There are many reasonably priced and delicious foods in the region compared to Tokyo, and Morioka cold noodles is another one I would like to recommend.
Hm? What is Morioka cold noodles? Many people may be wondering.
Morioka cold noodles are cold noodles with a slippery texture and a refreshing soup that is perfect for the hot summer season.
Kimchi is a must-have topping, and other toppings include cucumbers, chashu pork, boiled eggs, tomatoes, etc., which vary from store to store.
In addition, many people are attracted by the texture and flavor of the noodles, which are so firm that they become addictive once eaten, and October 17 has now been designated Morioka Cold Noodle Day.
So, in this article, I will explain about Morioka cold noodles, including its history, points of attraction, recommended famous restaurants and menus, and sightseeing spots in the area, as well as my own experiences.
I hope you will find this a good opportunity to learn about Morioka cold noodles.
How did Morioka cold noodles come into being in the first place?
Morioka cold noodles were first served at Shokudoen, a barbecue restaurant opened in Morioka City in 1954 by Teruhito Aoki, a native of Hamhung on the Korean Peninsula.
He attempted to recreate the cold noodles of his homeland, but the original buckwheat flour-based noodles were not familiar to the Japanese, so he improved them with firm, clear noodles made of wheat flour and starch.
In addition, the clear soup of Pyongyang cold noodles and the spiciness of Hamhung cold noodles were combined to create a refreshing yet stimulating flavor.
This unique cold noodle became the prototype of “Morioka Cold Noodle.
Why did cold noodles take root in Morioka as a local menu item?
Morioka cold noodles initially had a unique texture and flavor that made it difficult for locals to accept.
However, as improvements were made, the chewy texture of the noodles and the flavor of the soup gradually gained popularity, and the dish became a popular ending dish at yakiniku restaurants.
In the 1980s, the name “Morioka Cold Noodle” was given a boost when it was widely used as part of a tourism PR campaign, and the name became well known throughout the country.
It is now one of the “Morioka’s three major noodles” (jaja-men, wanko-soba, and cold noodles) and has become a local gourmet dish representing the local culture.
Heh. So the origin of this dish is a Japanese version of Korean cold noodles. Interesting that you use cold noodles to revitalize a town…
Three Attractions of Morioka Cold Noodles
I have summarized some of the attractions of Morioka cold noodles.
Resilient noodles and slippery texture
The most distinctive feature of Morioka cold noodles is their strong elasticity and chewy texture.
The main ingredients are wheat flour and starch, and the noodles are made using a unique extrusion method, which produces noodles with elasticity and a slippery texture.
The chewy noodle is different from other cold noodles, and many people are fascinated by its unique texture once they try it.
It is a perfect match for the cold soup, making it a perfect dish for the hot season when one’s appetite is waning.
The perfect balance of rich cold soup and kimchi
Morioka cold noodle soup is based on beef bones and chicken bones, slowly simmered for several hours to extract the flavor, and served cold.
The soup is refreshing yet rich and has a deep flavor.
The spiciness and sourness of the kimchi topping adds a subtle accent to the overall flavor.
The amount of kimchi and spiciness can be adjusted according to taste, making this dish popular among a wide range of people.
A variety of toppings and seasonal flavors
Morioka cold noodle is popular not only for its noodles and soup, but also for its wide variety of toppings.
In addition to the standard toppings such as cucumber, boiled egg, chashu pork, and kimchi, fruits such as apples, watermelon, and pears are sometimes added.
These toppings add color and a refreshing accent to the flavor.
The use of different fruits depending on the season is another major attraction of Morioka cold noodles, allowing diners to enjoy seasonal changes throughout the meal.
Indeed. That thirst-quenching texture is addictive, and the balance of kimchi and toppings is also very unique…
Morioka cold noodle stores I recommend
In this article, I will introduce my favorite Morioka cold noodle restaurants and their recommended menus.
Morioka cold noodle restaurants I recommend
Morioka cold noodle restaurants I recommend
Yamato Morioka Yakiniku and Cold Noodle Restaurant
✅ Recommended Points
- Yakiniku & Cold Noodles Yamato Morioka Branch is a privately owned yakiniku restaurant that has long been a local favorite.
