What is Kawara Soba? — A Unique Soba Dish Originating from Yamaguchi
If you visit Yamaguchi Prefecture, you must try the local delicacy, "Kawara Soba"!
As the name suggests, it is a visually striking dish where tea soba is placed on a heated roof tile.
You can enjoy both the crispy and moist parts thanks to the hot tile.
It is eaten in a unique style with dipping sauce,
offering a different culinary experience from regular soba.
The History of Kawara Soba
A Dish Born from Ideas in the Sengoku Era
The origin of Kawara Soba dates back to the Seinan War (1877).
The concept was inspired by stories of soldiers cooking meat and wild vegetables on heated roof tiles on the battlefield,
and it was invented by an inn in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, in the 1950s (Showa era 30s).
Today, it has become a representative local dish of Yamaguchi Prefecture,
and is a popular specialty among locals and tourists alike.
Features and How to Eat Kawara Soba
1. Using Tea Soba
Unlike regular soba, Kawara Soba uses tea soba infused with matcha.
The noodles have a subtle matcha aroma and become rich in flavor when roasted.
2. Cooked on Heated Roof Tiles
The soba is grilled on a hot roof tile,
allowing you to enjoy both crispy and chewy textures.
The far-infrared effect of the tile also gives the noodles a fragrant finish.
3. Enjoy with Dipping Sauce
Kawara Soba is eaten by dipping it in a special sweet and spicy sauce.
Adding lemon, grated momiji, and green onions to the sauce is standard.
The addition of sour and spicy flavors results in a refreshing taste.
4. Rich in Ingredients
Kawara Soba is topped with sweet and spicy simmered beef, shredded egg, and seaweed.
Especially the beef, which is a key ingredient that enhances the umami of Kawara Soba!
5 Recommended Kawara Soba Restaurants in Yamaguchi Prefecture
1. The Original Kawara Soba Takase (Shimonoseki)
Location: Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Business Hours: 11:00〜20:00
Features: The original store where Kawara Soba was invented! Enjoy the traditional taste
2. Kawara Soba & Restaurant Yanagiya (Mine City)
Location: Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Business Hours: 11:30〜19:30
Features: Enjoy local river fish dishes along with soba
3. Kawara Soba Kisetsu no Kaze (Ube City)
Location: Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Business Hours: 12:00〜21:00
Features: Experience Kawara Soba in a modern atmosphere
4. Kawara Soba Takase Mojiko Retro Shop (Kitakyushu)
Location: Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture
Business Hours: 11:00〜20:30
Features: Authentic Kawara Soba available outside Yamaguchi Prefecture
5. Handmade Kawara Soba Hokkori (Yamaguchi City)
Location: Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Business Hours: 11:30〜21:00
Features: A homely shop loved by locals
Useful Information for Travelers
1. When is the Best Season for Kawara Soba?
Although it's a dish you can enjoy year-round,
it tastes especially good in the colder seasons (autumn to winter) when you can fully appreciate the warmth of Kawara Soba!
2. Where Can You Eat Kawara Soba?
- The Kawatana Onsen area in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture is its home ground.
- It is served at many restaurants within the prefecture.
- Some supermarkets sell home-use Kawara Soba sets!
3. Can Kawara Soba be a Souvenir?
- Special tea soba and sauce sets for Kawara Soba are available at souvenir shops in Yamaguchi Prefecture and online stores.
- The actual "kawara" (tile) is also sold, allowing you to enjoy the authentic style at home!
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
- Yamaguchi Prefecture's unique specialty "Kawara Soba" is cooked in a distinctive style on a roof tile.
- The combination of tea soba, sweet and spicy dipping sauce, and beef is exquisite!
- Experience the authentic taste in its birthplace, Shimonoseki!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the origin of Kawara Soba?
A: It was inspired by the concept of soldiers cooking meals on roof tiles on the battlefield, and was invented in the 1950s.
Q: What is the purpose of cooking on tiles?
A: The far-infrared effect of the tiles makes the soba fragrant, allowing you to enjoy both crispy and chewy textures.
Q: How is it different from regular soba?
A: Kawara Soba uses tea soba and is characterized by being grilled.
Additionally, it is eaten by dipping it in warm sauce, a unique style.
Q: Can you make Kawara Soba at home?
A: Absolutely!
You can use a hot plate to grill the soba instead of a tile.
By using store-bought tea soba and sauce, you can easily enjoy it at home.
If you visit Yamaguchi Prefecture, be sure to try the unique "Kawara Soba"!
