Awaji Onion Cuisine

**Must-try dish: Whole roasted onion:** Restaurants like Awaji Service Area and michi-no-eki feature whole onion steaks — tennis-ball-size onions roasted until caramelized exterior and molten soft interior, served with butter and soy sauce. The sweetness rivals dessert but is entirely savory. This dish epitomizes Awaji onion's quality — the natural sugar content caramelizes without added sweeteners. Expect ¥800–1,200 per onion. **Onion soft-serve verdict:** Michi-no-Eki Awaji's onion soft-serve ice cream (玉ねぎソフト, ¥400) is the island's curiosity — vanilla base with onion syrup swirl. It's surprisingly pleasant: mild onion sweetness enhances vanilla without overpowering. Not life-changing, but a fun novelty photo op. Locals are divided on whether it's genius or gimmick — trying it becomes a conversation piece. **Buying onions for home:** Awaji onions are prized in Japan and make excellent omiyage (souvenirs) if you're continuing travel within Japan. A mesh bag (5–8 onions, ¥500) lasts weeks unrefrigerated. They're sweeter and less pungent than regular onions — remarkable raw in salads or quickly sautéed. Roadside stands offer better prices and fresher stock than supermarkets. Not practical for international flights due to weight and agricultural restrictions.