Morioka Jajamen: Morioka's Hidden Specialty of Boiled Noodles Mixed with Special Meat Miso

Morioka Jajamen

Jajamen is a uniquely Morioka noodle dish developed after WWII as a local adaptation of Chinese zhajiangmian. One of Morioka's "Three Great Noodles," it is said to have originated at the long-established restaurant "Pairon."

Characteristics and How to Eat

- Noodles: Flat, white boiled noodles (similar to udon) - Sauce: Special meat miso sauce (served with cucumber and ginger) - Eating Method: Mix noodles and meat miso thoroughly before eating - Chitan Tan: After finishing, crack an egg into the bowl — the remaining meat miso and noodle starch create a soup for a satisfying finish

Recommended Restaurants

- Pairon Main Branch: The original birthplace of jajamen - Jajamen Specialty Restaurants: Numerous throughout Morioka

Getting There

- Walk or take a bus from JR Morioka Station to restaurants throughout the city

Tips

Absolutely try the chitan tan finish. Tradition is to add egg corresponding to how many servings of jajamen you ate. Add spicy ginger or vinegar for flavor variations.