5 Famous Foods You’ll Find in Chiba

While many visitors know Chiba for Narita International Airport and Tokyo Disneyland, the region is also rich in culinary traditions. With a strong fishing heritage, fertile farmland, and easy access to the capital, Chiba serves up a mix of hearty comfort food and fresh seafood specialties. These five famous foods in Chiba will give you an authentic taste of the prefecture.

1. Namerou

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A traditional fisherman’s dish from the Boso Peninsula, namerou is made by mincing fresh fish with miso, ginger and green onion, then pounding it into a paste. Originally eaten at sea because it kept well without refrigeration, the name comes from the word nameru (“to lick”), since it’s said to be so tasty you’ll lick the plate clean. You’ll find it in izakaya, local restaurants or served as sushi in Chiba’s coastal towns. 

2. Katsuura Tantanmen

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This Chiba-born take on spicy tantanmen noodles features a fiery red broth loaded with chili oil and minced pork. Created in Katsuura City to warm up cold fishermen returning from the sea, the soup is thinner than its Sichuan counterpart but packs a strong punch of spice. With more than 100 restaurants in Katsuura serving their own version, it’s become one of Chiba’s signature comfort foods.

3. White Gyoza

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Gyoza is one of Japan’s most popular comfort foods, but you haven’t truly explored the dumpling scene until you’ve tried Chiba’s famous White Gyoza. Unlike the usual thin-skinned version, these dumplings are round, plump and fried to a golden crisp. Introduced to Noda City in 1964 by a Chinese chef, White Gyoza quickly became a local legend. Their thick, chewy skins and juicy fillings make them both hearty and satisfying and the portions are famously generous. Today, long lines still form outside specialty shops, including the original store in Noda, proving that this Chiba-born twist on gyoza is worth the wait.

4. Narita Sushi and Futomaki

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Near Narita’s historic Shinsho-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most popular temple sites close to Narita International Airport, it’s common for travelers to enjoy sushi before flying. Chiba’s sushi stands out for its generous futomaki (thick sushi rolls), which are filled with colorful ingredients like egg, cucumber, kampyo (gourd strips) and pickled vegetables. These hearty rolls are both delicious and beautifully presented. 

5. Peanuts (Chiba Rakkasei)

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No food is more closely associated with Chiba than peanuts. The prefecture grows around 80% of Japan’s supply and locals take pride in their rich flavor and crunchy bite. You’ll find peanuts in just about everything here — roasted as snacks, mixed into candies or even used in savory dishes. For an authentic souvenir, pick up a bag of freshly roasted rakkasei from a roadside stand or local market.

Have you tried any of these famous foods in Chiba? Explore our Famous Foods in Japan series to discover what’s cooking across the country.