ほうとう (Houtou)
Now, I've always considered myself quite the noodle connoisseur, but I had never heard of the houtou noodle before. Originating in Yamanashi prefecture, Japan, the noodles are like thicker versions of udon, but flat, ribbon-like and looooong. It is served in a miso broth with many vegetables and meats, in a heavy steel pot. Nabeyaki style.
Naoko and her mom took me to a place in Yamanashi that specializes in houtou, called Kosaku.
![DSCN9961](http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6033/6427324249_ee8e295373_z.jpg)
There are many varieties of houtou, including venison. Game is widely served in this part of the country.
![DSCN0036](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6427254519_1e40e5fc2a_z.jpg)
Plastic displays not for eating.
The interior of the restaurant was very homey, old-Japan style. Many people can sit around this table and admire the steel fish.
I didn't really know what to expect, but one thing was certain: I better be hungry.
![DSCN0041](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6427258049_9c9baebc2c_z.jpg)
I ordered the oyster houtou, as it was proudly hand-written as a seasonal special on the wall.
However, as Yamanashi is a landlocked part of the country, I really should have gone for the meat variety. But the kabocha pumpkin was sweet and delicious.
![DSCN9960](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6427320781_f35a1d44df_z.jpg)
Here is the actual noodle. So thick! So long!
![DSCN9958](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6427312961_ac6b5654cd_z.jpg)
The contents of this soup included sansai ("greens of the forest"), kabocha, shiitake, carrots, and even potatoes. Yamanashi's winters are harsh, so I imagine that this is the ultimate heart-warming, comfort food in this region. Especially with such a hearty miso broth, this was certainly a meal for lumberjacks and burly hunters. Ha. I kid. Actually, according to the Wiki page, houtou was considered the poor-man's food until restaurants such as Kosaku started popping up around town. I guess adding ingredients like oysters and gochujang is considered a montrosity to locals. Ain't modern life grand??
I bet houtou would be great first thing in the morning, before heading out for school or work, getting ready for the icy cold day ahead.
Burrrrrr. I love California. Time for some ice cold somen!