Each bowl was perfectly fried and uniquely flavored, making each portion a different experience. My favorite bowl was the lemon chicken bowl, and it was perfectly zesty, peppery and fried. I felt super happy eating the yakisoba and really enjoyed not only the food, but the festival itself. I definitely recommend trying this verstile food for yourself, maybe even adding some of your own favorite ingredients into the dish.
Yakisoba is a stir-fried wheat noodle, similar to ramen noodles, which is traditionally cooked with cabbage, meats and served with a fried egg on top. Yakisoba is made by frying the noodles on a big grill, and tossing them together with the ingredients. The mascot of the event could be seen holding two of the big metal spatulas they use to fry the noodles.
There was also a glass case at the festival which had little statues of men making the noodles, showing the detailed steps and hard dedication it takes to make even one bowl, do you think you could make Yakisoba at home? I'm not sure I have enough biceps to make the noodles.
This food is deeply rooted in the local culture, both as a famous festival and local dish, spanning back almost 100 years. It is believed to come from the Taisho era -- around 1912 - 1926 -- and has steadily grown into a popular instant noodle dish, sauce flavor and cuisine for restaurants around the globe to serve.
