Morioka Reimen — Pyonpyansa's Cold Buckwheat Noodles

Morioka Reimen is one of Morioka's 'Three Great Noodles' — cold buckwheat noodles in icy beef broth, topped with kimchi, cucumber, boiled egg, and sliced beef. The noodles have legendary chewiness thanks to added potato starch, giving them a bouncy, almost elastic texture. The dish was created by Korean immigrants in post-war Morioka and has since become the city's signature summer dish, though it's eaten year-round. Pyonpyansa is the most famous purveyor, founded in 1954 and credited with popularizing reimen. The noodles arrive in a stainless steel bowl filled with clear, cold beef broth and ice cubes. The kimchi adds spicy-sour contrast to the mild broth. Diners can add vinegar and spicy mustard (karashi) to taste. The texture of the noodles is what distinguishes Morioka reimen — they're firm, chewy, and resist breaking, creating a satisfying bite. The broth is light and refreshing, designed to cool you down rather than fill you up.