What is Hittsumi Soup?
Hittsumi Soup is one of the representative local dishes of Iwate Prefecture, a traditional dish made by simmering hand-torn wheat flour dough in a hearty soup.
The name "Hittsumi" comes from "pulling and tearing the dough by hand," and in some regions, it is also known as "Suito" or "Tottenage".
In the harshly cold Tohoku region, it has been cherished as a food to warm the body.
Despite its simplicity, the chewy dough combined with the rich flavors of vegetables and chicken makes it an exquisite dish popular among travelers.
This article will give you a detailed introduction to the features of Hittsumi Soup, how to enjoy it, recommended places to try it, and traveler information!
Features of Hittsumi Soup
1. Delicious chewy handmade dough
The main feature of Hittsumi Soup is the hand-torn wheat flour dough.
This dough is named after the action of "Hittsumu" (Iwate dialect for "pull"), and by tearing it by hand, it takes on a unique shape.
Its chewy texture absorbs the soup's flavor well, making it a hearty dish.
2. A soup full of ingredients warms the body
Hittsumi Soup is generally made with a base of chicken or dried sardine broth seasoned with soy sauce or miso.
It contains plenty of ingredients, making it a nutritious and healthy dish.
Standard Ingredients
- Chicken: Adds richness and flavor
- Burdock: Provides a crunchy texture
- Carrots: Adds color and sweetness
- Shiitake and Shimeji mushrooms: Rich in flavor
- Daikon radish: Absorbs the broth and becomes tender
It's a warming dish perfect for cold seasons!
3. A beloved local dish in Iwate households
Hittsumi Soup has been made in Iwate households for many years, with each family having its unique recipe.
It is cherished as "mom's taste" and is an essential dish on the winter dining table.
Nowadays, more shops offer it to tourists, so it's a traditional taste you should try when visiting Iwate.
How to Enjoy Hittsumi Soup
1. Try making Hittsumi yourself!
There are facilities in Iwate Prefecture where you can experience making Hittsumi Soup by hand.
You can stretch and tear the dough and add it to the soup, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the local food culture through this fun activity.
Examples of places to experience
- Roadside Station Ishidoriya (Hanamaki City)
- Tono Furusato Village (Tono City)
2. Recommended ways to eat and customize
While Hittsumi Soup is a simple dish, you can enjoy various flavors with some creativity.
- Miso-based Hittsumi Soup: Offers a richer flavor
- Add pork for a tonjiru-style soup: Adds volume!
- Add kimchi for a spicy twist: Perfect for cold days
Trying different variations during your travels can be fun!
Recommended Places for Hittsumi Soup in Iwate
1. Yabuya (Hanamaki City)
A traditional soba shop loved by Kenji Miyazawa, also serving Hittsumi Soup as a local dish.
- Price: From 800 yen
- Access: 5-minute walk from JR Hanamaki Station
2. Tono Furusato Village (Tono City)
A facility with a traditional house style where you can experience making Hittsumi Soup the old-fashioned way.
- Price: From 1,500 yen with experience
- Access: About 15 minutes by bus from JR Tono Station
3. Naoan (Morioka City)
A soba restaurant loved by locals, known for its exquisite Hittsumi Soup.
- Price: From 1,000 yen
- Access: 15-minute walk from JR Morioka Station
Convenient Information for Travelers
Access Information
By Train and Bus
- About 2 hours and 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Morioka Station by Shinkansen
- About 40 minutes by train from JR Morioka Station to Hanamaki Station
- About 1 hour to Tono City via the JR Kamaishi Line
By Car
- About 2 hours from Sendai by car
- Rental cars are available in Morioka City and Hanamaki City
Price Range
- Hittsumi Soup alone: Approximately 800-1,200 yen
- Local cuisine set (Hittsumi Soup + side dishes): Approximately 1,500-2,000 yen
Wi-Fi Information
- Free Wi-Fi available at tourist information centers and cafes around Morioka Station
- Some restaurants also offer Wi-Fi
Language Support
- English and Chinese tourist brochures available at Morioka Station
- Some places offer English menus
Summary and FAQs
Hittsumi Soup is a traditional local dish of Iwate, perfect for warming the heart during cold seasons.
If you want to enjoy local cuisine during your trip, be sure to try Hittsumi Soup!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I eat Hittsumi Soup?
A: It is available at local cuisine restaurants and roadside stations in Morioka, Hanamaki, Tono, and more.
Q: What is the difference between Hittsumi and Suito?
A: Hittsumi involves "pulling and tearing" the dough, while Suito often involves "rolling and dropping" it.
Q: Can Hittsumi Soup be bought as a souvenir?
A: Dried Hittsumi and ready-to-eat Hittsumi Soup are sold at roadside stations and souvenir shops.
When visiting Iwate, be sure to try "Hittsumi Soup" and experience Japan's traditional food culture!
