Genghis Khan from Hokkaido
An island on its own, Hokkaido takes up nearly a quarter of the entire country. With its vast land and nature, Hokkaido is known to many tourists as a treasure trove of food, including seafood, agriculture, dairy products, wine, and sake.
Of all the edible wonders this prefecture offers, there is one unique item that is not only popular among tourists, but is also a staple for locals: Genghis Khan. Genghis Khan is a lamb/mutton barbeque that uses uniquely-shaped skillets. One of the most common skillet shapes is that of a soldier’s helmet. The meat is grilled in the centre of the skillet, which rises in the middle like a mountain, and fresh local vegetables—common choices are bean sprouts, cabbage, onions, and pumpkin slices—are steamed on the rims with the juice that flows from the meat on top.
Genghis Khan is often prepared in a cook-your-own style: diners grill the meat and vegetables by themselves, whether they are at home or in a restaurant. This makes Genghis Khan a great social opportunity as well, and even locals often go out to enjoy grilling up some Genghis Khan with glasses of local beer in hand.
Come to Hokkaido and enjoy its beauty with your own eyes, and don’t forget to enjoy traditional dishes like Genghis Khan!
To learn more about Hokkaido please visit http://www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/foreign/english.htm.
