B-class gourmet

What is B-grade gourmet food "Namie Yakisoba"? A local flavor full of strength [Fukushima Prefecture]

In Namie Town, Futaba County, Fukushima Prefecture, there is a local B-class gourmet dish called Namie Yakisoba. The thick noodles are coated in a rich sauce, making it extremely satisfying to eat. It won first place at the 8th B-1 Grand Prix held in 2013

In this article, we will introduce the appeal of Namie Yakisoba, as well as information on restaurants and online stores. Please give the flavor of Namie Town a try!

What is Namie Town, Futaba District, Fukushima Prefecture?

Namie Town, Futaba District, Fukushima Prefecture, is a seaside town known for its Ukedo fishing port

The town suffered great damage in the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, and many residents evacuated outside the town. As of 10 years after the disaster, of the approximately 16,400 registered residents, only about 1,600 are living within the town. Most residents continue to live as evacuees outside the town

One of Namie's famous products is Ohori Soma ware. Made with a double-layered finish for excellent heat retention, it has random cracks called "blue cracks" on its dull colored surface and is decorated with a design of a galloping horse called "Hashirikoma."

Many of the Ohori Soma ware potteries that were forced to evacuate after the disaster have resumed business in Fukushima Prefecture, and continue to carry on the spirit of Namie Town

The history of Namie Yakisoba: A town revitalization challenged with an indomitable spirit

On the plate of Namie Yakisoba at Roadside Station Namie, there is an inscription that reads, "Nanjimo Uma Kyu Gyoku (If you run forward with a positive attitude, everything will go well)."

Namie Yakisoba is said to have originated at a local izakaya called "Namie Specialty Original Yakisoba Nawanoren." The extra-thick noodles that were first served in 1955 proved to be a success, and the dish became a beloved dish within the town

In 2008, the Namie Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry Youth Division took the lead in starting a town revitalization initiative using Namie Yakisoba, and began participating in the B-1 Grand Prix, a nationwide competition to determine the best B-class gourmet food

In 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred, forcing the project team to evacuate to different locations, but with an indomitable spirit, they continued to participate in the Grand Prix, and finally achieved first place in the nation at the 8th B-1 Grand Prix held in 2013

What is special about Namie Yakisoba? It's incredibly filling and satisfying

Namie Yakisoba has three characteristics: thickness, simplicity, and richness . It is believed to have been created as a menu item for male customers who do heavy labor.

First of all, the thickness of the noodles is about three times the thickness of the noodles used in regular yakisoba. They are extra thick noodles with an impressive chewy texture

Next, the ingredients are simple. Namie Yakisoba only uses noodles, pork belly, and bean sprouts. There's no need for complicated ingredients; the Namie style is all about enjoying the flavor of the bare minimum of ingredients

And the flavor is rich. The thick noodles are complemented by a rich and spicy special sauce. Lard is used when frying the ingredients and noodles, adding richness and flavor. The powerful umami flavor is addictive

I want to eat Namie Yakisoba! Introducing restaurants and mail-order products

Want to try Namie yakisoba, a dish that has continued to grow alongside the town's history? Here we introduce restaurants that serve Namie yakisoba, as well as mail-order products that you can enjoy at home

  • Suginoya
  • Namie Roadside Station
  • Sedette Kashima
  • Asahiya Noodles (mail order)

Let's take a look at each one

Suginoya (Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture)

Suginoya, which moved from Namie Town to Nihonmatsu City, offers authentic flavors at a reasonable price, including plenty of bean sprouts and hearty pork. Don't forget to check out the Ohori Soma-yaki plates used for the yakisoba

Information

  • Suginoya
  • Address: 1F Nihonmatsu City Civic Exchange Center, 2-3-1 Honmachi, Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, 964-0917

Google Map

Namie Roadside Station Restaurant Kanade

The food court inside Roadside Station Namie, which opened in August 2020, allows you to enjoy your meal in a bright, glass-walled restaurant. If the weather is nice, you can also sit on the terrace. Come and savor the vibrant flavors of a town that is rising again

Information

  • Namie Roadside Station Restaurant Kanade
  • Address: 60 Ikuseibashi Chimeiji, Namie-machi, Futaba-gun, Fukushima Prefecture, 979-1513

Sedette Kashima

As a Minamisoma City service area on the Joban Expressway, you can enjoy souvenir shopping and delicious meals. They offer a wide variety of set meals, but the most eye-catching dish is the Namie Yakisoba. Why not try the piping hot yakisoba?

Information

  • Sedette Kashima
  • Address: 212-1 Mominokizawa, Kashima Ward, Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, 979-2451

Google Map

Asahiya Noodles (mail order)

This noodle factory has relocated from Namie Town and is now open for business. The "Namie Yakisoba" they sell even comes with lard, so you can easily recreate the local flavor at home. In addition to being sold in their online shop, it can also be used as a return gift for the town's hometown tax donations, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out

Information

summary

This time we introduced Namie Yakisoba, a local delicacy from Namie Town, Futaba District, Fukushima Prefecture

Long loved by the townspeople and having played an important role in revitalizing the town, Namie Yakisoba still lives on in the hearts of many as a taste of hometown. Why not give this dish a try, as it will evoke a sense of nostalgia?

Information

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