Discovering Kobe’s Hidden Gem: Sobameshi Bokkake-Style!
Imagine stepping into a neighborhood famous for its giant robot statue only to discover a hidden gem of local cuisine that rivals the city’s renowned Coobe Dee. This is the story of my friend Takuya Inaba’s unexpected culinary adventure in Coobe where he found himself in Shin Nagata Station, a place where the iconic Tetsu Jin 28 robot stands tall and a lesserknown dish called soameshi reigns supreme. Coobe is synonymous with premium beef, a fact that any food enthusiast would instantly recognize. So when Takuya visited his friend in Coobe, his initial expectation was to indulge in a luxurious coobe beef steak. However, his friend had a different idea. You’ve got to try this amazing sobery place while you’re here, he exclaimed, steering Tuya towards Shindagata station. Before diving into the story, let’s talk about the giant robot statue that greets visitors at Shindagata Station. This 18 m 59 ft tall marvel is a tribute to Mitsuteru Yokoyama, a renowned manga artist who created the popular series Tetsugen 28, also known as Gigantor in some international markets. The statue and the nearby shopping arcade named Tetsigen Street are a testament to Yokoyama’s influence on popular culture. But Shinagata Station is more than just a tourist attraction. It’s the birthplace of soberi, a unique dish that combines stir-fried yakis soba noodles with fried rice. While coobe beef is the city’s top tier delicacy for those with deep pockets, soberi is the go-to comfort food for locals and budget conscious visitors alike. A sign at the station proudly declares Soberameshi as the pride of Shindagata, and it’s not hard to see why. Though the exact origins of soberi are unclear, Ikari is one of the most celebrated restaurants in the neighborhood. Known for its delicious version of this dish. Despite it being past the usual lunch rush, Ikari was bustling with customers and Takuya and his friend had to wait for a table. The menu at Ikari is surprisingly simple, offering just two main dishes, soi and regular yakisoba noodles. Each dish can be customized with toppings of pork or bakake. Taka chose soameshi and following his friend’s recommendation opted for both toppings which set him back 900 yen US $6.10. Now let’s clarify what bkake is. It’s not to be confused with the bkake style of pouring broth over noodles or the unrelated term used in some contexts. is a coobe specialty consisting of beef tendon and cognyaku conjac gelatin simmered in a sweet and spicy broth. Despite its rich ingredients, Ikari’s bkake soba is a delightful balance of textures with fluffy rice and chewy noodles creating a harmonious dish. At the table, Takya found a variety of condiments including bar sauce, a local favorite in Coobe. This sauce, similar to worstershir sauce, adds a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors to the dish. However, the real star of the show was the mysterious do sauce. According to local law, do sauce is made from the sediment that settles at the bottom of bar sauce containers, resulting in a thicker, more concentrated version of the sauce. Touya was skeptical at first, but one taste was all it took to convert him into a dope sauce enthusiast. The combination of spices and flavors was incredibly delicious, and he found himself questioning whether he could ever be fully satisfied with a sauce that wasn’t dope. In the end, Takouya’s experience at Ikari was a testament to the hidden culinary treasures of Kobe. While the city is famous for its premium beef, dishes like soberi offer a more affordable and authentic taste of local culture. So the next time you visit Kobe, don’t forget to explore Shin Nagata station and discover the joy of Bokovameshi. Restaurant information. Ikari Nagata Station, Tetsujin Fukin Aiuyoko branch address Hyoken, Koveshi, Nagataku, Wakamatsucho 521. Open 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Photos: Saurin News 24. Want to stay updated on the latest articles from Sorin News 24? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Join us on a culinary adventure to Kobe, Japan, where we explore the birthplace of sobameshi, a delicious local dish that’s often overshadowed by Kobe beef. We visit the iconic Shin Nagata Station, home to a giant robot statue and the famous sobameshi. Our journey takes us to Ikari, a beloved local eatery, where we try sobameshi bokkake-style, a unique combination of yakisoba noodles, fried rice, and a special beef tendon and konnyaku topping. Learn about the rich history of this neighborhood, the must-try bara and dobe sauces, and why sobameshi is a must-eat for any foodie visiting Kobe. Don’t miss out on this mouthwatering experience!
AloJapan.com