Iga Mench (or Ika Mench) is a home-style dish from the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. The origin of this food is “Iga Geso” (squid tentacles) rounded up in flour with vegetables such as onions and carrots and deep-fried in oil (according to “Our Local Cuisine” by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries). It is a standard inexpensive food at markets and supermarkets in the Tsugaru region. It is an everyday dish for the people of Tsugaru, served as a meal, sometimes as a snack, and sometimes as a finger food for alcohol.

▲Photo Description: Iga Mench on display at a local market

I’d love to recommend pairing Iga Menchi with a local craft beer. While you might think sake would be a good match, the rich aroma of the crispy exterior brings out the delicious squid flavor. With each bite, the savory aroma and the umami of the squid fill your mouth, making it a perfect match for beer. You might even find yourself tempted to have another one!

Every home or restaurant has its unique style of making Iga Menchi. They use different ingredients and cooking methods, like deep-frying or baking. Some are filled with veggies, while others have squid and come in all shapes and sizes. There are so many ways to enjoy Iga Menchi! I’d love to share some of our favorite types and great local beers. Cheers!

The classic Iga Menchi enjoyed in the sea breeze

You don’t want to miss Iga Menchi at Yakitori Nao in Aomori City. It’s a delightful deep-fried dish packed with squid and crunchy cabbage. The aroma of onion and the flavor of squid come together perfectly, making it irresistible. Plus, it’s perfect for takeout, so you can enjoy it in the sea breeze by the beach.

Yakitori Nao

• Address　1 Chome-12-19, Shimachi, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
• Phone number　0177-52-0735
• Opening hours
• Closed days

▲Photo Description: Enjoying Iga Menchi on a bench by the beach

Sumptuous squid only Menchi (minced) 

Imagine biting into the crispy, freshly fried Iga Menchi at Wa Dining Bar Takumi. As you savor the sweet and salty sauce and discover the tender squid filling inside, the flavors come alive with every bite. To top it off, there’s a side of creamy mayonnaise that just takes it to the next level. This delightful dish is perfect for enjoying with Aomori’s local sake, but even if you’re not into alcohol, you’ll find it irresistible.

Wa Dining Bar Takumi

• Address　20-1, Daikan-machi, Hirosaki City
• Telephone number　0172-55-7383
• Opening hours：18:00～23:00　Closed days：Sundays

▲▼Photo Description: Iga Menchi at Wa dining bar Takumi, a menu featuring local ingredients from the prefecture, including Iga Menchi

Aromatic IPA at Oirase Beer

OIRASE BEER has a brewery in Towada City. Beer is brewed using the underground water from Mount Hakkoda (the headwaters of Oirase), which has been gushing out for a long time. I like IPA among OIRASE BEER’s beers. Let’s start with the aroma. The fruity and gorgeous aroma is fragrant, and the bitterness after drinking is perfect for Iga Menchi. It is available at liquor stores in the prefecture, online stores, etc.

Restaurant Oirase

• Address　39-1, Okuse Sekimichi, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture
• Telephone　0176- 27-1317
• Opening hours　: 11:00～16:00　Closed days： Wednesdays

　　　　　　　　　▲Photo Description: Various kinds of OIRASE BEER, some beers made with Aomori brand rice “Seiten No Hekireki”

Fresh beer and Iga Menchi in a taproom

Gareth No Ajito (Gareth’s Asylum), which has a storefront on the second floor, is a taproom whose pouring spout is directly connected to the brewery’s tanks on the first floor. You can drink the beer being brewed then, and products already sold as cans can be poured into glasses on the spot and enjoyed.

This is where you can enjoy Iga Menchi and craft beer together. Their Iga Menchi is a flat, round one with many vegetables. It is flat and round and has separate ginger paste and salty sauce. The first bite of the squid has this unique texture that makes you smile. Pair it with a freshly brewed beer, and it’s the perfect moment. Then comes the second bite with the ginger paste, and it’s even better. The squid’s umami mixes with the ginger’s aroma, and the beer goes down even smoother. It’s a delightful experience.

Gareth No Ajito (Gareth’s Asylum)

• Address　5 chome-7-9, Matsugae, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture
• Telephone　0172-78-1222
• Opening hours：17:00～22:00　Closed days：Sunday, Monday and Tuesday

　　　　　　　　▲Photo Description: There are three different beer-drinking sets

　　　　　　　　▲Photo Description: Iga Mench and canned beer are sold in the store.

Treat yourself to some delicious Iga Menchi and local beer at a restaurant when you’re in Aomori. Grab Iga Menchi and local beer from a market or supermarket and enjoy them in your cozy room. Don’t miss out on this local delight during your visit to Aomori, and maybe you’ll even find your favorite one to enjoy during your future trips here

ONAGAWA MANA

She is currently in her fourth year of university and began living in Hirosaki when she entered university. She is fascinated by Hirosaki and Aomori and enjoys Aomori’s food and nature every day.