When you think of Kanazawa, many people might picture fresh seafood and visually appealing dishes. Within the food culture of Kanazawa, and Ishikawa Prefecture in general, there is a "soul food" that has been loved by locals for a long time. That is "Tori-Hakusai" from "Saburobei".

Located just a 5-minute drive from Kanazawa Station and close to Oyama Shrine near Omicho Market, "Saburobei Oyamacho Store" is situated in an area bustling with tourists. Despite its location, the store is frequented by many locals, allowing customers of all generations to enjoy the everyday flavors of Ishikawa Prefecture.

"Tori Hakusai" is a simple yet profound dish made with chicken and Chinese cabbage. Behind it lies a flavor that has been passed down since the company's founding, and a desire to "pass on Ishikawa Prefecture's food culture to the future."

A taste that has been passed down for generations.

Saburobei is a long-established restaurant founded in 1950 (Showa 25) by Saburobei Takahashi in Kahoku City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Their "Tori Hakusai" (chicken and Chinese cabbage) dish, made by grilling chicken and Chinese cabbage in an iron pan coated with chicken fat and then dipping it in a secret soy sauce-based dipping sauce, has been a favorite among the people of Ishikawa Prefecture for many years.

In 2014, the second-generation owner, Seiji Takahashi, fell ill and was no longer able to work at the restaurant, which led to the business being transferred to SU-BEE Co., Ltd. Seiji and his wife, Chieko, said they decided to take over the business because they felt they "couldn't let the restaurant inherited from my father die out."

"People say that the taste changes when the management changes."

Despite such pressure, we continue our business while cherishing the flavors we have preserved since our founding.

"Chicken and Chinese cabbage," a specialty dish that brings out the delicious flavor of the ingredients.

"Tori Hakusai" is a hot pot dish made with simple ingredients: chicken and napa cabbage. It originated from a desire to make use of chicken parts that would otherwise be discarded. The meat is used as an ingredient, and the chicken fat extracted from the skin is the key to its flavor.

What makes this dish unique is that it doesn't use any broth or soup. By simmering it in a special pot, the moisture from the napa cabbage and the umami of the chicken are slowly extracted. They also put a lot of thought into how they cut the napa cabbage to prevent the pot from becoming watery. When you dip it in the secret soy sauce and add an egg, the sweetness of the napa cabbage and the robust texture of the chicken combine to create a flavor that makes you want to eat more rice.

Also, their "Torikawa," made by carefully simmering chicken skin, is another popular menu item. Saburobei's commitment to using every part of the ingredients without wasting anything is evident.

Ishikawa Prefecture's soul food, originating from Oyama Town

The Oyamacho area where "Saburobei Oyamacho Store" is located is close to Omicho Market and Oyama Shrine, and is a popular area in central Kanazawa that is frequented by many tourists. Despite being in a tourist area, the store is also visited by many locals, and the everyday food culture of Kanazawa is alive and well inside.

Saburobei's brand expansion has accelerated since opening a store in a large shopping mall.

Our decision to open a store in Oyama-cho stemmed from our desire to actively promote "Tori Hakusai" (chicken and cabbage dish) as a soul food of Ishikawa Prefecture to other prefectures and even overseas. We continue to promote Ishikawa's food culture while also catering to tourists and inbound demand.

Aiming to be a "100-year brand"

Saburobei, which will celebrate its 76th anniversary in 2026, currently operates four stores in Ishikawa Prefecture and one franchise store in Toyama Prefecture. SU-BEE Co., Ltd.'s goal is to make Saburobei a 100-year brand. Their focus is not simply on increasing the number of stores, but on passing on the taste and culture to the next generation.

"We want children and younger generations to know the taste of 'Tori-Hakusai' (chicken and cabbage dish). And even after they leave Ishikawa Prefecture, we want it to remain in their memories as a taste they'll want to eat when they come back," says Yuka Miyamoto, the marketing manager.

With these feelings in mind, Saburobei will continue to support Kanazawa's food culture.

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とり白菜 さぶろうべい 尾山町店
電話：076-208-7004
住所：石川県金沢市尾山町5-8
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