First Experience with Yamanashi's Local Dish: Houtou

Houtou is the soul food of Yamanashi Prefecture. There is even a saying in Yamanashi, 'It's as good as pumpkin houtou,' used when things go well, showing how beloved this local dish is. It's packed with nutrients and warms you up, making it especially delicious during the cold winter months. Houtou is a representative local dish of Yamanashi. It consists of flat noodles made from wheat flour, combined with ingredients like pumpkin, potatoes, mushrooms, seasonal vegetables, and meat, all simmered in a miso-based broth. It is said that in ancient times, the warlord Takeda Shingen used to eat it during his military campaigns. At home, it is often made in a large pot, but in restaurants, it is typically served in individual iron pots. The noodles are cooked with the flour still on them, which thickens the broth and allows it to cling to the noodles. The chewy texture of the noodles and the rich flavor of the broth make it an addictive dish once you try it.