Yamaguchi

It's getting pretty popular these days, and some families even make it on a hot plate at home. The real deal uses matcha soba on a black tile, topped with sweet and savory beef, egg strips, shredded nori, and green onions. You serve it with a slice of lemon and grated daikon, and dip it into a rich sauce. I recommend “Kawara Soba Takase” and “Heike Jyaya”!

（Renakyon Mama）

It's hot soba on a sizzling tile—Yamaguchi's soul food! The noodles are tinted with matcha, but you don't really taste the tea. Topped with eggs, meat, and grated daikon, you dip it in a savory sauce. The crispy bits that touch the tile are the best! You can buy these noodles at supermarkets all over the prefecture, so you can whip it up at home, and it even shows up in school lunches.

（Chimachi）

On a hot tile (or hot plate at home), the crispy bits of roasted matcha soba are irresistible! You dip the soba, topped with beef, shredded egg, and green onions, into a sweet sauce. It's super tasty—definitely worth a try!

（Kuon Sakura）

This is a soul food from Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Locals usually make it easily on a hot plate at home. The matcha soba is topped with beef, scrambled egg, and seaweed. I love adding a generous amount of momiji oroshi (spicy grated daikon) and a slice of lemon! You dip it in warm sauce. It might seem common, but it's actually hard to find elsewhere. These noodles are super delicious and a bit addictive!

（Shiu）

You grill the matcha soba on a hot kawara and dip it in the sauce to eat. The slightly crispy noodles are really tasty! I recommend the restaurant “Otafuku.”

（C-BANG）

As the name suggests, you serve matcha soba on a hot kawara. It’s topped with sweet and savory beef, fluffy egg strands, and a slice of lemon, all garnished with a bit of momiji oroshi. Dip the soba and colorful toppings in homemade dipping sauce for a tasty bite. My tip is to grill the soba a little longer for a nice crispy edge.

（Abichan）

I’m originally from Yamaguchi, but I only discovered the charm of Kawara Soba after moving away. I love not just the taste but also how vibrant it looks. Making it can be a bit of work, but that’s part of the fun! I was also really happy to see it gain popularity from being featured in a drama.

（Sari）

In my hometown of Shimonoseki, Kawara Soba is a weekend lunch that families enjoy at home, not something you'd usually get at a restaurant. Instant noodles from the supermarket are good, but using Ituki’s dried tea soba makes it even better. The chewy noodles and crispy bits that get toasted on the bottom are delicious when dipped in the sauce. It looks colorful on the plate and is loved by both kids and adults—definitely a true soul food!

（Anzukko）

Dondon's udon is soft and gentle, not as firm as Sanuki udon or chewy like the ones from Fukuoka. The most popular dish is the meat tempura udon, topped with lots of crispy shrimp tempura, and many people order it with a seaweed rice ball on the side. I spent my student years in Yamaguchi and often went there while working on my thesis. It felt like a comforting friend during tough times.

（Eritaso）

When you think of udon in Yamaguchi, you think of “Dondon”, a popular chain. It’s known for its super quick service, where your udon arrives just as you sit down after ordering at the counter. You have to experience the thrill of having your udon chasing you! The noodles are on the softer side, more like what you’d find in Hakata.

（Nabochin）

Yamaguchi’s soul food, “Dondon” udon. With its soft noodles and slightly sweet broth, it’s delicious. Many locals don’t even realize it’s only found in Yamaguchi!

（German）

This beef bone soy sauce ramen is popular in Kudamatsu City, often referred to as “Kudamatsu-style ramen.” While “Kouran” is well-known, I personally recommend “Hokutotei,” “YouRUN,” and surprisingly, the Kudamatsu SA (downbound) It’s a food court at a service area, but the ramen is really authentic. If you’re driving on the highway and are nearby, definitely check it out!

（Miruko）

Fukuoka is known for its tonkotsu ramen, but in Kudamatsu, we have our own Gyukotsu Ramen! The original place, “Kouran,” wanted to tone down that strong tonkotsu smell, and that's how this delicious Gyukotsu Ramen was born. It’s lighter than tonkotsu but still packed with flavor. I’ve heard there’s Gyukotsu Ramen in Tottori too, but I’m not sure how they’re connected. You can’t go wrong pairing it with inari sushi here in Kudamatsu. You really need to come and try it!

（yaa）

This is beef bone-based ramen from the Kudamatsu and Hikari area. I used to live there and went often! My top picks are “Menichi” in Hikari and “Kouran” in Kudamatsu. The broth is packed with the rich flavors of beef bones and vegetables, making it super delicious!

（Memii）

The broth is made from beef bones, so it’s lighter and easier to drink than the rich tonkotsu ramen. When I had it for the first time, I was so impressed by how delicious it was that I thought, “Maybe I should bring a Tupperware next time!”

（Eritaso）

Check out the Bari Soba from “Shunraiken”! It’s basically fried noodles topped with a delicious sauce. Unlike Nagasaki’s Sara Udon, these are thicker noodles that are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside—so you get the best of both worlds! The dish is piled high with a mix of fresh vegetables in the sauce. You can spice it up with vinegar or pepper for extra flavor. Even though it’s served on a big plate, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can finish it!

（Tsuyu P）

I think the people of Yamaguchi City have loved this noodle dish since they were kids! The nostalgic flavor is still just as delicious today. Adding vinegar or vinegar soy sauce makes it even better! I definitely recommend piling on the vinegar!

（Ikkyu-chan）

In Shimonoseki, udon noodles are thick and round, served in a tasty bonito broth. While meat udon is well-loved, you have to try the fugu tempura made from shirasaba fugu. It’s soft, delicious, and a great source of protein! Don’t miss out on trying fuku tempura!

（Watakoto）

The rich tonkotsu broth has a strong smell, but it’s so good, especially with those soft noodles!. Popular spots include “Ikkyuu,” which is featured in Neon Genesis Evangelion, and the classic “Sanpei.”

（German）

It is the local specialty from Shunan City. It's a classic Chinese-style noodle soup with thin, flat noodles and hearty char siu! “Dai-ni Star,” a place I've been going to for 30 years, always has a line out the door. You won't find anything quite like this ramen anywhere else. It's a must-try!

（SOL1216）

Iwakuni's go-to comfort food is the Chinese soba from “Suehiro Shokudo,” which has been serving delicious bowls since 1950. The broth is a unique blend of pork and chicken that's surprisingly sweet, topped with rich back fat that doesn't make it heavy at all. It's a bit of a mystery how they do it, but it's super addictive! Definitely go for the “Chuka-men kata yasai” (firm noodles with extra bean sprouts and green onions). And if you've got some room, grab some inari sushi to go with it!

（Nabochin）

It is a fun twist on traditional sushi, where soba noodles replace the rice! A popular spot to try this is “Choshu Soba Tokyo-an.” It's served with a sweet sauce that has a bit of vinegar, making it super tasty!

（Underworld）

Tha is just as delicious as Japan's top three somen! It has a nice texture and a slightly salty flavor that's really refreshing. The grilled somen from the Kikugawa roadside station is a must-try!

（Aki Mama）