5 Famous Foods You’ll Find in Miyazaki

Down in the sunny southeast corner of Kyushu, Miyazaki Prefecture is best known for sunny skies, pristine beaches and some seriously flavorful food. With rich farmland, top-tier livestock and tropical fruit production, the region is a powerhouse of both comfort dishes and luxury delicacies. From juicy wagyu to sweet-tart mangoes, here are five famous foods in Miyazaki.

1. Miyazaki Beef (Wagyu)

Photo by: PIXTA/ june. Rich, buttery and unforgettable beef

Miyazaki Beef consistently ranks among the top wagyu brands in Japan, rivaling even Kobe and Matsusaka in marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The cattle are raised with meticulous care in the Miyazaki countryside, resulting in rich, buttery and unforgettable beef. Whether served as a sizzling steak, seared yakiniku or delicate shabu-shabu slices, this is luxury you can taste.

2. Chicken Nanban

Photo by: PIXTA/ koalakko A bold and addictive combination.

Fried chicken. Vinegar. Tartar sauce. Name a more iconic trio. This retro-style dish started in a Miyazaki restaurant in 1956 and quickly became a nationwide classic. Chicken nanban features crispy, deep-fried chicken soaked in a sweet vinegar marinade, topped with a generous heap of creamy tartar sauce. It’s a bold, addictive combination that somehow balances crunchy, tangy and rich all at once.

3. Hiyajiru (Cold Soup Over Rice)

Photo by: PIXTA/ ささざわ It’s a refreshing and nourishing dish.

A local favorite during Miyazaki’s summers, hiyajiru is a chilled miso-based soup poured over rice, often with cucumber, grilled fish, sesame and shiso. It’s a refreshing and nourishing dish. You’ll find this local favourite across Miyazaki’s restaurants, family kitchens and in ryokan (traditional Japanese inns).

4. Miyazaki Mango

Photo by: PIXTA/ hungryworks Peak mango season is spring to early summer.

These aren’t your average supermarket mangoes. Miyazaki mangoes, especially Taiyo no Tamago (Egg of the Sun), are popular for their candy-like sweetness, vibrant color and perfect texture. Enjoy them in parfaits, smoothies, and many souvenirs throughout the prefecture. Peak mango season is spring to early summer, so if you are visiting Miyazaki during this time, be sure to taste one before you leave.

5. Miyazaki Jitokko Chicken

Photo by: PIXTA/ WWT撮影 Locals say it pairs best with shochu.

Jitokko is a native breed of free-range chicken in Miyazaki. Its firm texture and bold flavor make it perfect for charcoal-grilled dishes (sumibiyaki). Expect a rustic presentation of bite-sized pieces, a smoky sear and a dipping side of yuzu kosho (spicy citrus paste) to balance the richness. Locals say it pairs best with shochu.

Hungry for more? Check out our Famous Food in Japan series for more.