Japan, much like Taiwan, is a paradise for instant noodle lovers, with countless brands and flavors vying for shelf space. We've all been there, staring at a dizzying array of options, paralyzed by choice.
But did you know that folks in Hokkaido have their own instant noodle pride and joy? It's called "Yakisoba Bento," and it recently sparked an epic "eye test" challenge on X (formerly Twitter). The challenge? Two seemingly identical yakisoba photos, daring netizens: "Can you tell which one is the authentic Yakisoba Bento?" Naturally, it grabbed everyone's attention.
Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting's account, 北海道ゴハット ( @uhb_gohatto ), dropped these two yakisoba pics, noting that a surprising number of Hokkaido natives could instantly tell the difference. So, can you spot the Hokkaido original?
Without a second thought, countless netizens declared, "The one on the right is the real Yakisoba Bento!" Their reasons were varied but spot-on: "That square piece of meat is its soul," "The color is lighter," "The container's texture is different." One netizen even quipped, "I left Hokkaido 15 years ago, but I still recognized it instantly! Guess I'm still a true-blue Hokkaido native!"
So, what exactly is Hokkaido's "Yakisoba Bento"? It's the legendary instant yakisoba launched by food giant "Toyo Suisan" back in 1975, and it's since become an iconic Hokkaido staple. The signature flavor is a savory soy sauce, complemented by a generous mix of dried vegetable toppings for a rich, multi-layered taste.
This "Yakisoba Bento" boasts a 50-year history and remains a ubiquitous sight in Hokkaido supermarkets, truly earning its title as the "national bento" that locals have grown up with.
▼ This instant noodle even made an appearance in last year's anime adaptation, "Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!", solidifying its status as a quintessential Hokkaido specialty.
Even Toyo Suisan itself chimed in with a witty reply: "The one on the left is that, the one on the right is that... Of course, *we* know!"
And the moment of truth arrived – the right one was indeed the authentic "Yakisoba Bento." The post revealed that the left photo was actually a "night market style yakisoba," distinguished by its yellow mustard mayonnaise, making it distinctly different from the classic "Yakisoba Bento."
This identification challenge also surprised many outsiders who had always assumed "Yakisoba Bento" was a Hokkaido-exclusive treat. "I've been able to buy it in other regions recently!" one commented, indicating that this instant classic's appeal has spread far beyond Hokkaido, becoming a "Hokkaido-certified" culinary icon nationwide. If you ever get the chance, definitely give it a try – your editor highly recommends it!
via： togetter