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

Tsugaru soba beloved in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture , may look similar to regular soba noodles, but it's a local delicacy that has evolved in its own way in terms of its production method, texture, and flavor. In this article, we'll explore the appeal of Tsugaru soba, which is a little different from regular soba noodles, and introduce its history, characteristics, and reasons for its popularity from a local perspective.

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What is Tsugaru Soba? A local soba dish passed down in Aomori

A unique method using soybeans instead of wheat flour

soybeans instead of wheat flour . The process of boiling and mashing soybeans, then mixing them with buckwheat flour and kneading them is time-consuming, so for a time the number of people making it decreased. However, it is now experiencing a revival thanks to local preservation efforts and a re-evaluation of local cuisine.

The culture of letting soba noodles age rather than making them fresh

A major feature of Tsugaru soba is that the noodles are not served immediately after being made, but are left to rest for about five hours in the summer, or a whole day and night in the winter, before being boiled. By letting the noodles rest, the flavors blend and the noodles develop a unique crumbly texture. Different from soba noodles that are enjoyed as they go down your throat, the gentle, melting texture is what makes them so appealing

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[Comparison] The difference between Tsugaru soba and regular soba

Buckwheat flour blends and flavor differences

Unlike typical 28% buckwheat soba, Tsugaru soba uses soybeans instead of buckwheat flour, resulting in a mellow soba flavor. The soba broth also has a similar flavor to ramen soup, with a strong flavor of bonito, mackerel flakes, and flying fish stock, making it a perfect match for the tastes of Aomori residents who love dried sardine ramen

A texture that is more crumbly than smooth

Unlike regular soba, Tsugaru soba is difficult to slurp. It is soft and brittle, making it difficult to pick up with chopsticks, and first-timers may be confused. However, you don't have to slurp it like regular soba! Just like when drinking soup, you can think of the soba as a topping. In Tsugaru, rather than simply eating soba, it is often eaten with rice balls or rice bowls, and is considered similar to miso soup or other soups

It may be difficult to eat, but it melts softly in your mouth. This is said to be "Tsugaru-esque," and is a texture that is familiar to the people of the prefecture

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Explaining why Tsugaru soba is loved by locals!

It is loved as a home-cooked dish

Tsugaru soba is sold in supermarkets throughout the prefecture, so it can easily be enjoyed at home. Although it is a time-consuming process, the resulting bowl of soba at home has an exceptional flavor, making it a deeply popular soul food of the region

Great for special occasions like New Year's Eve and Obon

In the Tsugaru region, Tsugaru soba is also served on special occasions, such as New Year's Eve and Obon gatherings. It has become a staple food at home, with some people saying, "Eating this makes me feel like the end of the year in Tsugaru." Especially around New Year's, Tsugaru soba sells out not only as New Year's Eve soba, but also because of visitors returning home to miss Tsugaru soba! Tsugaru soba has a unique texture and flavor, so it's probably difficult to find similar soba in other prefectures. The appeal of Tsugaru soba is that it not only tastes good, but also brings back memories

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Where can you eat Tsugaru soba?

Soba restaurant in the Tsugaru region

There are several soba restaurants serving Tsugaru soba scattered throughout the Tsugaru region, especially in Hirosaki City. It is served at a variety of restaurants, including the Mitada Shokudo Akimoto Seimen located in Niji no Mart market, which stocks many local ingredients

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival

In fact, you can also try the Tsugaru soba from Mitada Shokudo, which we introduced above, at the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival! Mitada Shokudo has been a famous, long-established restaurant since the Taisho era, when the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival was still called the Cherry Blossom Viewing Party

You can eat Tsugaru soba at Sanchu Shokudo Main Branch all year round, but if you happen to be visiting Hirosaki during cherry blossom season, why not try it while admiring the cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Park?

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Summary | The simple yet profound world of Tsugaru soba

Tsugaru soba is a unique local dish that embodies the climate and history of Tsugaru, as well as the time and effort of its people. It has a different production method and texture than regular soba, and a flavorful broth loved by locals. And above all, it is a part of the food culture that has been passed down through the memories of the Tsugaru people. If you have the opportunity to visit Aomori, be sure to try Tsugaru soba and savor the local atmosphere

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