【Reading】あぶらげずし

【English Name】Aburage Zushi

Aburage-zushi is a type of sushi in which sweet-and-savory seasoned fried tofu pouches (aburaage) are stuffed with vinegared rice, known as another name for inarizushi (Inari sushi).

There are several theories about its origin. The theory that it began with fried tofu offered to Inari shrines being stuffed with rice is widely known, and there are also various theories about its birthplace, including Edo, Nagoya, and the temple town of Toyokawa Inari. Around Toyokawa Inari in Aichi Prefecture, it is said to have been devised in the late Edo period.

A feature of aburage-zushi in Nagoya is that the bottom of the fried tofu pouch is left unsealed and packed generously with vinegared rice. The custom of calling the combination of aburage-zushi and rolled sushi "Sukeroku" is also said to have originated in Nagoya.

In Aichi Prefecture, it is enjoyed throughout the prefecture, centered on Toyokawa City, and is positioned as an indispensable dish at festivals and memorial services. Each household has its own twists on seasoning and ingredients, and variations mixing sesame, carrot, shiitake and the like into the vinegared rice are also seen.