Pairon Honten

Counted among the “Three Great Noodles of Morioka” alongside reimen (cold noodles) and wanko soba, jajamen has a flavor all its own—and Pairon is where it all began. What started over 70 years ago as a humble food stall has grown into a beloved institution with four locations in the city. The main shop is located near Iwate Prefectural Office and Iwate Public Hall on Chuo-dori, often drawing lines of eager diners on weekends.

Pairon’s signature jajamen was created by the founder based on a noodle dish he ate in Manchuria before World War II. It features thick, chewy flat noodles topped with finely chopped cucumber, green onions, and a generous serving of the shop’s secret miso, which includes ground meat, shiitake mushrooms, and over a dozen other ingredients. Diners mix it all together before eating, and can personalize the flavor using vinegar, chili oil, garlic, and other condiments provided at the table.

When you're almost done with your noodles, crack an egg into your bowl and hand it to the staff. They’ll add miso, green onions, and hot noodle water to create jīdàntāng(chicken egg soup)—a gentle, savory soup that makes the perfect ending to your meal.