Kawara Soba

About Kawara Soba

Kawara Soba (瓦そば, Kawara soba) is a distinct local dish that originated in Kawatana Onsen, a hot spring town in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. This vibrant creation features matcha-flavored green tea soba noodles served on a heated roof tile, topped with shredded egg, sweet and savory seasoned beef, nori seaweed, green onions, lemon slices, and grated daikon with chili.

The magic of Kawara Soba lies in its unique texture. The noodles on the bottom crisp up as they touch the hot tile, while those on top remain delightfully soft and chewy, creating a contrast of textures in every bite.

To enjoy Kawara Soba, start by savoring the rich tea-flavored noodles as they are. Then, dip them into a warm, slightly sweet dipping sauce for a burst of umami flavor. Adding a touch of lemon or grated daikon with chili midway enhances the dish with a refreshing tanginess.

This inventive dish traces its roots back to the Satsuma Rebellion of the late 1800s, inspired by stories of soldiers who grilled meat and wild plants on roof tiles. In 1962, this idea was reimagined by the local inn "Takase" in Kawatana Onsen, turning it into the popular dish we know today. The heat-retaining properties of the tile allow you to enjoy the noodles piping hot until the last bite.

Nowadays, Kawara Soba is cherished both within and beyond Yamaguchi Prefecture. It has even become a popular dish to recreate at home using hot plates or frying pans, making it a beloved and accessible local delicacy.

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