Gyutan (Rundertong)

Sendai is renowned as the birthplace of gyutan (牛タン, gyūtan), a flavorful dish made from thinly sliced beef tongue, expertly grilled over charcoal. This unique delicacy first appeared in 1948 when a yakitori restaurant in Sendai decided to focus on serving beef tongue, and since then, its popularity has skyrocketed across Japan. Gyutan is often served with a side of oxtail soup and mugi gohan, which is white rice mixed with barley. The dish has many variations, from the standard grilled version to curry gyutan and gyutan served in a donburi style, where the beef tongue is placed over a bowl of rice.

The combination of tender beef tongue and accompanying sides makes gyutan a must-try experience for food lovers visiting Sendai. Whether you're enjoying it in a traditional grilled form or exploring different styles like curry or donburi, each bite offers a taste of Sendai's rich culinary heritage.