Shikoku Tourism: 四国食遊 Shikoku Culinary Tourism Ep.7 -Wild Lunch with BBQ Samurai-

◉ Location: Nametoko Gorge: https://shikokutours.com/points-of-interest/ehime/nametoko-gorge/

【Today's Menu】

◉Wiener Rolls
ウィンナー・ロール

Wieners are small sausages made from sheep intestines, loved in Japan for their ease of cooking and taste. BBQ master Ryoma Nikumoto, known as BBQ Samurai, skewers them, wraps in dough, and grills over charcoal. He adds sake lees (a byproduct of sake making) for unique flavor. The sake lees are from the "Nobushi" brewery we visited. The grilled wiener rolls have a distinct aroma and sweet, yeasty flavor.

◉Grilled Whole Chicken and Vegetables on a Campfire
丸鳥と野菜の焚火グリル

Using cherry branches for charcoal grilling infuses the chicken with a unique cherry aroma, enhancing its flavor. The BBQ Samurai's katana is a custom-made BBQ tool, not an actual sword, so there's no need to worry ;) Unlike traditional samurai swordsmanship, the BBQ Samurai aims to add an element of entertainment to outdoor cooking, and we greatly enjoyed our "samurai training" with him.

In Japan, it is customary to say "itadakimasu" before meals, a word of gratitude. "Itadaku" means to receive, expressing appreciation for the lives of plants and animals that became food, as well as respect for all the processes that brought the food to our table. This short, easy-to-remember phrase encapsulates a deep cultural appreciation and respect.

◉Baked Apple Taiyaki and Campfire Coffee
焼きリンゴたい焼きと焚火珈琲

After enjoying wild meat dishes, don't you crave a gentle sweetness and coffee? No worries, BBQ Samurai has got you covered.

Listening to the sound of the stream echoing through Nametoko Gorge, Mr. Nikumoto prepares freshly roasted coffee. The aroma of the carefully brewed coffee gently spreads around the campfire.

Taiyaki is a traditional Japanese confectionery shaped like a sea bream. It is made primarily from wheat flour dough and usually filled with sweet red bean paste (anko). The exterior is crispy, while the interior is characterized by the sweet, moist filling. However, since some overseas guests might not be fond of anko, BBQ Samurai adds a twist. By using baked apple instead of anko, the taiyaki retains its crispy exterior while the inside is filled with sweet and tart baked apple. This creates a delicious treat reminiscent of an apple pie, representing a fusion of Japanese and Western cultures.

【Related Links/関連リンク】

◉Matsuno Gibier （森の息吹・まつのジビエ）: https://morinoibuki.net
◉Matsumaru Station in Matsuno Town （JR松丸駅）: https://bit.ly/JR-Matsumaru-Station
◉ Morinokuni Poppo Onsen Hot Spring （森の国ぽっぽ温泉）Official Site in Japanese: http://poppoonsen.com
◉ Japanese Sake Nobushi (清酒　野武士）：https://bit.ly/sake-nobushi
◉ BBQ Castle & BBQ（民泊　BBQ城: https://www.bbqjyou-ehime.com/）
・Shikou Tours Ltd.: https://www.shikokutours.com
・FM Radio Program「Uwajima World Link」について：https://bit.ly/3z0cUER
・CSTOYS International: https://cstoysjapan.com
・Office Seike: https://officeseike.com

"Shikoku Tourism" is one of our FM radio segments for "Uwajima World Link." The show's host, Masaki Seike, Director of CSTOYS International, seeks a new adventure beyond the Tokusatsu. You can find the series of our journey from HERE. 

Join us, and off we go! 

Masaki Seike

Director 
CSTOYS International

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