Horse meat soba

About Horse meat soba

Horse meat soba is one of the representative local dishes of Kumamoto Prefecture, and is particularly popular in the Aso region. Kumamoto prefecture has the highest horse meat production volume in the whole country (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Reiwa 1st year livestock distribution statistics), and it is a dish that reflects its unique food culture. Horse meat, also known as “sakura meat” or “ketobashi,” is a healthy food rich in protein and vitamins and low in fat.

The history of the Sengoku period is involved in the background of horse meat taking root in Kumamoto. It is said that Kato Kiyomasa, the lord of the Higo Domain, was dispatched to Korea when he was dispatched to Korea, and based on his experience of eating warhorse horses due to lack of food, he evaluated their deliciousness even after returning to Japan, and spread horse meat culture. Although meat consumption was restricted during the Edo period, horse meat was valuable as medicinal food due to its high nutritional value, and warhorse meat supported the dining table during the post-war food shortage era. In the Showa 30s, horse meat dishes became popular in general households and restaurants, and now they are popular ingredients that can be easily purchased at supermarkets.

What is used for horse meat soba is “shigureni,” which is a sweet and salty stew of minced meat left over from processing horse sashimi with soy sauce, sugar, and ginger. This shigureni is characterized by its slightly soft texture and rich flavor, and is loved as a companion to rice or as a snack for alcoholic beverages. By putting shigureni as an ingredient in warm soba and udon, the flavor of the soup stock is in perfect harmony with the flavor of horse meat, and captivates eaters.

In Kumamoto, horse meat soba is a homely dish that can be enjoyed throughout the year, and is served at local soba and udon restaurants. This delicious cup is filled with the natural blessings of Kumamoto and the history that has nurtured horse meat culture. This dish, which continues to be loved not only by tourists but also by locals, is an essential food experience unique to Kumamoto.

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