5 Famous Foods You’ll Find in Ishikawa

Ishikawa blends coastal scenery, lively markets and a food culture shaped by both the mountains and the Sea of Japan. Whether you’re wandering Kanazawa’s historic streets or exploring the Noto Peninsula, you’ll come across flavors that feel distinctly Ishikawa. Here are five famous foods you’ll find in Ishikawa to try on your next visit.

1. Noto Beef

Photo by: PIXTA/ moka

Noto beef is the pride of Ishikawa’s cuisine. It’s a local wagyu known for its soft texture and rich flavor, often served as steak, sukiyaki or shabu-shabu. Many restaurants work closely with nearby farms, so the meat is typically incredibly fresh and handled with care. Whether it’s grilled or enjoyed in a hotpot, the flavor is a must-try for those who love beef. 

2. Jibuni

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Jibuni is a Kanazawa favorite, especially once the weather cools down. Duck slices are lightly coated in flour and simmered in a gentle soy and dashi broth. Fu (wheat gluten) and seasonal vegetables are added to soak up the broth. The recipe dates back to the days of the Kaga samurai and was initially served to guests. Today, it remains a winter staple in regional set meals and kaiseki dinners.

3. Nodoguro (Blackthroat Seaperch)

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Nodoguro is one of Ishikawa’s most prized fish, known for its soft, buttery texture and rich flavor. It’s caught throughout the year, but the best season is late autumn to early winter when the fish build up more fat and the meat becomes especially tender. Grilled nodoguro is the classic way to enjoy it, but many restaurants also serve it as sashimi or lightly seared. Along the Noto Peninsula, small coastal eateries and fish markets offer nodoguro as soon as it’s landed, especially during peak season.

4. Kanazawa Curry

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Kanazawa curry is thick, dark and seriously satisfying. It comes with a mound of shredded cabbage and a crispy pork cutlet, all covered in a rich sauce that’s smooth, slightly sweet and a little heavier than standard Japanese curry. The dish originally took off in local diners in the 1950s and many shops still serve it the old-school way on a stainless-steel plate with a fork instead of chopsticks. If curry is your go-to dish in Japan, Kanazawa’s version is worth seeking out.

5. Kanazawa Gold Leaf

Photo by: PIXTA/ そばらーめんうどん

Kanazawa produces most of Japan’s gold leaf, so it’s no surprise it shows up in the city’s desserts. Soft-serve ice cream covered in gold sheets is the classic “Kanazawa photo spot” snack, but local cafes also use gold leaf on parfaits, mochi and matcha drinks. It’s not a traditional dish, more of a playful nod to the region’s crafts. but it has become a big part of the cafe scene in Higashi Chaya District and around Kanazawa Station.

Did we miss out on any other famous foods you’ll find in Ishikawa? Interested in other prefectures? Explore our Famous Foods in Japan series.