This weird cooking technique was born in battle
In the City of Shimonoseki, in Yamaguchi Prefecture, there is a local cuisine called kawara soba. It consists of cha-soba, (tea noodles) and various toppings that are served on a heated on a roof tile! The kawara are the pretty tiles you can see on the Japanese traditional housing.
Why use this as a cooking ustensil? In 1887 Japan experienced what would become its final civil war. The story says that during intervals between long field battles, the soldiers would heat kawara tiles and cook wild grass and meat on them, giving birth to the dish now known as kawara soba.
Beef, egg, seaweed, grated daikon radish, and lemon are placed atop flavorful tea noodles and served with a warm dipping sauce. It’s an unusual combination in Japanese cuisine, but everyone agrees to say it is very addictive!
Where to eat it?
You can find kawara soba at inns and restaurants around Kawatana Hot Springs in Shimonoseki. In this area, there are restaurants that were the very first ones to serve this dish, so you can have access to the true, original flavor of it. On top of the great food and relaxing hot springs, the place offers beautiful views of the sea and the mountains.
If you are planning to visit Shimonoseki, don’t miss our article: Why you should eat fugu in Shimonoseki
