The famous station bento "Kashiwameshi" that everyone in Kitakyushu knows is sold by Higashichikuken, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. I visited their factory direct store. It is located a little south of the intersection near Yume Town Onga on Route 3, where a new road has been built making it easier to access. It is next to the relocated cake shop "Makimakiya". Inside the store, there is a signature from Chef Tomochi Ueyama, known from the Cooking Papa manga. The menu offers various items based on Kashiwameshi. I purchased the small Kashiwameshi (700 yen). The regular version has a 100th-anniversary commemorative label, but it was sold out, so I got the regular label instead. The sweet and savory stewed chicken, shredded omelet, and seaweed on top were neatly arranged, and the rice at the bottom had a subtle chicken flavor, making it delicious. The Tokutoku Lunch (880 yen) includes various side dishes with the Kashiwameshi. It is a generous portion with items like shumai, chicken tempura, simmered dishes, providing a satisfying meal. The seasoning of the side dishes varied - the dried radish was quite mild, while the pumpkin stew was heavily seasoned, offering a variety of flavors. The Daimyo Road Palanquin Kashiwa (1100 yen) is also very popular at Hakata Station and sells out quickly. It consists of Kashiwameshi and various side dishes arranged in a palanquin shape, with chopsticks placed in a black box resembling carrying poles. The side dishes include fried chicken, meatballs, white fish fry, beans, omelet, pickles, and more. When ordering in advance, you can choose between "Kashiwameshi," "white rice," or "red rice." At Orio Station, there are still men selling them on the platform, calling out "bento~". This is a bento that I recommend everyone in the country to try at least once.

When it comes to food, I always think of the kashiwa udon at Kokura Station. This time, the bento I wanted was sold out, so I ended up going to the newly renovated Makimaki shop across the street. I bought it at the window that serves as an office. It's a simple takeout system, but it works well given the current situation. The kashiwa rice bowl costs 700 yen. Surprisingly, both the kashiwa and the seasoned rice have a mild flavor. The fluffy scrambled egg has a pleasant texture. The subtle flavors of pickled vegetables and pickled ginger really complement the dish. As I've grown older, I've come to appreciate the simplicity of this kind of meal. The portion size is not huge, but the rice doesn't clump together even when it's cold, which is nice. Off to Okagaki Beach!

This is a review of the famous restaurant "Higashichikuken" known for its kashiwameshi, located at the Onga Factory. I tried the recommended "Tokutoku Lunch" bento for 880 yen. The bento includes kashiwameshi rice, white fish fry, chicken nanban, shumai, dried daikon radish with tamagoyaki, crab stick, beef simmered in soy sauce, pumpkin simmered, and spaghetti. It was a hearty bento with a variety of dishes. The restaurant is located near Tenrikyo Genkai-cho Bunkaikai on Prefectural Route 55. Higashichikuken Onga Factory Address: 1503-2 Kamibeppu, Onga-cho, Onga-gun, Fukuoka Phone: 093-601-2345 Business Hours: 8:30-16:30.

When I visited Maki Maki, I discovered that there was construction going on at the neighboring restaurant, Higashi Chikuken, and they were selling Kashiwa bento boxes. I couldn't resist buying one because I occasionally crave them and used to purchase them at Daimaru. It was a pleasant surprise to find them being sold here.