Koka, Shiga, Japan｜谷野食堂

Tanino Seimenjo was founded in 1950. In addition to manufacturing Chinese noodles and udon noodles, the company also operates a restaurant. The noodles are made with ``Rindo'' wheat grown in Shiga Prefecture. By kneading it with a vacuum mixer, it becomes firm and chewy. The specialty is ``Suyaki.'' About 70 years ago, this masterpiece was created by stir-frying plain soba noodles to satisfy the stomachs of growing students. Although it looks simple with just noodles, bean sprouts, and green onions, if you stir-fry the noodles with lard and season them with pepper and sauce to your liking, the sweetness of the lard will combine with the aroma of the noodles to enhance the flavor. The average size is 1 piece, the large size is 2 pieces, and the extra large size is 3 pieces, and the prices are low, probably because the high school students near the store visit. It was featured on TV programs such as ``Secret Kenmin Show'' and gained a reputation as a famous local B-class gourmet dish.

About 3 minutes walk from Minakuchi Jonan Station. This restaurant is famous for its local B-class gourmet food, ``Suyaki.'' The signboard along the highway says Tanino Seimenjo, but this place is the restaurant. After lunch time, there seems to be little sign that the store is open, but when the Noren curtain is open, it's open. Try opening the sliding door at the entrance and say ``Gomen-tai''. Suyaki is Chinese noodles stir-fried in lard without seasoning until slightly crispy, then mixed with bean sprouts, chives, green onions, etc., similar to yakisoba, and served in a ramen bowl. It doesn't come with any seasoning, but you can add sauce, pepper, seasoning, etc. to taste as you eat. Unlike yakisoba, it has a very fragrant flavor, and it is unique in that you can make your own flavor. It's fun to start with a light flavor and gradually add more sauce. You'll finish eating it in no time, so if you're only aiming for Suyaki, it might be better to get a large serving. There is also a set menu of ``Suyaki'', oyakodon, and meat bowl. I tried the Nikudon set, and it was delicious with Omi beef, plenty of onions, and a Nikudon soup stewed with bay leaves. I am full.

While I was looking for a place to eat lunch in the rain, I noticed the words under the banner that said "Featured on the secret Kenmin SHOW! Su~", so I went into the restaurant🤣( If it weren't for the banner, you might not even know it was a cafeteria...) The correct answer was ``Suyaki,'' and as the name suggests, it was a simple dish consisting of Chinese noodles, green onions, and bean sprouts grilled (stir-fried). There was almost no seasoning, so I ate it with table sauce or pepper. You can eat this on its own, but I thought it would go well with other dishes. If you don't know much about it and just order a large bowl of Suyaki just because it's a specialty, you might find it a bit difficult to eat. By the way, the people who seemed to be regulars just ordered a large bowl of Suyaki, quickly finished their lunch, and left the restaurant.