Embark on the Unique Challenge of Consuming Hundreds of Ramen Bowls in Japan

Diners continuously indulge in ramen and only stop when full. The record at Azumaya stands at 345 bowls in one sitting.

Embark on the Unique Challenge of Consuming Hundreds of Ramen Bowls in Japan

The challenge, known as wanko soba (wanko means “bowl” in the local dialect), requires diners to eat as many bowls of soba noodles as possible. However, this unique culinary experience can only be found in certain cities in Iwate Prefecture, Northeastern Honshu, one of the main islands of Japan.

Azumaya Ramen Shop in Morioka, the capital of Iwate, is a popular choice for many foreign tourists due to its English menu. While you can certainly order a regular ramen set, the wanko soba challenge, priced at 3,240 yen (almost 32 USD), is often chosen. In addition to indulging in noodles, diners are also served with tuna sashimi, mushrooms, shredded turnips, and many other local specialties. 15 wanko soba servings are equivalent to an average-sized bowl of noodles. The restaurant's current record stands at 345 bowls consumed in one sitting.

The ramen challenge also comes with a few rules. Firstly, you must eat continuously and are not allowed to stop until you're full. Each table has a female server who continuously pours noodles into the bowl and sets it down to replace the empty one. The servers only stop when you say you can't eat anymore.

On Mondays, you can nibble on side dishes, but it's best to save them for last. On Tuesdays, you can chew the noodles, but the restaurant encourages guests to swallow the noodles directly. The noodles are very soft and smooth, so you can easily swallow them without worrying about choking. After completing the challenge, diners will be issued a certificate stating the number of bowls of noodles consumed.

According to legend, wanko soba noodles are known as a specialty of the Iwate region, originating in the 1600s. At that time, this area was a wealthy agricultural region, and soba noodles were the most common food. However, it was considered a 'cheap' dish, so people were ashamed to serve it to the nobility. Once, a feudal lord visited Hanamaki in Iwate, and the server thought soba noodles were unremarkable, so he only served a small bowl. To everyone's surprise, the feudal lord loved it and kept asking for more. Thus, the tradition of wanko soba was born. Today, soba noodle eating contests are held twice a year in Iwate.

Source: Vnexpress

***

Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook