Yamagata

Simple soba noodles that bring out the rich buckwheat flavour and texture

Shonai Soba

Shonai region is known as the home of buckwheat, where the plant has been cultivated since the Edo era. Various events are held to support the local production, such as lessons on how to knead soba noodles, and festivals to celebrate the harvest. Each area makes their own soba noodles, for example the juu-wari soba made from 100% buckwheat in Tsuruoka Haguro area, and yam-kneaded soba in Koesawa area. Mugi soba, a kind of soup made with buckwheat grains before grinding them into flour, is also a popular dish among the locals.