Hōba Miso

Hoba miso is a dish from the Hida and Takayama area of Gifu Prefecture. Miso paste is spread on a dried magnolia leaf and heated, traditionally over charcoal. Green onions and mushrooms may be mixed with the miso; versions with Hida beef are also served. The heated leaf contributes its aroma to the food.^[1]

The miso is eaten with rice or as an accompaniment to sake. Brown fallen leaves are gathered in autumn and kept for use through winter. Local accounts connect the dish with mountain workers who used the leaves as cooking surfaces, although its origins have several explanations. Today the dish can also be prepared on a hotplate or in a frying pan, and packaged hoba miso is sold as a regional souvenir.^[1]