Have you ever heard of wanko soba? Soba is a type of noodle and a favorite food of many Japanese people, but wanko soba is a bit special.
In this article, we will explain about wanko soba, how to eat wanko soba, and tips on how to eat a lot of it (to become a gluttonous champion).
What is wanko soba?
Wankosoba is the name of a local dish of Iwate Prefecture, located in the Tohoku region of northern Japan. Soba has long been eaten throughout Japan, not only in this region, but also in other parts of the country, but the soba here is unique in the way it is eaten.
Wankosoba is an all-you-can-eat dish. Bite-sized buckwheat noodles are served one after another in a bowl. When you are full, be sure to give a signal. If you do not give a signal, the soba will be brought to you forever.
*If you are unable to watch a video, please consider a VPN, which is the most recommended service for streaming Japanese TV and video sites.
What is the Wanko Soba Tournament?
It is an annual event held on February 11 in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, the birthplace of wanko soba.
There are individual and team competitions, with an elementary school division for the team competition.
The current record for the individual competition is 258 cups in a time limit of 5 minutes. This is the equivalent of about 26 servings of regular soba.
Tips for eating a lot of wanko soba
Swallow without chewing.
The soba comes out one bite at a time. Since it is soft, you can eat a lot of soba quickly by swallowing it without chewing.
Do not drink the soup.
If you drink the soup, your stomach will be full and you will not be able to eat the soba. Soup is served in the bowl with the soba, but please eat only the soba and leave the soup as much as possible. A receptacle called “Tsuyu-uke” is also available.
Wankosoba can be eaten anytime in Iwate Prefecture. Usually, the eating method does not promote eating large or fast meals. It is OK to eat slowly and at your own pace. If you ever come to Japan someday, please give it a try.