© Lombroso · CC BY-SA 4.0

🍱 Tako Meshi

Tako meshi or octopus rice, is said to originate from when fisherman on boats would catch octopus and then cook it with rice. Originally, the sea around Ehime's coast had a sandy seabed, with many small shrimps, crabs, and shellfish, making it a great environment for octopus to live in. In early spring, small octopuses weighing from 200 to 400 grams, called “kinome-dako” are found, which are believed to be tasty because of their firm meat. In addition, during the raining season, octopuses grow larger due to the nutrient-rich water flowing into the sea, and octopuses during this season are said to have a unique texture as well. In the Imade district of Matsuyama, there are several restaurants specializing in “tako meshi” at the harbor.