A surprising fact about Saga city - Saga cities amazing food scene
Over a year has passed since the day I first landed in Saga city during the sweltering summer heat. Since that day Saga city has become my home, and I certainly feel a lot more comfortable navigating it in comparison to when I first arrived. Whilst it fits the population criteria to be called a city, Saga city is unlike most other Japanese cities. It sprawls out in many directions with very little, tall buildings to speak of. even the residents struggle to accept its city status as in comparison to many other large cities, Saga feels rural, a large town that couldn’t stop expanding if you will.
If you were to ask me what one thing surprised, you the most since living in Saga? One response comes to mind. Saga city has an incredible food scene. This may not be a surprising answer to many when we considered most cities have endless food opportunities. But since living in Saga and spending a fair bit of time in both Nagasaki and Fukuoka I can say without doubt Sagas food scene shocked me the most. Keeping in mind the city is a town masquerading with city status and that the city itself sprawls out for miles. This simply lends more to how surprising this discovery was.
Saga has all the usual suspects when it comes to fast food and chains, but Saga has a multitude of unique family owned, foreign owned cuisine. There are a lot of places in Saga that are not only unique but bring the quality and taste to life. Perhaps the cheaper rent draws many to Saga looking to try running their first businesses. Perhaps Sagas focus on international relations also helps bring many nationalities together through food. But I have had the most surprising food encounters in Saga. Not even a week ago did I try the new Taiwanese place close to mine. Focusing on one dish only the store makes Mala tan, customers grab a bowl and throw in the ingredients they want to be cooked up by the restaurant into a warming numbing hotpot. Perfect for the colder weather now griping Kyushu. This experience was amazing and after having spent New Year in Tawain I was excited to be able to experience another dish from the country.
Saga has many delicious restaurants that have been covered already on this blog such as Drive-in Tori, several Saga Gyu restaurants, Yellow Spice still one of the hottest curries I have had in Japan, Pizza California and Yume no Ippo which serves the largest stamina ramen bowls I have ever seen and still not been able to finish even their smallest size. I have heard via my students and work colleagues that there is a whole street dedicated to Italian food and Sicilian rice. Within the station area there are three Korean restaurants all serving an array of authentic dishes, Korea is closer to Kyushu than it is Tokyo!
Saga is also home to one of two Columbian restaurants in Japan albeit it being in Takeo Onsen slightly further along the trainline from the city itself. There are numerous Yakiniku places in Saga for those looking to enjoy meats and luxury of cooking everything to one’s own preferences. For those on a health kick numerous açai and Greek yoghurt places have opened in Saga, and all seem to be doing very well. There are numerous trendy coffee shops and family-owned bakeries selling an array of goodies. There is a family run pizza store just north of the station with its own pizza vending machine for those in need of pizza outside of operation hours.
Whilst it may be expected for a city to have many places to eat the food in Saga is insanely good and high quality. I have been on record as saying there’s only two places in Nagasaki that I have eaten and been impressed by that being a Pho restaurant and a place for Shabu which is a chain also located in Fukuoka so not unique. Since living in Japan, I found my interest in ramen declined but there are three places in Saga that jump to mind when I think of the best ramens I have eaten. Towards the east of Saga there is a location that sells an array of broth types such as tonkotsu which is famous in Kyushu, miso and shoyu. The ramen here was great and the portion size was generous, the spicey versions are very tasty and perfect when I was on the hunt for some spice.
When I came back from Hokkaido craving the insanely good food I had left behind in the north, Saga provided! There is a Genghis khan restaurant about a five-minute walk south of the station, this place is worth trying! The lamb was flavourful and there are many great dishes you should try. This place is a yakiniku place so be prepared to be the cook master, but the quality of ingredients will not let you down. Saga also has a place to eat soup curry a local dish from Hokkaido that I am obsessed with, however its only open at lunch and for a very limited amount of time. I have yet to try this place, but I have high hopes.
Whilst I am still on the hunt for a good shabu restaurant in Saga should a visitor ask me where they can find a specific dish, I feel confident I would have an answer for most potential dishes.
I intend to write many more blogs on specific restaurants in Saga, but todays focus was pushing Saga into the light for having a huge food scene that is overlooked by all coming to Kyushu. Saga is known as a fly over/ train through prefecture sitting between the two tourist hotspots Fukuoka and Nagasaki. It is rare to see tourists in Saga which is a shame for the foodies who are missing out. Whilst Saga may not be bustling it is living the food paradise life. With its focus on international relations many restaurants or pop-up food festivals are the perfect opportunity for many to try different cuisines. I truly believe that the best way to share a culture is by eating it! often countries are very proud of their local dishes and produce, sharing food is a great way to bond and learn about the flavours of a country.
Whilst my time in Saga will come to an end, I will never forget the amazing food experiences I have had here, and I intend to try many more places before my time is up. If you are ever in an Asian country and do not know what to eat a good tip I learnt was follow the crowd. If you see a line for a restaurant that means the food is so good the locals are choosing to line for it. another good hint is to check ratings in Asia ratings tend to be lower because criteria is harsher and most do not like awarding full marks. But checking reviews, pictures and menus can help you make a more informed decision. Before any trip I tend to research the area for the best recommendations and make a list so I can match my food mood once at the location. Holidays are brief so I try to pick a place that is rated highly or which has been running for a long time. Food regret is a huge fear of mine. I hope that should you venture to Saga you give the food scene a try you will not be disappointed.