- The homemade cold noodles are characterized by their firm noodles and light soup, and the spiciness of the kimchi is a perfect match.
- The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and is popular with families and tourists.
- The restaurant also offers a wide variety of set menus with yakiniku (barbeque) for a hearty meal.
✅ Recommended menu
- Cold noodles and beef yakiniku set
- The “Cold Noodle and Beef Yakiniku Set” is a popular set menu that includes cold noodles and juicy beef yakiniku.
- The refreshing flavor of the cold noodles and the delicious taste of the yakiniku are in perfect harmony, making it a very satisfying meal.
- The spiciness can be adjusted, so even those who do not like spicy food can enjoy it.
- Seasonal toppings are also available, so you can discover new flavors every time you visit.
Morioka Cold Noodle Jujuen
✅ Recommended Points
- Morioka Cold Noodle Jujuen is a privately owned cold noodle specialty restaurant that is well-liked by locals.
- The restaurant’s homey atmosphere makes it easy to enter, even for first-time visitors.
- The restaurant serves not only cold noodles, but also a wide variety of side dishes, making it ideal for lunch and dinner.
- Another attraction of the restaurant is the courteous customer service in which you can feel the owner’s attention to detail.
✅ Recommended menu
- Special Morioka Cold Noodle
- The “Special Morioka Cold Noodle” is one of Jujuen’s signature dishes.
- The homemade noodles have a chewy texture and the soup is beef bone-based and light in flavor.
- Toppings include kimchi, boiled egg, chashu pork, and seasonal fruits.
- The spiciness can be adjusted to customize the taste to your liking.
Myonmyongya
✅ Recommended Points
- Myonmyongya is a privately owned cold noodle restaurant located in the basement dining area of the Morioka Station Building.
- It is easily accessible from the station, making it an easy stopover between sightseeing or business trips.
- The interior of the restaurant is clean and has a relaxed atmosphere, making it easy to enter even for a single woman.
- Reasonable pricing is another attraction.
✅ Recommended menu
- Morioka Cold Noodles
- Morioka Cold Noodle” is a standard menu item at Myonmyongya.
- The homemade noodles are characterized by their firmness and slippery texture, and the soup is beef bone-based and light in flavor.
- There are six levels of spiciness to choose from, and “no spiciness” without kimchi is also available.
- Toppings include kimchi, boiled egg, chashu pork, and seasonal fruits for a well-balanced dish.
Oh. Each restaurant has its own unique atmosphere and menu recommendations, so it’s hard to decide where to go…
Column: How is Morioka cold noodles different from Korean cold noodles?
Morioka cold noodles are a local delicacy that has its roots in Pyongyang cold noodles and Hamhung cold noodles from Korea, but has developed its own unique flavor to suit Japanese food culture.
Korean cold noodles use buckwheat flour, which makes them dark and soft, while Morioka cold noodles use wheat flour and starch, and are characterized by their translucent, strong texture and slippery texture.
In addition, the soup is made from beef bones and chicken bones simmered for a long time and then chilled to give it a light yet deep flavor.
Furthermore, the spiciness of the kimchi can be adjusted by the customer, making it easy to eat for Japanese and non-Japanese alike.
Ingredients include pork, cucumber, hard-boiled egg, and seasonal fruits (apple, watermelon, etc.) to add a colorful appearance.
While inheriting Korean traditions, this dish is full of Morioka’s unique ingenuity.
Wow. I can feel the passion of the founder who developed the dish to suit Japanese people, despite its roots in Korean cold noodles.
Places to stop by while eating Morioka cold noodles
Here are three recommended places to stop by in Morioka during your meal.
✅ Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park)
Morioka Castle Ruins Park is a historic park located in the center of Morioka City, where the castle of the Nanbu domain once stood.
The magnificent granite stone walls still remain, and one can feel the remnants of the castle.
The park is also an attractive place to enjoy nature in each of the four seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snow in winter.
The area is also a popular resting place for citizens and tourists, and there are many famous Morioka cold noodle restaurants in the vicinity, making it a perfect place for an after-dinner stroll.
It is easily accessible and can be easily visited on foot.
