Tai Chazuke Ureshino is a beloved Japanese dish that blends tender sea bream with rich sesame sauce and fragrant green tea, creating a comforting yet elegant meal with deep historical roots. Originating from a centuries-old restaurant in Oita Prefecture, this dish carries a story of tradition, flavor, and feudal heritage. If you’re curious about what makes this dish so special—and why it’s still cherished today—read on to discover the charm behind Tai Chazuke Ureshino.
What is Tai Chazuke Ureshino?
People treasure Tai Chazuke Ureshino as both a lucky charm and a special gift. The name “Ureshino” also has an auspicious meaning. Made by placing fresh sea bream marinated in the family’s traditional sesame sauce on hot rice and pouring Kitsuki tea over it. This dish has become a popular gift for special occasions like Father’s Day or Mother’s Day, offering a heartfelt way to show gratitude to your loved ones. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply coat the slices in a rich, flavorful sesame sauce and place them over steaming hot rice. Pour fragrant Kitsuki tea—a green tea known for its deep, sweet flavor—over the top, and your mouth-watering sea bream chazuke is ready. With this, you can effortlessly enjoy the taste of a traditional restaurant right in your own home.
Tai Chazuke Ureshino History
Founded in 1698 in the castle town of Kitsuki in Bungo (now Oita Prefecture), Wakae-ya—originally known as Otaniya—was the only restaurant officially permitted to operate in the area and has passed down its traditional flavors for over 300 years. The dish Tai Chazuke Ureshino earned its name when the feudal lord of the Nomi Matsudaira clan, regaining his appetite during illness, happily praised the sea bream chazuke he ate daily, saying, “I’m so happy to eat this again.” Renamed Wakae-ya during the Meiji period, the restaurant continues to serve this historic dish using a secret sesame-based sauce and local Kitsuki green tea instead of dashi, alongside daimyo cuisine and seasonal seafood, preserving the refined taste of Edo-period lords.
Long-established Japanese restaurant “Wakae-ya”
The only place you can enjoy “Ureshino” is at Wakae-ya, a historic Japanese restaurant in Kitsuki that has been operating for over 300 years since its founding in 1698. Originally known as Otaniya and the only officially sanctioned restaurant in the castle town of the Bungo Kitsuki Domain, it gained fame when the feudal lord of the Nomi Matsudaira clan, despite being ill and lacking appetite, praised the sea bream chazuke by saying, “I’m happy to have it again today,” leading to the dish’s name “Ureshino.” In the Meiji period, locals renamed the restaurant into Wakae-ya, a prestigious name bestowed by the lord himself.
Summary
Tai Chazuke Ureshino is more than just a delicious dish—it’s a taste of history, tradition, and the refined elegance of Japanese cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of comforting flavors or intrigued by stories passed down through generations, this unique meal offers both. If you find yourself in Japan, don’t miss the chance to experience Tai Chazuke Ureshino for yourself—you might just discover a new favorite.
If you enjoyed learning about Tai Chazuke Ureshino, you might also want to explore other traditional Japanese dishes like Unagi Chazuke, Tai Meshi, or simple Ochazuke for a comforting and authentic taste of Japan.
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