The History of Kamameshi & Where to Taste it in Tokyo

Kamameshi is another classic Japanese rice dish with an interesting history and a popularity that has lasted until today.

 

History of Kamameshi

Kamameshi translates to kettle rice in that kama means iron pot and meshi is the rice.

The dish popularized after the Great Kanto earthquake in 1923 as families communally ate straight from the iron pot. The act of communal eating represented the tight relationships formed as a means of togetherness and survival after the earthquake.

Kamameshi is essentially Japanese pilaf rice topped with meat, seafood, and/or vegetables and cooked with a light seasoning of soy sauce, sake, and/or mirin. Cooking the rice in the iron pot created a burned bottom layer that has a beautiful crunch and caramelized depth in flavor.

 

Where to Have Kamameshi in Tokyo

In Tokyo, you can taste quality kamameshi near Tokyo Station in the premier Marunouchi and Otemachi area. The rice at Tori Kansuke features seasonal ingredients as well as chicken and vegetables as the restaurant also specializes in yakitori. Read more about Tori Kansuke.
 

kamameshi
Kamameshi with chicken and vegetables including bamboo, lotus roots, mushrooms, and local greens. Each order is served with a small teapot of chicken broth and individual rice bowls for the table.

 

Kamameshi
The kamameshi served at Tori Kansuke changes often featuring seasonal toppings, such as these salmon flakes and salmon roe during the autumn and early winter months when salmon is more seasonally available.

 

Address & Hours

Tori-Kansuke
B2F Ootemori, Otemachi Tower
1-5-5 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Daily, 11am to 4pm and 5pm to 11pm
 
 
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Originally posted January 22, 2019
Reposted May 19, 2021

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