Wanko Soba

Ever wanted to eat an unending assault of soba noodles? then look no further - 岩手県(Iwate Prefecture) is the place to go! Traveling to Iwate is only a few hours by bullet train, but being a poor salaryman, the overnight bus was the way to go. Upon arriving at Morioka, the largest city in Iwate, we found that there are far many Wanko soba places to choose from, so just take your pick and head inside!

The term wanko soba literally means "Little bowl of soba" in the local dialect. while the origins are unclear, it certainly is an entertaining way to have noodles. Upon selecting a desired "course" dictating which toppings and fixings come with you soba (we paid approximately 2500 yen), an attendant soon arrives and starts placing the little laquer bowls of soba noodles in front of you. The moment you dip the noodles in the sauce (dashi) and slurp the delectable serving down your gullet, another bowl immediately is set down in front of you. I should also mention that this happens very quickly and you are advised to keep a quick pace when eating Wanko soba.

Soon, it becomes a cruel joke as the attendant begins to taunt you with an endless flow of noodles. The only way to stop is to cover your bowl before they have a chance to place another bowl in front of you - more difficult than it sounds mind you! When at last you manage to cover your bowl in a state of semi-consciousness, about to pass out from the sheer amount of buckwheat you've consumed in the span of half an hour, you are rewarded with a little certificate noting how many bowls you had. I only managed 77 but the old man next to us managed a staggering 125 bowls. How many can you manage? Grab a friend and head over to Iwate prefecture to give Wanko soba a try!