🍱 Niboto／Himokawa

In Saitama Prefecture, where a large amount of wheat is produced as a secondary crop during rice cultivation, a wide variety of udon noodles dishes have been created in different regions. These include "Niboto" which is eaten mainly in Fukaya City, "Himokawa" and "Uchiire" in Iruma District and Hiki District, and "Okkirikomi" in the Chichibu area. All feature seasonal vegetables simmered in broth, then wide noodles are added without pre-boiling to help thicken the broth, which differs from Yamanashi Prefecture's pumpkin and miso-based "Hoto." In the past, this regional cuisine was a daily staple that was eaten for dinner by families gathered around a pot in a sunken hearth, and even today it is served in many households to warm the body during winter. In Fukaya City, it became known as a beloved dish of local businessman Eiichi Shibusawa who was active from the Meiji to Showa periods. In addition to being served for school lunches in Fukaya City, a "Niboto Party" is held at a local community center every year on November 11th, the anniversary of Mr. Shibusawa's death.