Why is it that soba, udon, and spaghetti have fresh noodles, but somen has only dried noodles?" ......More than 20 years ago, someone suddenly wondered this question. This simple question eventually led to the birth of a very popular restaurant in Iwamizawa. What kind of restaurant is it?

The person who asked this simple question is Mr. Yoshiyuki Kawaguchi of Iwamizawa City. It happened when he was eating somen noodles boiled by his wife, Tomoko.

I called many noodle makers, but none of them sold fresh somen. So, I decided to make it myself! and with the help of local noodle makers, he spent his days going through a process of trial and error. Finally, the fresh somen noodles of his dreams were born!

The beautifully glossy and translucent white fresh somen noodles are made with a blend of Kitaakari and Haruyutaka wheat grown in Hokkaido. The store opened with much anticipation, and the delicate taste of the fresh somen noodles that could only be found here became so well known that it quickly became a very popular restaurant.

Are you curious about what kind of menu they have? Let us introduce our recommendations right away.

For those who simply want to try fresh somen noodles, the cold "Zaru Soy Sauce Sauce Sauce" (550 yen including tax) is a good choice. Everyone who has tried it will be surprised and say, "It has changed the way I think about somen noodles! This is the very basic menu item.

The owner, Mr. Kawaguchi, recommends the "Toritsukemen" (830 yen including tax). The tsukemen with yuzu (citrus fruit) in the dipping sauce is a perfect match for the smooth, fresh somen noodles! Add a pinch of yuzu pepper to taste and enjoy the elegant aroma that escapes through your nose.

Let us introduce you to another hot dish. Negishio Somen" (610 yen including tax), which also contains yuzu. It has a strange and deep taste that is different from that of the traditional hot somen noodles. The Negi-shio flavor makes it refreshing and gentle to the palate.

Now, you may want to try fresh somen, don't you? For those who can't make it to Iwamizawa, there is a "souvenir somen" (1400 yen including tax for a package of 4 servings) available for delivery. Of course, if you have had it before, please try it at home!

The menu introduced here is just a small part of what we have to offer. Moreover, we also have a wide variety of rice bowls to go along with the fresh somen noodles. In addition to table seating, there is also spacious seating on a small floor, which seems to be popular among families with small children.

Once you try it, you will become addicted and want to visit again and again!