In Japanese food culture, “soba” (buckwheat noodles) strongly reflects the unique characteristics of each region. Especially “Izumo Soba” from Shimane Prefecture deserves special attention. Its depth and flavor, unimaginable from its simple appearance, captivate people.
Izumo soba is characterized by its dark color and firm texture. It is made by a milling method called “hikigurumi”, It is made by crushing buckwheat seeds with their shells, without sorting the flour. This results in a darker color, high nutritional value, and fragrant, flavorful soba with a good texture. This allows you to fully enjoy the original taste of soba.
Izumo Soba comes in two varieties: cold “Wariko Soba” and warm “Kamaage Soba”, both served with soba soup. Wariko Soba has a unique way of eating, typically served in a three-tiered stack. First, put the condiments on the first layer of soba and pour the soup over it. Once finished, you pour the remaining soup on the second tier, add condiments, and eat. You eat the third tier in the same way. Finally, you drink the “soba-yu” (hot water in which soba has been boiled) served with the soba, along with the soba soup. Izumo Soba, with its deep flavor and unique way of eating, is deeply loved by many people.
It is also an indispensable part of local festivals and events and can be said to symbolize the culture of the region. A soba shop with a calm atmosphere, renovated from an old private house, is recommended as a place to enjoy Izumo Soba. While looking at the wooden building and garden, you can taste handmade Izumo Soba, experiencing Japanese tradition and flavor at the same time. In the Izumo region, you can also enjoy soba-making experiences. Boiling and tasting your own handmade soba with broth allows you to deepen your understanding of soba’s flavor.
In this way, Izumo Soba is one of Japan’s gourmet foods, hiding depth within its simplicity. Its flavor, way of eating, and soba-making experience provide an unforgettable experience for you. When visiting Shimane Prefecture, be sure to taste this simple but deeply fragrant Izumo Soba.
