Photo/Illutration Dishes offered at the ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama (Photo courtesy of “Wa no kando taiken” secretariat at Okayama Korakuen)

OKAYAMA--Visitors to the famed Korakuen garden here can get a taste of history by enjoying foods that the lords of the Ikeda clan would have savored during the Edo Period (1603-1867).

A committee, formed by Okayama Prefecture and other organizations to enhance the appeal of the Korakuen garden, announced that it has re-created these historical dishes, which are now available at hotels in Okayama city.

The committee researched foods eaten by the lords of Okayama in a historical document “Gokoen shoji tomecho,” which lists official businesses.

Based on the research, it published “Okayama Korakuen: Tonosama no gochiso-cho” (Book of delicacies the lords enjoyed at Okayama Korakuen), containing 41 recipes.

These include “Shiki miso,” which is made with steamed or simmered abalone, red sea bream and Chinese yam seasoned with miso, and “Oyakimono,” which is made by cooking Japanese amberjack fillets in a pot with sugar, soy sauce and sake.

The book explains the ingredients and traditional cooking methods of each dish, as well as describing the eating habits of the feudal lords of the Edo Period.

Since the book’s publication, restaurants in the prefecture have asked to use the recipes. Therefore, the committee decided to certify each restaurant that prepared historical dishes from the book that met the committee’s standards.

To receive approval, restaurants need to follow five rules: Include at least one dish from the recipe book, use the ingredients listed in the book, name the set of dishes either “Okayama Korakuen tonosama gozen” or “Okayama Korakuen tonosama no gochiso-cho,” present or package the dishes in a way befitting the names and offer the dishes or packed meals on an ongoing basis.

These historical meals are currently available at the ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama and Hotel Granvia Okayama, which are both located in Kita Ward in Okayama city.

Arate Saryo, a restaurant also situated in Kita Ward, and the Okayama Plaza Hotel, located in Naka Ward, will start serving the dishes soon.

The dishes vary at each restaurant and range from 5,500 yen ($37.50) to 10,043 yen (all including tax and service charge).

Some restaurants require booking in advance.

“Back then, fewer seasonings were available and the ways that foods were seasoned and prepared were different," said a committee spokesperson. "We want people to enjoy these meals while thinking about bygone days.”

The committee plans to increase the number of certified restaurants and is seeking participating establishments.

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