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Basic Information
Morioka City in Iwate Prefecture, famous for its unique Japanese ‘Wanko Soba,’ Korean-origin ‘Naengmyeon,’ and Chinese-style ‘Jajangmyeon,’ was ranked 2nd in The New York Times’ list of ’52 Places to Go in 2023.’
Morioka Reimen
Morioka Reimen is a dish from Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture in the Tohoku region, which has been adapted from Korean cold noodles. Along with “Morioka Wanko Soba” and “Morioka Jajamen”, it is known as one of the three great noodles of Morioka. A unique feature of Morioka Reimen is the use of seasonal fruits such as apples, watermelons, and pears as garnish.
Morioka Jajamen
Morioka Jajamen is a noodle dish created by a restaurant owner in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, who had lived in northeastern China. Along with “Morioka Wanko Soba” and “Morioka Reimen”, it is known as one of the three great noodles of Morioka. Instead of using Chinese noodles, they use udon and top it with miso and minced meat stir-fry, cucumbers, and green onions.
Shiroishi Umen
Shiroishi Umen is a noodle dish eaten around Shiroishi City in Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku region. This noodle is similar to somen, but its unique feature is that no oil is used in the noodle-making process. It is said to have originated 400 years ago when a son made these easily digestible noodles for his sick father.
Houtou
Houtou is a local dish in Yamanashi Prefecture. Thick and short noodles made from wheat flour are stewed in a miso-based soup with ingredients like pumpkin. The thickness of the noodles and the ingredients can vary depending on the region.
Nagasaki Chanpon
Nagasaki Chanpon is a noodle dish eaten in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture in the Kyushu region. It is said to have been devised by the owner of a Chinese restaurant in Nagasaki City during the Meiji era, based on Fujian cuisine. The soup is made from chicken and pork bones, and toppings include pork, green onions, vegetables, and kamaboko.
Okinawa Soba
Okinawa Soba is a local dish in Okinawa Prefecture. Due to Okinawa being an isolated island, a unique noodle dish culture has developed. Okinawa Soba, which differs from udon, soba, and ramen found in other regions, has emerged from this context. The soup is made from pork and bonito, and the toppings include pork meat seasoned in Okinawan style.
