Wanko is local dialect for wooden bowl. The people of Morioka, Hanamaki and surrounds would show their hospitality to large numbers of guests by serving freshly boiled soba in a certain way: giving out a small amount of soba in a small bowl. This method is said to be the origin of wanko soba. As soon as the guest finishes their bowl, it is replaced in an instant with the next, a practice called “Otebachi”. This is said to be a polite expression of gratitude to the guest. The Okyuji-san (personal server) tosses fresh soba into the bowl, chanting “Hai, dokkoi. Janjan” (“OK, done. One more!”). Wanko soba inspires a competitive spirit to see who can finish the most bowls. It will not suffice to say you have had enough with the usual “Gochisosama”. Rather, the service continues until the customer can cover the bowl with a lid.
