Morioka Jajamen, Mixed Noodles Finished with Chiitantan
Morioka jajamen tops chewy flat noodles with meat miso, cucumber, scallion and ginger, then lets each diner mix in vinegar, chili oil and garlic. It is one of Morioka's three famous noodle...
At a glance
| Name | Morioka Jajamen, Mixed Noodles Finished with Chiitantan (Morioka Jajamen) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Iwate |
| Region | Hokkaido & Tohoku |
| Type | Flat noodles mixed with meat miso and finished as egg soup |
What is it?
Morioka jajamen tops chewy flat noodles with meat miso, cucumber, scallion and ginger, then lets each diner mix in vinegar, chili oil and garlic. It is one of Morioka's three famous noodle traditions with wanko soba and Morioka reimen.
It is not simply Chinese zhajiangmian. Pairon's founder Takashina Kansho adapted noodles he had eaten in prewar Manchuria to Morioka ingredients and tastes, developing a distinct flat noodle and seasoned miso at his street stall.
History and local context
Originator Pairon describes its paste as miso cooked and rested with minced meat, sesame, shiitake and more than ten ingredients. Thorough mixing on the hot noodles brings together paste, vegetables, moisture and the diner's seasonings.
Chiitantan completes the meal: leave a little noodle and miso, beat an egg in the bowl and ask the shop to add hot noodle water, then adjust the egg soup. The exact ordering procedure varies by restaurant.
How to enjoy it
Mix the noodles, miso and cucumber from the bottom and taste before seasoning. Add vinegar for brightness, chili oil for heat and aroma, and garlic for force in small steps.
Leave a few bites and a little miso for chiitantan. Choose a smaller noodle size if you want room for the soup, and follow the shop's procedure for the egg and hot water.
Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Where is Morioka Jajamen, Mixed Noodles Finished with Chiitantan from?
It is associated with Iwate, in the Hokkaido & Tohoku region of Japan.
What kind of food is Morioka Jajamen, Mixed Noodles Finished with Chiitantan?
This guide classifies it as flat noodles mixed with meat miso and finished as egg soup. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Morioka Jajamen, Mixed Noodles Finished with Chiitantan online?
Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.
Order from Japan
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