If you are travelling to Japan and trying Houtou noodle is not on your list, then you are missing ecstasy!
This local hot pot dish is more than just bliss and your taste buds will thank you later for indulging into this lip-smacking fulfilling cuisine.
This traditional hot pot dish from the region – Yamanshi – gives you the pleasure of paradise on earth. ‘Hoto nabe’, as they say it, is the staple food of Yamanshi made with large, thick noodles and oodles of vegetables in the miso broth and served in hot iron pot.
But how was ‘hoto-nabe’ invented?
If we believe the legends, it is said that Hoto was consumed by the warlord Takeda Shingen and his samurai soldiers before going into battle.
Also, the birth place of Houtou noodles is a belt where growing rice was really difficult. Keeping in mind the cold climate, mountainous backdrops, and large amounts of volcanic fragments bottled-up in the soil – the people of Yamanshi started to grow flour and thus, noodle became their staple dish. Let us introduce best houtou places in Yamanashi!
HOUTOU FUDOU
Famous for its Houtou Noodle, this restaurant has a very simple menu including Houtou noodle, soba noodle, and minced toro with rice with few side dishes and rice. This conventional Japanese style restaurant cooks delicious ‘hoto-nabe’ with the authentic recipe only found in Yamanshi region.
You might have to wait sometimes due to the rush, but believe us it is worth the wait. Served for ¥1050, these Houtou noodles are so delectable that it finishes before the closing time of the restaurant. So next time if you are planning to visit, check their site before going.
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Map: https://goo.gl/maps/ACMT6JdmdGN1aYp76
Access: 5 mins walk from Kawaguchiko station
Hours: 11:00am-7:00pm
Website: http://www.houtou-fudou.jp/past/pg/minamiten.html
Price: 1050 yen for one bowl of hoto-nabe
KOSHU HOTO KOSAKU
This restaurant has ten outlets all across the Yamanshi region and serves one of the best hoto-nabe you will ever have. Famous for different flavored hoto-nabe, this restaurant is also known for B-class gourmet – Bird Motsuni, sashimi and boiled shellfish. The aroma of the delicious delicacy will make you go weak in your knees.
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Map: https://goo.gl/maps/VRavqifAt1wVUEMm6
Access: 10 mins distance from Chuo expressway
Hours : 11:00am – 10:00pm
Website: http://www.kosaku.co.jp/
Price: 1150 yen for one bowl of hoto-nabe
HOW TO MAKE HOTO
Wish to eat hoto-nabe even after your trip is over?
Well, worry not. Quite simple and quick to make – you can also cook houtou noodles at home after learning from Shantu who teaches Hoto at her guesthouse near Mt. Fuji.
Through her classes, she teaches you how to make authentic hoto noodles from kneading to making hand-cut noodles, from the miso broth to giving the authentic Yamanshi taste with seasonal vegetables and ingredients.
Ready to become a chef, are you?