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Furai (Japanese Pancake) ｜ Our Regional Cuisines

  • Saitama Prefecture

    Furai (Japanese Pancake)

Furai (Japanese Pancake)

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  • Furai (Japanese Pancake)

    Image source: Gyoda City

  • Main lore areas

    Gyoda City

  • Main ingredients used

    Vegetables, meat, wheat flour

  • History/origin/related events

    "Furai" in the northern Saitama region, including Gyoda City, is not a fried dish but rather a grilled one. It involves cooking a batter made of wheat flour and water, then adding vegetables, meat, and other ingredients. It is a dish similar to okonomiyaki or crepes. Originally, "Furai" was a simple snack made by farmers. The dish gained popularity, especially in the early Showa period, among female workers at sock factories in Gyoda, where it was easy to make, affordable, portable, and filling. It became well-established with an increasing number of shops offering it, and today, it is served in over 20 restaurants in Gyoda City. The name "Furai" has various theories, such as being derived from the region's history as a fabric-producing area ("Furai"), from the use of a frypan, or as a play on words with "Fuku yo koi" (Bring wealth).

  • Opportunities and times of eating habits

    In the past, it was a hearty snack popular among female workers at sock factories. Nowadays, it is enjoyed as a daily snack by people of all ages, from children to adults.

  • How to eat

    Soften wheat flour with water, pour it thinly on a griddle, and while baking, add chopped green onions and pork, then cook on both sides. During this process, press repeatedly with a pot lid to create a crispy texture. Add sauce or soy sauce, and sprinkle with green seaweed according to your preference. Some variations include cracking an egg into the batter while cooking. Depending on the establishment, it may be served sandwiched between yakisoba, or with added ingredients like cheese, squid, shrimp, or tempura bits.

  • Efforts for Preservation and Succession

    (Outline of the traditions, the preservation society, social media use, modern approaches to commercialization)
    You can enjoy it at various local eateries, cafes, and specialty shops in the city. It has also been featured as a local specialty in various media. In the city of Gyoda, they have created a character named "Furabee," representing Furai, and it participates in events both within and outside the city.

RECIPE

Ingredients (4 servings)

  • Wheat flour 2 cups (200g)
  • Water 350ml
  • Green onions 50g
  • Pork 50g
  • Vegetable oil As needed
  • Sauce As needed

How to cook

  • 1. Finely mince the green onions, and cut the pork into bite-sized pieces.

  • 2. Pour a suitable amount of water-dissolved wheat flour onto a heated iron plate and spread it thinly into a 20cm diameter circle.

  • 3. Place the chopped green onions and pork on top, and optionally crack an egg over it.

  • 4. Pour a suitable amount of the water-dissolved wheat flour mixture over the top.

  • 5. Cook on both sides, pressing repeatedly with a lid or similar. Once it has a slight golden brown color, brush with sauce, and it's ready to serve.

provider : Traditional cuisine of North Saitama

Recipes vary depending on the region and home.

Contact

Food Cultures Office, Overseas Market Development and Food Cultures Division, Food Industry Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Tel:+81-3-3502-5516

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