3 carefully selected gourmet foods in Aomori Prefecture (specialties/local dishes that you must try)

About Aomori Prefecture's gourmet food

Aomori Prefecture's gourmet cuisine includes many traditional dishes that continue to be loved locally. In particular, ``Senbei soup'', ``Towada Barayaki'', and ``Tsuyu Yakisoba'' are known as local dishes representative of Aomori Prefecture. These dishes strongly reflect Aomori Prefecture's rich nature and culture, and are full of flavor using local ingredients. When traveling or sightseeing, be sure to try these unique flavors of Aomori Prefecture.

In areas facing the sea, ``strawberry stew'' made with fresh sea urchin and abalone is a specialty, and you can enjoy Aomori's rich seafood.

3 carefully selected gourmet dishes in Aomori Prefecture

1. Rice cracker soup

● The charm of rice cracker soup

Senbei soup is a local dish unique to Aomori Prefecture, and is a unique soup made using Nanbu rice crackers. This dish is characterized by the rich ingredients such as chicken, vegetables, and mushrooms, as well as rice crackers soaked in a rich soup stock. When senbei is boiled, it develops a unique chewy texture, providing an exquisite taste that warms the body in the cold winter. By using locally harvested ingredients, this dish lets you feel the richness of Aomori's nature.

● History of rice cracker soup

The history of senbei soup began as a meal for people working outdoors in the Hachinohe region of Aomori Prefecture. Originally, Nanbu rice crackers were chosen as an ingredient that was easy to prepare and carry when working outdoors, and they were simmered with other ingredients and eaten on the spot.

This practical aspect was incorporated into the home table and developed into a customary dish for Aomori residents. Over time, various variations were created by incorporating locally sourced ingredients, and it became established as a representative local dish of Aomori Prefecture.

● If you want to eat rice cracker soup, this is the place! !

• Store name：Minato Shokudo
  
• charm：
  At Minato Shokudo, the ``Shirame Pickled Rice Bowl and Rice Cracker Soup Set'' is particularly popular, allowing you to fully enjoy Hachinohe's fresh seafood while also tasting the locally loved rice cracker soup. The beautifully arranged pickled sole looks bright and you can enjoy the natural flavor and soft texture of the flounder.
  Many tourists and locals visit the shop from early in the morning. Due to its popularity, there can sometimes be a line of people waiting on a list with their name and phone number when they arrive.​​
  
• Address: 45-1 Kubo, Minato-cho, Hachinohe City
  
• Access: 3 minutes walk from JR Mutsu Minato Station
  
• Google Maps：https://maps.app.goo.gl/SSY1SmwG7PCUS1Sk9

3. Tsuyu Yakisoba

● The charm of Tsuyu Yakisoba

The appeal of tsuyu yakisoba lies in its unique flavor and history, which is rooted in food culture. While regular yakisoba is sauce-based, tsuyu yakisoba uses Japanese-style dashi stock, and is unique in that the flavor of the dashi intertwines with the noodles. This soup stock has a deep flavor using seafood, kelp, etc., and the noodles are often Kuroishi City's own Taihei noodles. One of the great attractions is that each store has a different soup recipe and you can enjoy a variety of flavors depending on the toppings.

In addition, tsuyu yakisoba has value not only as a meal but also as a local dish that allows you to feel the culture and history of the local Aomori prefecture.​

● History of Tsuyu Yakisoba

The history of tsuyu yakisoba is said to have begun in Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture in the late 1950s. This dish started out by using local noodles called ``Taiheimen'' and serving them with a special soup. It is said that a restaurant called ``Mimasu'' was the first to offer this style, but the dish was later trademarked as ``Original Tsuyu Yakisoba'' and became widely accepted locally.

Over time, tsuyu yakisoba has become well-known nationwide as a B-class gourmet dish representing Aomori Prefecture, and many restaurants now offer this dish using their own recipes. The history of this dish is emblematic of the local food culture and plays an important role in the society and culture of Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture.

● If you want to eat tsuyu yakisoba, this is the place! !

• Address： Myoko Shokudo
  
• charm：
• ``Myoko Shokudo'' is a restaurant located in Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture that is said to have revived tsuyu yakisoba. This restaurant claims to be the originator of tsuyu yakisoba, and its distinctive feature is that it uses ramen soup. On the other hand, ``Mimasu'', which is said to be another origin of tsuyu yakisoba, used soba tsuyu.
  Tsuyu yakisoba uses Kuroishi's unique thick flat noodles, and has a seafood flavor with ramen soup added to the sauce.The ingredients include pork, cabbage, onions, carrots, green peppers, bean sprouts, etc. in a well-balanced manner. It is used. Green onions and fried eggs are added to the toppings. The menu is reasonably priced at 650 yen, and they also have noodles and rice bowls.
  The interior of Myoko Shokudo is decorated with a huge kite with an impressive Nebuta (Nebuta) painted on the ceiling, which is said to have been drawn by the proprietress herself. The restaurant is crowded with local regulars, including families, and its homely atmosphere is one of its charms.
• Address: 66 Motomachi, Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture
  
• Access: 10-15 minutes walk from Kuroishi Station on the Konan Railway Konan Line, 700m from Sakaimatsu Station
  
• google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2vrpe6zX5EQgA1jh9