onion producer with over 3,000 hectares under cultivation. Surrounded by the Seto Inland Sea, the island’s warm climate, averaging 16°C annually, provides an ideal environment for onion growth.
The cultivation, intertwined with the island’s traditional farming practices, involves crop rotation and the use of cow manure from local herds. Awaji Island onions distinguish themselves with exceptional sweetness and tenderness, attributed to the fertile soil enriched by minerals from the surrounding seas. The island’s onions, benefiting from both climate and cultivation wisdom, offer a flavor that sets them apart.
History
Awaji Island Burger has a rich history rooted in the culinary culture of Awaji Island. Varieties such as “Awaji Herb Burger,” “Awaji Island Burger,” and “Awaji Beef Burger” showcase the island’s unique flavors. Drawing inspiration from local dishes like Awaji Island Beef Bowl and Awaji Island Nudoru, residents craft burgers incorporating homegrown ingredients like onions and Awaji beef. Collaborative efforts involving government bodies, tourism associations, and chambers of commerce enhance the promotion of these burgers at events.
The renowned “Onion Beef Burger” debuted at Roadside Station Uzushio in October 2011, gaining national recognition when presented as “Awaji Island Burger” at the Tottori Burger Festa later that year, securing the third position nationwide. Notably, some versions feature Inobuta, an uncommon specialty meat, and have earned accolades, such as the Excellence Award at the 6th Creative Cooking Contest in Awaji Island.
Some features in ingredients of AwajiShima Burger
Every step in the process of making burgers, from sourcing to cooking and serving is important, infusing each stage with plenty of love. Experience the deliciousness of Awaji Island Burgers, where ingredients come together to create a harmonious flavor.
Stick To The Ingredients
In “Awaji Island Burger,” they source ingredients with a commitment to detail, crafting them through cooking techniques that maximize the potential of each element. The star, Awaji Island onions, are meticulously chosen for their high sweetness, among other ingredients such as 100% beef patties, fluffy buns, and fresh domestic lettuce and tomatoes. Every component reflects a strong dedication.
Awaji Onion
The ultimate dedication in Awaji Island Burgers lies in the fully ripe onions! Sweeter and juicier than ordinary onions, these onions offer an exquisite taste exclusive to Awaji Island Burger.
Sourced from farmers who meet Awaji Island Burger’s unique standards, these onions stand out for their cultivation methods, sweetness, and the farmers’ dedication. The burgers exclusively feature onions from farmers who share a strong commitment to their cultivation.
Patty and buns
Awajishima burgers feature patties grilled with an open flame for a meticulous, individually crafted cooking process. Paired with buns delicately baked with a special recipe, they provide a softness that reveals a deep, rich flavor. Enjoy the layers of taste within each bite.
Various types of AwajiShima Burgers
Akkun Burger (あっくんバーガー )
Akkun Burgers are safe and reliable burgers on Awaji Island with the concept of using beef to make hamburgers. While engaging in livestock farming on the island, we specially bake the buns with the help of a local bakery. The ingredients include thick-cut bacon, handcrafted original minced meat, fresh tomatoes, and lettuce. Additionally, we use a special sauce and mayonnaise. The burgers are light and delicious, suitable for enjoyment from all ages!
Top Fuel (トップヒュエル)
It’s a gourmet burger featuring homemade buns baked fresh every morning, a meaty patty uniquely blended with beef and pork, and an original sauce meticulously crafted by the owner! Additionally, the must-try burger on Awaji Island includes grilled Awaji onions, sandwiched in a melt-in-your-mouth state.
Sawara Katsu Burger (サワラカツバーガー)
A local burger featuring abundant Awaji Island fish, ‘Sawara,’ as the main ingredient. The crispy, hot Sawara cutlet is paired with safe and secure vegetables grown in our own farm – Awaji Island onions and cabbage. The secret to the flavor is our original tartar sauce! With tomatoes as a hidden ingredient, the tartar sauce has a subtle pink hue. Its refreshing taste complements the crispy Sawara cutlet perfectly.
Grilled Awaji Beef Mega Craft Burger (グリル淡路牛メガクラフトバーガー)
Giant burger with a perfect harmony of sweet sauce and Awaji Island onions. A signature dish from the Craft Kitchen – a voluminous burger! A 200g patty made from Awaji beef on a 17cm diameter bun, combined with sweet sauce, creates a luxurious bite. Enjoy the satisfaction of Awaji Island’s proud onions, delivering a rich flavor and bold eating experience. Whether indulging solo or cutting it with a knife to share with family or friends, it’s a recommended culinary adventure!
