What is Tsugaru Soba? Explaining unknown features and charms of ordinary soba noodles [Aomori]

Tsugaru Soba popular in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture , looks similar to regular soba, but is actually a local gourmet food that has evolved its own unique method, texture and flavor. In this article, we will explore the charm of Tsugaru soba, which is a little different from regular soba, and introduce its history, characteristics, and reasons for its popularity from a local perspective.

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What is Tsugaru Soba? Local soba noodles passed down in Aomori

Unique method of making soybeans rather than wheat flour

The biggest feature of Tsugaru Soba is that it uses soybeans The process of boiling soybeans, grinding them, and kneading them with buckwheat flour was a time-consuming experience, so the number of makers had been reduced for a while. Nowadays, it is reviving again thanks to local preservation activities and reevaluation of local food.

Soba culture that is "to put it to bed" rather than freshly stove

Another major feature of Tsugaru Soba is that it does not serve the soba noodles immediately, but rather boils them for about five hours in the summer and one day and night in the winter. By placing the noodles in the noodles on top, the flavor becomes familiar and the unique "sweet" texture is created. Its gentle, gentle mouthfeel is different from soba noodles that you can enjoy the throat-drawing.

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[Comparison] Differences between Tsugaru Soba and General Soba

Differences in the blending of buckwheat flour and flavor

Unlike the regular nihachi soba noodles, Tsugaru soba uses soybeans for buckwheat flour, so the soba flavor is mellow. The soba soup also has a similar taste to ramen soup, and the bonito, mackerel flakes and chin soup stock are well-behaved, making it a great choice for the taste of people in Aomori Prefecture who like dried sardine ramen.

It has a more "sweet" texture than it goes down the throat

Unlike regular soba noodles, Tsugaru soba is difficult to sip and eat. It is soft and brittle, making it difficult to lift with chopsticks, and for those who eat Tsugaru soba for the first time, it may be confusing. But you don't have to sip and eat it like soba noodles! Just like when drinking soup, you can think of soba as a filling. In Tsugaru, rather than eating soba noodles, they are often eaten with rice balls and rice bowls, and are positioned like miso soup or soup.

It's difficult to eat, but it feels like it's undone in your mouth. This is also known as "Tsugaru-like," and it is a familiar texture for the residents of the prefecture.

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Explaining why Tsugaru Soba is loved by the locals!

It is popular as a home flavor

Tsugaru Soba is also sold at supermarkets in the prefecture, so you can enjoy it easily at home. Although it is a time-consuming method, the amount of drinks eaten at home has a special flavor and is highly popular as a local soul food.

Also great for cooking on days such as New Year's Eve and Obon

In the Tsugaru region, Tsugaru soba is also available on special occasions such as New Year's Eve soba and Obon gatherings. It has become a home event meal, and some people even say, "When you eat this it feels like the end of the year in Tsugaru." Especially during New Year's Day, Tsugaru Soba is sold out not only because of New Year's Eve soba, but also because of returnees who are nostalgic about Tsugaru Soba! Tsugaru soba has a unique texture and taste, so it's probably difficult to try a similar soba noodles in other prefectures. The appeal of Tsugaru Soba is that you can enjoy not only the taste but also the memories.

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Where can I eat Tsugaru Soba?

Soba restaurants in the Tsugaru region

There are several soba restaurants serving Tsugaru soba are scattered around the Tsugaru region, especially Hirosaki city. It is served at a variety of restaurants, including the long history of " Sanchu Shokudo Akimoto Seimen located inside Niji no Mart which carries a lot of local ingredients

Hirosaki Sakura Festival

In fact, you can also enjoy Tsugaru soba from Sanchu Shokudo, which we introduced above, at the Hirosaki Sakura Festival! Michō Shokudo has been in business since the Taisho era when the Hirosaki Sakura Festival was still known as the Sakura Festival

At Michō Shokudo Main Store, you can eat Tsugaru soba all year round, but if you're visiting Hirosaki during the cherry blossom season, why not try eating while watching the cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Park?

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Summary | A simple yet profound world of Tsugaru soba

Tsugaru Soba is a unique local dish that is filled with Tsugaru's climate and history, as well as the effort and effort of people. The soup is rich in flavor and is loved by locals, different from that of ordinary soba noodles. And above all, it is the very food culture that has been passed down along with the memories of Tsugaru people. If you have the opportunity to visit Aomori, be sure to try Tsugaru Soba with the local atmosphere.

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