Morioka Reimen: Springy Korean-Inspired Cold Noodles with Customizable Heat

Morioka Reimen

Morioka Reimen is Morioka, Iwate's signature cold noodle dish. Originating in 1954 when a Zainichi Korean restaurant owner adapted the Pyongyang-style cold noodle recipe, it is one of Morioka's "Three Great Noodles" along with jajamen and wanko soba.

Characteristics

- Noodles: Distinctively springy, semi-translucent noodles made with starch (potato or arrowroot) - Broth: Clear soup from long-simmered beef bones and chicken carcasses - Heat Level: Choose your spiciness — heat is added via kimchi - Toppings: Kimchi, boiled egg, watermelon (or pear), chashu pork

Recommended Restaurants

- Pyonpyonsya Inaricho Main Branch: Established over 50 years ago - Moriroukaku: Popular yakiniku and reimen restaurant - Shokudoen: Said to be the original birthplace of Morioka Reimen

Getting There

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

Tips

First-timers should try medium spicy to start. The watermelon-kimchi combination seems odd but the sweet-spicy-sour balance is surprisingly perfect. Expect queues at popular restaurants in summer.