Niigata Prefecture established Niigata Gastronomy Awards in September 2022 to identify and recognize restaurants, accommodations, alcohol products, and local specialties in the prefecture that actively engage the local community. Selected 160 winners in the restaurant, accommodation, and local specialty categories received the awards.
– Niigata Prefecture, distinguished for rich food culture in Japan, and interest in Japanese cuisine
Surrounded by the sea and mountains, Niigata Prefecture abounds in water resources from some of the heaviest snowfall in Japan. The finest food ingredients grown in the great natural environment and the food culture that local people have developed are the source of the unique food culture in Niigata. Visitors can experience the local culture and history through food.
As the food culture in neighboring areas has also earned a global reputation, including recognition in the Michelin Guide, the greater area around Niigata is attracting increasing attention of foodies and gastronomes.
– Niigata Prefecture establishes first gastronomy awards in Japan
The Niigata Gastronomy Awards, first-of-its-kind in Japan established in Niigata Prefecture, are designed to identify and recognize restaurants, accommodations, alcohol products, and local specialties in the prefecture that actively engage the local community. Entries are evaluated based not only on the quality of food and restaurants but also on other factors such as collaboration/initiatives with local food and food-related businesses; sustainability; and philosophy, from a comprehensive standpoint.
The jury consisting of many culinary professionals including eminent chefs reviewed as many as 532 entries and selected 160 winners, who were presented with the awards at a ceremony held in Niigata City on March 9, 2023. Among these winners, 20 had been awarded a star or stars in Michelin Guide Niigata 2020 Special Edition.
Under the ‘Gastronomy’ slogan, Niigata Prefecture will continue to show how visitors can explore food in Niigata and present its one of the best food cultures in Japan to the world.
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