Japan gets another three-Michelin-star restaurant

Nakashima restaurant, which serves traditional Japanese dishes using seasonal ingredients, puts the overall tally of triple Michelin-star restaurants in Japan at 37.

The inaugural Hiroshima guide expands Michelin’s coverage of Japan’s food scene, which covers Tokyo, Yokohama, Shonan; Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara; and Hokkaido.

The latest guide out of Japan also recognized regional Hiroshima cooking styles and specialties for the first time, including anago (saltwater eel), okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancakes), and dishes made with oysters, says Michelin.

In addition to inducting Nakashima into the exclusive three-star club, inspectors awarded five restaurants with two stars and 24 restaurants with their first star.

The 2013 Hiroshima guide also lists 49 Bib Gourmand restaurants, defined as being excellent value for money. Bib Gourmand eateries offer a complete menu for no more than 3,500 Yen (€27).

Foods represented in the Hiroshima guide include Japanese curry, ramen, udon, yakiniku (grilled meats), yoshoku (Western-influenced Japanese foods), while cuisines range from Thai, Italian, French and Spanish fare.