Higashimurayama kuro-yakisoba — jet-black yet addictive local comfort food

✿“Black sauce,” with squid ink in the lead

The secret behind Higashimurayama kuro-yakisoba's blackness is the “black sauce” made by local Higashimurayama seasoning maker Pole Star. An original sauce born in Higashimurayama, it blends a secret recipe of squid ink with Kagoshima's specialty sake “kuroki” (black sake) and various spices. Development began around 2006 with the aim of “making it a new Higashimurayama specialty,” and it went on sale in 2008. Contrary to its jet-black look, it isn't too salty — its flavor is deep in umami and richness.

✿The roots of the black lie in a 1333 battle

Why “black”? There's a story here that's very Higashimurayama. In 1333, the army of Nitta Yoshisada, who raised forces to topple the Kamakura shogunate, made camp on Higashimurayama's Hachikokuyama. The legend remains in this area that, to avoid being spotted by the enemy, the soldiers blackened their late-night meals with charcoal before eating. From that image of “black,” the jet-black squid-ink yakisoba was born. It's not just comfort food but a dish for tasting the town's history.

✿Where can you eat it?

You can enjoy Higashimurayama kuro-yakisoba at many places in the city (restaurants, festival stalls, etc.). Beyond yakisoba, some shops serve dishes using the black sauce, such as black takoyaki. Since which shops serve it and what they offer change by season, it's best to check where you can eat it via Higashimurayama City's official food information or event listings such as the autumn “Citizens' Industry Fair.” The “black sauce” itself can be bought as a souvenir, so recreating the Higashimurayama taste at home is fun too.