Iwate Prefecture

Morioka Cold Noodles①

[Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture] Must-try soul food "Morioka Reimen"! Learn about its history, recommended shops, and how to order it online

This time we will delve into the theme of Iwate Prefecture's soul food, Morioka Reimen

Reimen is now a standard menu item not only in Iwate Prefecture but in yakiniku restaurants all over the country. We will introduce its origins, recommended restaurants, and how to order it so you can enjoy it at home. If you are a fan of reimen, be sure to check it out

The history and characteristics of Morioka Reimen: A hometown flavor spread through trial and error

What exactly are hiyashimen? The roots of hiyashimen can be found in the Korean Peninsula. When it first appeared there, it was a dish eaten in a warm room during the cold winter. It's similar to the feeling of eating ice cream in a kotatsu

Morioka Cold Noodles②

It is believed that reimen was introduced to Japan during the Showa era. It was adapted to suit Japanese tastes and gradually became a local gourmet dish. Well-known examples are "Morioka Reimen" from Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, and "Beppu Reimen" from Beppu City, Oita Prefecture

Morioka Reimen became a brand name in 1987. It wasn't easy to popularize the chewy noodles, spicy kimchi, and rich beef bone soup, which were not familiar to Japanese people. However, it gradually gained popularity, especially among young people who like new things

Morioka cold noodles are characterized by their thick, chewy, and transparent noodles made from wheat flour and potato starch. They are also typically topped with fruit to cleanse the palate. The fruit used changes depending on the season, and apples, watermelons, pears, etc. are often used

The kimchi used to add spiciness is made from radish, and the level of spiciness of the cold noodles themselves is adjusted by the amount of kimchi used

The rich beef bone soup, the sourness of the kimchi, and the chewy, smooth noodles are sure to become addictive once you try them. It's a dish that will give you energy

3 Popular Reimen Shops in Morioka! Introducing Classics and Hidden Gems

If you want to eat Morioka cold noodles locally, we'll introduce you to three popular restaurants that you should definitely visit

Pyonpyonsha

The creator of Morioka cold noodles, it goes without saying that this is a popular restaurant that always has a line of people waiting

It features smooth, silky noodles and a rich, refreshing soup. The sourness and spiciness of the kimchi are an exquisite match, and can be enjoyed as one with the noodles. It's a bowl of ramen that is delicious no matter how many times you visit, and you'll never get tired of it

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Gourmet garden

This is the restaurant where Morioka reimen originated. It all started when Mr. Aoki, a Korean resident of Japan, developed the recipe in an attempt to recreate the reimagined reimen he had eaten as a child

The hand-kneaded noodles are chewy and slightly curly, so they mix well with the soup. Enjoy the flavors of the ingredients, along with the homemade kimchi and the simple, flavorful soup

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Seirokaku

Located in front of JR Morioka Station, the restaurant is easily accessible. You can choose from seven levels of spiciness, so you can enjoy the flavor you like without any hassle

The slightly thick noodles are chewy and well balanced with the light soup. It's a bowl of ramen that you'll want to drink down to the last drop

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Enjoy at home! Mail-order Morioka Cold Noodles

So far we have introduced the appeal of Morioka reimen and popular shops, but if you find it difficult to go to the local area, why not try ordering it online? We will introduce recommended products that will allow you to enjoy authentic Morioka reimen at home

Pyonpyonsha

This is a mail-order product from Pyonpyonsha, a popular Morioka cold noodle shop that always has long queues. You can enjoy the restaurant's flavor at home anytime

What's great is that the ingredients are all included. In addition to the usual noodles, soup, kimchi, and vinegared sesame seeds, this set also includes meat, pickled cucumber in sweet and sour sauce, and a boiled egg, so you can enjoy a full-fledged bowl of ramen with just this set!

Now that it's difficult to go out, why not try enjoying some delicious gourmet food at home?

Noodle Master Toda Hisashi

This Morioka cold noodle set is made by a long-established manufacturer that continues to be loved locally

The firm, transparent noodles are smooth and easy to swallow. When combined with the spicy, flavorful soup, they're a breeze to eat. Enjoy this addictive flavor at home

Tips for enjoying Morioka Reimen at home

To enjoy Morioka Reimen to its fullest, it's important that it's cool. Make sure to rinse the noodles thoroughly with water and that the soup and bowl are also sufficiently chilled

You can add more kimchi if you like. The freedom to add your favorite ingredients and arrange your meals however you like is one of the perks of home cooking

It's also recommended as a side dish when you're having yakiniku at home. It will instantly upgrade your home-cooked meals. Try it when you want to change things up a bit

summary

This time we introduced Morioka Reimen, a local delicacy from Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture

Nowadays, reimen is a popular staple menu item at yakiniku restaurants and Korean restaurants across the country, but behind this is the hard work of our predecessors who went through repeated trial and error to establish reimen in Japan. Morioka reimen is one of the dishes that overcame various hardships before becoming known as a local gourmet dish

These three popular Morioka cold noodle restaurants offer a perfect combination of deliciously spicy soup and smooth noodles, so be sure to give them a try when you visit Iwate Prefecture

For those who are unable to visit the area, we also recommend ordering it online. You can easily enjoy the authentic local flavors. Why not give it a try when you want to change up your home cooking a bit?

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