Miyazaki's spicy noodles have been featured on various popular TV shows, such as Secret Kenmin Show and Matsuko Conference. They are loved by locals, who say they are "spicy but delicious and addictive." This local ramen will make you sweat, but you'll want to drink up all the soup.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Miyazaki spicy noodles.

Characteristics of spicy noodles

We will introduce the characteristics of spicy noodles in three categories.

The spiciness of the soup

The defining feature of spicy noodles is, above all, their spiciness. The red soup, which looks just as hot as you look at it, is made with garlic and chili peppers. It's not a gradual spiciness, but rather a ramen that heats up your body all at once and makes you sweat. Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which is good for your body. It's a wonderful ingredient that helps burn fat.

Most restaurants allow you to adjust the amount of chili pepper and garlic used, so even those who don't like spicy food can enjoy it at the level of spiciness they prefer. We also recommend topping it with cheese.

Konjac noodles

The noodles used are called "konnyaku noodles." Although they are called konnyaku noodles, they do not contain konnyaku. They are made from wheat flour, buckwheat flour, salt, etc. They are similar to Korean noodles.

In Miyazaki, the noodles are called "konnyaku noodles" because they are made using buckwheat flour, which gives them a dark, chewy texture. Another theory is that the texture is similar to konnyaku. Konnyaku noodles have a delicious smooth, chewy texture that is addictive.

Konnyaku noodles are less likely to get soggy than regular noodles, so you can enjoy them down to the last bite. Konnyaku noodles contain buckwheat flour, so they are popular among women because they are high in dietary fiber.

Miyazaki spicy noodles are typically made with konjac noodles, but depending on the restaurant you can also choose Chinese noodles, udon, rice, etc.

Standard ingredients

Common ingredients are garlic, chives, minced meat, and beaten eggs. Spicy noodles contain sliced garlic or chunks of garlic. It is spicy, but when eaten with a fluffy egg, the flavor becomes mild.

It also contains Chinese chives, which balance out the garlic and spiciness. Chinese chives are not only healthy, but also rich in nutrients such as carotene, vitamins, and calcium.

The most distinctive feature is the meat. Ramen is usually topped with roast pork, but spicy noodles use minced meat. This ramen is packed with spiciness and flavor.

The history of spicy noodles

Spicy noodles first started in a small restaurant in Nobeoka city.

This dish was served as a final dish by the Harada couple, who ran the small restaurant "Masumoto," and was created based on dandan noodles.

Dandan noodles are a noodle dish that originated in Sichuan Province, China, and are topped with spicy minced meat and shredded pickled mustard greens.

Spicy noodles are similar to dandan noodles in that they use spicy soup and minced meat.

In Miyazaki Prefecture, spicy noodles are a standard way to finish off a night of drinking. After eating the noodles, people add rice to make porridge.

Spicy noodles became a very popular menu item, and in 1986, a specialty store was opened. Now, it is available nationwide. Myojo Foods sells cup noodles and bagged noodles of Miyazaki Spicy Noodles as part of the Myojo Charumera series.

If you want to enjoy the authentic taste and various types, it's best to eat in Miyazaki. The taste of spicy noodles varies depending on the restaurant, so it's fun to go around eating them. In addition to the classic original spicy noodles, various menus have been developed.

The spicy tomato noodles, which are full of lycopene, have an exquisite balance of sourness and spiciness and are very popular among women. The spicy white noodles are soy milk based and have a mellow taste. They are also recommended for those who don't like spicy food. There are many dishes you can't miss, such as the spicy curry noodles, which go perfectly with chili peppers.

If you come to Miyazaki, you should stop by this mythical village

Miyazaki Prefecture has a warm climate and a tropical feel. The warm climate throughout the year makes it an ideal place for sightseeing. Miyazaki is also home to Takachiho, famous as the setting for Japanese mythology.

Takachiho is a "village of myths" where numerous myths and legends have been passed down. Many legends related to Amaterasu Omikami (Amaterasu Okami) remain in the surrounding area. The area is rich in nature and is also attracting attention as a power spot.

Takachiho Gorge, the symbol of Takachiho, is a gorge with high cliffs and is designated as a national scenic spot and natural monument. Within the gorge is Manai Falls, which has been selected as one of the "100 Best Waterfalls in Japan." The limited-time illumination is also popular. You can experience the powerful sight of the falls by renting a boat and getting close to them.

The nearby Takachiho Shrine is said to grant blessings for matchmaking and marital harmony, as well as granting wishes, agricultural industry, and exorcism.

Takachiho Shrine's sacred tree, the "Chichibu Cedar," and the gigantic "Meoto Cedar" are must-sees. It is said that if a couple or friends hold hands and circle the Meoto Cedar three times, their wishes for a happy marriage, safety in the home, and prosperity of their descendants will come true. You should also pray to the "Chinishi," which is said to calm not only personal anxieties but also world unrest.

How to get to Miyazaki

If you want to eat spicy noodles, please come and visit us. There are various ways to access Miyazaki. Most people use JR or airplane.

Here is an overview of the travel time required to get to Miyazaki from each region. Travel time may vary depending on the season and weather.

[Access by JR Kyushu (Limited Express)]

・From Hakata Station: Approx. 5 hours 30 minutes ・From Kokura Station: Approx. 4 hours 35 minutes ・From Kumamoto Station: Approx. 4 hours 15 minutes ・From Oita Station: Approx. 3 hours ・From Kagoshima Chuo Station: Approx. 2 hours

[Access by plane]

・Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes from Haneda Airport・Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes from Chubu Centrair International Airport・Approx. 1 hour from Itami Airport・Approx. 45 minutes from Fukuoka Airport・Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes from Okinawa Airport

[Access by express bus]

・From Fukuoka: 3:40 ・From Kumamoto: 3 hours ・From Kagoshima: 2 hours

[Access by ferry]

About 12 hours from Kobe Port

We've introduced how to access Kagoshima by JR and plane, but we also recommend taking a leisurely drive to the island by car.

Location of Miyazaki Prefecture

summary

Spicy noodles vary from restaurant to restaurant. You can enjoy them by changing the spiciness of the soup, noodles, toppings, etc. In addition to the original spicy noodles, there are also arrangements such as spicy tomato noodles and spicy curry noodles, so it is recommended to try them at several restaurants.

If you visit Miyazaki, be sure to try the spicy noodles.

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