Visited 14.05.2016 (Sat)
Relive the experience. Returned to Tono JR Station 遠野駅 before 3 pm after visiting Densyoen 伝承園 and Kappabuchi カッパ淵, both situated in the outskirts. Had ample time to explore the town further before catching the returning train to Shin Hanamaki 新花巻駅 at 5 pm; decided to seek advice from the tourist information center, located just opposite to the train station. The staff asked me whether I would like to try Tono's local specialty and I was surprised to find out that this recommended dish was Jingisukan / Genghis Khan ジンギスカン, otherwise known as grilled mutton on a hot plate. I have always thought that this was a dish popular in Hokkaido; in fact, I am a fan of Jingisukan and had savoured it twice on two separate trips to Hokkaido (in 2012 and 2013). Jingisukan has been around in Tono all the way back since 1930s and it is well liked by the locals probably to the point that mutton sells better than beef in the supermarkets here.
Followed the staff's recommendation to Anbe あんべ, an established Jingisukan restaurant in Tono and currently managed by the third generation. The first generation owner of Anbe started offering Jingisukan on its menu in 1955, utilising mutton that were bred locally and at the same time, created a homemade sauce to complement the grilled meat. It was so well received hat it became a local favourite ever since. Even though the decline in local supply of lambs in recent years forced Anbe to turn to mutton imported from Australia, the quality of food is not compromised and the delicious flavours of Jingisukan grilled mutton continues to conquer the tastebuds. In Tono, locals can enjoy Jingisukan outdoors by renting a custom made bucket in which fuel can be put into and dome shaped skillet can sit on top of it. The idea of "bucket Jingisukan" was originated by the second generation owner of Anbe and it has became a unique characteristic of Tono's version of Jingisukan.
2nd in a row! There is a homely ambience in the restaurant, with both conventional and tatami seating available. The day before I was blown away by the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth Maesawa beef in Ogata and today I am sinking my teeth into tender mutton grilled on a dome shaped skillet. Ordered the lamb shoulder set ラムかた [1,050 yen] which was accompanied with onion (玉葱), green pepper (ピーマン) and beansprouts (もやし). After the skillet was warmed up, I used the block of fat to grease the skillet. Placed the meat on the skillet and turned the meat every now and then until it was cooked to about medium / medium well so as to retain its tenderness. Dipped the meat into their secret sauce before savouring the meat. The lamb was very tender, succulent and not gamey at all. For the second day in a row, I was overwhelmed by yet another gastronomic experience! Could not help but to exclaim "oishii" to myself while I picked up the grilled meat one after another one.
Without a doubt, my day trip in Tono ended well on a good note!
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Relive the experience. Returned to Tono JR Station 遠野駅 before 3 pm after visiting Densyoen 伝承園 and Kappabuchi カッパ淵, both situated in the outskirts. Had ample time to explore the town further before catching the returning train to Shin Hanamaki 新花巻駅 at 5 pm; decided to seek advice from the tourist information center, located just opposite to the train station. The staff asked me whether I would like to try Tono's local specialty and I was surprised to find out that this recommended dish was Jingisukan / Genghis Khan ジンギスカン, otherwise known as grilled mutton on a hot plate. I have always thought that this was a dish popular in Hokkaido; in fact, I am a fan of Jingisukan and had savoured it twice on two separate trips to Hokkaido (in 2012 and 2013). Jingisukan has been around in Tono all the way back since 1930s and it is well liked by the locals probably to the point that mutton sells better than beef in the supermarkets here.
Followed the staff's recommendation to Anbe あんべ, an established Jingisukan restaurant in Tono and currently managed by the third generation. The first generation owner of Anbe started offering Jingisukan on its menu in 1955, utilising mutton that were bred locally and at the same time, created a homemade sauce to complement the grilled meat. It was so well received hat it became a local favourite ever since. Even though the decline in local supply of lambs in recent years forced Anbe to turn to mutton imported from Australia, the quality of food is not compromised and the delicious flavours of Jingisukan grilled mutton continues to conquer the tastebuds. In Tono, locals can enjoy Jingisukan outdoors by renting a custom made bucket in which fuel can be put into and dome shaped skillet can sit on top of it. The idea of "bucket Jingisukan" was originated by the second generation owner of Anbe and it has became a unique characteristic of Tono's version of Jingisukan.
2nd in a row! There is a homely ambience in the restaurant, with both conventional and tatami seating available. The day before I was blown away by the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth Maesawa beef in Ogata and today I am sinking my teeth into tender mutton grilled on a dome shaped skillet. Ordered the lamb shoulder set ラムかた [1,050 yen] which was accompanied with onion (玉葱), green pepper (ピーマン) and beansprouts (もやし). After the skillet was warmed up, I used the block of fat to grease the skillet. Placed the meat on the skillet and turned the meat every now and then until it was cooked to about medium / medium well so as to retain its tenderness. Dipped the meat into their secret sauce before savouring the meat. The lamb was very tender, succulent and not gamey at all. For the second day in a row, I was overwhelmed by yet another gastronomic experience! Could not help but to exclaim "oishii" to myself while I picked up the grilled meat one after another one.
Without a doubt, my day trip in Tono ended well on a good note!
======
Jingisukan Anbe ジンギスカンあんべ
〒028-0542 岩手県遠野市早瀬町2丁目4-12
Operating hours: 1000 - 1900 hrs
Operating hours: 1000 - 1900 hrs
How to get there?
(1) By foot. Approx. 10 mins walk from Tono JR Station 遠野駅.
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