Have you heard of Joshu Ota Yakisoba, a local delicacy from Ota City, Gunma Prefecture?
Ota Yakisoba, counted as one of the three great yakisoba dishes in Japan, is a local delicacy that is widely loved by locals and tourists alike for its cheap, filling, and timeless flavor.

This time, we will introduce you to the characteristics of Ota Yakisoba, also known as "Ten noodles, ten meals," the reason it became so famous, and the secret behind its deliciousness.

Characteristics of Ota Yakisoba

Ota Yakisoba, which can be eaten in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, is a local B-class gourmet dish that does not have any strict rules and shines with a rather free-spirited approach.

The standard is a traditional sauce yakisoba with thick, chewy noodles topped with green laver and pickled ginger. The noodles are coated with the shop's own special sauce, and the crispness of the cabbage, the flavor of the green laver, and the refreshing spiciness of the pickled ginger are addictive.

It may look simple, but it's characterized by its fragrant sauce, generous portions, and the fact that there are many restaurants where you can eat your fill at a reasonable price.

Another distinctive feature of Ota Yakisoba is that "no two pieces of yakisoba are the same."

It is said that there are as many types of yakisoba as there are noren shops, and the variety in noodle thickness, seasoning, and toppings is also great, so you can add whatever you feel like adding that day.

Another attraction of Ota Yakisoba is the joy of eating piping hot yakisoba in a homey atmosphere and charming shop front.

Why is Ota Yakisoba so famous? What is its history and origin?

Ota City is also known as one of Japan's leading industrial cities.
At first glance, "industry" and "yakisoba" seem unrelated, but it is no exaggeration to say that it was the development of industry in Ota that led to the culture of eating yakisoba spreading among its citizens.

Yakisoba became popular in Ota City after the war, during the period of rapid economic growth when an increasing number of companies entered the automobile and textile industries and many people came to the city to work.
It is said that some of the people who came to the area to work were migrant workers from areas famous for the local yakisoba, and that this was probably brought over at that time.

In the 1940s and 50s, many yakisoba stalls lined the approach to temples in Ota City, and yakisoba, which is said to be cheap, filling, dry and doesn't get soggy, was popular with factory workers because it was easy to eat.

After that, yakisoba gradually started to be served at restaurants and sweet shops in the city, and as it spread among the local residents, it became the soul food that represents Ota City.

Ingredients and recipe for Ota Yakisoba

The typical ingredients in Ota Yakisoba are cabbage, green laver, and pickled ginger, but the ingredients vary depending on the restaurant, with some even adding meat or fried eggs.
Apparently, some restaurants top their ramen with fukujinzuke pickles instead of pickled ginger to make it easier for children to eat.

Although Ota Yakisoba is a very varied dish, its preparation is surprisingly simple. First, stir-fry the cabbage and other ingredients.

Next, pour the broth over the loosened yakisoba noodles and steam them until they are soft. Once the ingredients and noodles are cooked, add the shop's special sauce, stir, and fry until all the water has evaporated.

Once the sauce is glossy all over, place on a plate, top with green laver and pickled ginger, and it's done.

If you want it to be sweeter, you can add a small amount of sugar, or use black yakisoba sauce to give the yakisoba a darker appearance.

The hot, chewy thick noodles and fragrant sauce of Ota Yakisoba are so delicious that you won't be able to stop eating them. Why not try it at a local restaurant?

The appeal of Ota Yakisoba - a unique look and taste!

As mentioned earlier, even though it is called "Ota Yakisoba," each restaurant has its own unique way of making it, the seasoning, and the toppings, so what makes it appealing is that they offer some unique yakisoba.

So, from here on, we will introduce some unique Ota Yakisoba. Please check them out.

Black fried noodles

The fried noodles have a striking black color, but the flavor is milder than you might imagine, with an addictive sweet and salty flavor.
If you top it with a fried egg and mash it while eating, it will add a mellow richness and you can enjoy a change in flavor.

Fried chicken yakisoba

The combination of Ota Yakisoba and fried chicken, which is loved by people of all ages, is sure to get you excited even before you start eating.
This menu is unique in that it allows you to alternate between chewy fried noodles coated in a secret sauce and juicy fried chicken.

It contains crunchy cabbage and meat, making it very satisfying to eat.

Stewed motsu and fried noodles

Gunma is also famous for its stewed offal.

This dish is an exquisite match of miso-based stewed offal and sauce-flavored fried noodles that are easy to eat. The soft, mild, and refined stewed offal sauce soaks into the fried noodles, making it so delicious that you'll finish it in no time.

Potato Fried Noodles

Potato Yakisoba topped with chunky boiled potatoes goes perfectly with the steaming potatoes and sweet and spicy sauce. It's a very filling dish that will leave you very satisfied.

Yakisoba-style teppanyaki spaghetti

The yakisoba-style spaghetti served on a hot iron plate contains ingredients such as bacon, green peppers, and onions, and the sauce-flavored spaghetti is even mixed with beaten eggs.

It has a mellow taste and a smooth texture, and is recommended for those who want to try a slightly different Ota Yakisoba from the usual.

Access to Ota City

You can get to Ota City, where you can eat Joshu Ota Yakisoba, by train or car from Tokyo.

If you take the train, you can get there in about two hours on the Tobu Isesaki Line.

If you go by car, you can get there in about two hours via the Shuto Expressway, Tohoku Expressway, and Kita-Kanto Expressway.
There are many restaurants around Ota Station where you can eat Ota Yakisoba, so be sure to grab a guidebook and search for one that interests you.

Location of Ota City, Gunma Prefecture

summary

Ota Yakisoba is a popular local delicacy that attracts customers from inside and outside the prefecture; it is cheap, filling, and easy to eat.

The chewy thick noodles yakisoba coated with a rich, flavorful sauce are sure to leave a lasting memory once you try them. If you visit Ota City, be sure to give the Joshu Ota yakisoba a try.

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