Oita restaurants highlight unique summer noodle trends

In Oita Prefecture, several restaurants are gaining attention for their unique summer noodle offerings categorized by spicy, sour, and cold flavors.

Saikan Koko-ya in Oita City serves a “Mala Mainland Dandan Noodles” featuring a bright red, numbing broth made with two types of doubanjiang, Chinese sweet rice wine, and spices like star anise. Rasana in Chuo-machi offers a unique combination of offal and plum meat, using Kyoto-style Chidori vinegar for a refreshing acidity. Meanwhile, Salmon Noodle Oita, located within a golf bar, serves a summer-limited basil-scented cold scallop ramen with a cream-based soup.

Separately, Mizkan’s “Tokunou Su” (Extra Concentrated Vinegar) is noted for its high acidity, which is double that of standard grain vinegar, making it a popular choice for those seeking intense flavor.