Amazing AOMORI

A dish called Keiran that looks like boiled eggs floating in a clear broth can be found in the Shimokita region of Aomori Prefecture.

Keiran means “chicken eggs” in Japanese, a reference to the dish’s distinctive appearance. The “eggs,” which are actually mochi rice cakes filled with sweet red bean jam, are served in an umami-packed salty broth made from kelp and shiitake mushrooms in this local specialty of Aomori Prefecture.

The sweetness of the red bean jam and the saltiness of the broth might seem like conflicting flavors, and if you’ve never tried it before, it’s probably difficult to imagine this combination. However, the sweet red bean jam and the umami-rich, salty broth actually come together in a surprisingly perfect harmony.

Keiran soup has a long history as a dish, supposedly originating in Kyoto and brought to Aomori along with the cosmopolitan culture of Kyoto and Osaka during the Edo period (1603–1868). In those days, it was served as a special dish to celebrate the autumn harvest. Nowadays, it is well known to people in Aomori as a staple at gatherings for ceremonial occasions.

 If you have the chance to visit Aomori Prefecture, be sure to experience its historic, diverse cuisine to the fullest by trying Keiran soup.