Introduction:
Nagano is a beautiful and mountainous prefecture located in the central part of Japan. It is not only famous for its ski resorts and hot springs, but also for its delicious and unique cuisine. One of the must-try dishes in Nagano is soba noodles. Soba, which means buckwheat in Japanese, is a type of noodle made from buckwheat flour. It is a staple Food Blog in Nagano and is loved by both locals and tourists alike. In this blog, we will explore the best soba noodle spots in Nagano that are sure to satisfy your cravings and give you an authentic taste of this traditional dish.
1. Soba no Sato Matsumoto:
Located in the beautiful city of Matsumoto, Soba no Sato is a popular restaurant that serves delicious handmade soba noodles. The restaurant is situated in a traditional Japanese house with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The noodles are made fresh daily using high-quality buckwheat flour and are served either hot or cold, depending on your preference. The cold soba (zaru soba) is served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi, while the hot soba (kake soba) is served in a hot broth. The restaurant also offers a variety of side dishes such as tempura and grilled fish to complement your soba noodles. One of their signature dishes is the “Ten-sei soba”, which is a combination of both hot and cold noodles. This unique dish is a must-try for all soba lovers.
2. Daikokuya:
Located in the city of Nagano, Daikokuya is a popular soba noodle spot that has been in business for over 100 years. The restaurant is known for its traditional and authentic soba noodles, which are made from locally grown buckwheat flour. The noodles are hand-kneaded and cut into thin strands, giving them a perfect texture and flavor. One of the highlights of this restaurant is its “Jinenjo soba”, which is made with a special type of buckwheat flour that is only found in Nagano. This flour gives the noodles a unique nutty and earthy flavor, making it a favorite among locals and tourists. The restaurant also offers a variety of toppings such as tempura, grilled fish, and wild vegetables to enhance the flavor of the soba noodles.
3. Soba Dokoro Yamaguchi:
Soba Dokoro Yamaguchi is a hidden gem located in the small town of Togakushi, just a short drive from Nagano city. This quaint and charming restaurant is situated in a traditional Japanese house with a beautiful garden, making it the perfect spot for a peaceful and authentic dining experience. The restaurant takes pride in its homemade soba noodles, which are made using a traditional stone mill to grind the buckwheat flour. This gives the noodles a unique and rich flavor that is hard to find elsewhere. The menu offers a variety of soba dishes, including “Togakushi soba”, which is made with wild mountain vegetables and a flavorful broth. The restaurant also serves a special type of soba called “Inaka soba”, which is made with whole buckwheat seeds and has a more intense and nutty flavor.
4. Azumaya Soba:
Located in the bustling city of Nagano, Azumaya Soba is a popular spot among locals for its delicious and affordable soba noodles. The restaurant has a cozy and traditional setting, with wooden tables and chairs and a beautiful view of the Zenkoji temple. The noodles are made fresh daily using high-quality buckwheat flour and served in a hot broth along with toppings such as tempura and tofu. One of their most popular dishes is the “Zaru soba”, which is a cold soba dish served with a dipping sauce and toppings of your choice. The restaurant also offers a variety of side dishes such as udon, rice bowls, and soba buns for those who want to try something different.
5. Soba no Shiori:
Soba no Shiori is a unique soba restaurant located in the city of Nagano. What makes this restaurant stand out is their use of locally grown and organic ingredients for their soba noodles. The noodles are made using stone-ground buckwheat flour, giving them a rich and nutty flavor. The restaurant also offers a variety of toppings such as wild vegetables, homemade tofu, and wild game meat to go along with your noodles. One of their must-try dishes is the “Sansai soba”, which is made with wild mountain vegetables and has a refreshing and light taste. The restaurant also has a cozy and traditional atmosphere, with wooden tables and chairs, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing and authentic dining experience.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Nagano is not only a beautiful and scenic prefecture but also a food lover’s paradise. The above-mentioned restaurants are some of the best soba noodle spots in Nagano that are sure to leave you satisfied and craving for more. Each restaurant has its own unique style and flavor, offering a different experience for soba lovers. So, the next time you visit Nagano, don’t forget to try out these amazing soba noodle spots and experience the authentic taste of this traditional Japanese dish.