Awajishima Onion Beef Burger (あわじ島オニオンビーフバーガー)
Winner of the National Regional Burger Grand Prix! Starring the approximately 8mm thick Awaji Island onion cutlet. On top of that, richly seasoned Awaji beef and a premium tomato sauce, using twice the amount of tomatoes, are added. Enjoy the kick of the secret spicy mayonnaise, crisp lettuce, and the unique texture of the new buns together.
AwajiShima Burgers FAQ
- What makes Awaji Island Burgers unique compared to other regional burgers in Japan?
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Awaji Island Burgers stand out for their distinct local flavors, incorporating ingredients like Awaji beef and onions, reflecting the island’s culinary heritage. The collaboration of residents and local authorities contributes to the uniqueness of these burgers.
- How has the government and tourism associations supported the promotion of Awaji Island Burgers?
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The government, tourism associations, and chambers of commerce and industry actively cooperate to promote Awaji Island Burgers. Their support includes participation in events and festivals to showcase the unique flavors of these burgers, contributing to the overall promotion of Awaji Island as a culinary destination.
How to make AwajiShima Burger?
Ingredients
| Ingredients (for 3 servings) | Measurements |
|---|---|
| Awaji Island Onion | 1 |
| Cheese | |
| Egg | 1 |
| Pork belly slices | As many as you can roll |
| Lettuce | 1/2 |
| Hamburger buns | 3 |
| Cucumber Pickles | 3 slices |
| Ketchup | To taste |
| Mayonnaise | To taste |
Instructions
Cut the Awaji Island onion into rings and season with salt and pepper.
Steam the onion rings until partially cooked.
Prepare a sunny-side-up egg.
Wrap onion rings with pork belly slices and grill until cooked.
Enhance the cheese flavor by sprinkling nutmeg.
Grill the meat-wrapped onion rings for a nice color.
Place grilled onion rings, cucumber pickles, and any other toppings on the hamburger buns.
Close the burgers and optionally add a sunny-side-up egg.
Prepare another meat-wrapped onion, season, and assemble the last burger. Finally, relax and savor the unique Awaji Shima Burger flavors!
Recommended restaurants/ stores
Awajishima Onion Kitchen (あわじ島バーガー 淡路島オニオンキッチン)
Situated within the Michi-no-Eki Uzushio, this casual eatery is part of the roadside station located on Awaji Island’s western side, overlooking the Naruto Strait. Dedicated to Awaji Island’s renowned specialty, onions, the facility offers a delightful array of gourmet dishes and souvenirs featuring this local produce. The Onion Kitchen is particularly famous for its hamburgers showcasing thick slices of Awaji Island onions.
Notably, the “Awajishima Onion Beef Burger” secured first and second place in the national regional burger contest of 2015 and 2016, praised for harmonizing the sweetness of onions with the succulence of meat. The menu also features other onion-rich options like burgers with onion gratin or onion tartar. At the station, a shop presents an extensive collection of products, ideal for souvenirs, including onion jams, dressings, sweets made with Awaji Island onions, as well as onion-themed goods and accessories.
Tamanegisokoatochi Shichikafe (玉ねぎ倉庫跡地 志知カフェ)
Located in a renovated onion warehouse, this cafe boasts an incredibly diverse menu. With a recent makeover, both the interior and menu have taken on a stylish Hawaiian vibe. The Awajishima Burger, served in this chic setting, is truly exquisite!
Awaji Seaside Walk Cafe
This cafe has your favourite Awajishima burger! A thick slab of meat topped with generous portions of avocado and cheese, drizzled with Cobb sauce—the voluminous Awajishima Burger. Additionally, there are other enticing options like the Awajishima Burger with steak sandwiched in. A must-try delicacy!
Takeaway
Awaji Shima Burgers are a tasty treat from Awaji Island, known for their unique flavors. The burgers feature the island’s special Awaji onion, famous for being sweet and juicy. From the top-notch Awaji Onion Beef Burger to creative options like the Savorable Fish Cutlet Burger, they showcase the island’s delicious creations. The Awaji Island Burger Association works hard to promote these burgers and bring people together. Check out these burgers to experience the fantastic tastes of Awaji Island!
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