Shiroishi Umen

At a glance

NameShiroishi Umen (Shiroishi Umen)
PrefectureMiyagi
RegionHokkaido & Tohoku
TypeShort hand-stretched wheat noodles made without coating oil

What is it?

Shiroishi umen are fine somen-family noodles made in Shiroishi without applying oil while stretching the dough. Their bundles are only about 9 to 10 centimeters long, making them quick to cook and easy to serve.

History and local context

A local story traces them to the early Edo period, when Ohataya Suzuki Miuemon learned an oil-free noodle method for his ailing father. They later circulated as a refined southern Tohoku food and a gift of the Date domain.

How to enjoy it

Serve them hot in soy or miso broth, in thickened okuzukake, or chilled with dipping sauce. Boil for the package time, rinse when serving cold, and distinguish the reading umen from the ordinary word onmen despite the characters meaning warm noodles.

Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Shiroishi Umen from?

It is associated with Miyagi, in the Hokkaido & Tohoku region of Japan.

What kind of food is Shiroishi Umen?

This guide classifies it as short hand-stretched wheat noodles made without coating oil. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.

Can I order Shiroishi Umen online?

Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.

Order from Japan

Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.

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