What is Yakisoba?

Yakisoba is a classic Japanese stir-fried noodle dish, often made with sliced pork, cabbage, and bean sprouts, all tossed in a sweet-savory sauce. It’s casual, comforting, and beloved across generations.

A Classic Japanese Home-Cooked Dish

In Japan, Yakisoba is a go-to for quick, satisfying lunches—especially on weekends. Whether served at home, at festivals, in bento boxes, or even as instant noodles, it’s one of the most familiar flavors in Japanese life.

The History of YAKISOBA

Yakisoba became popular in Japan after World War II. By the 1950s, it was a staple in department store food halls—where housewives, students, and office workers lined up for the rich aroma of freshly grilled noodles and sauce on a hot plate. Its popularity quickly spread into homes and street stalls across the country.

Otafuku Meets YAKISOBA

At Otafuku Foods, we first created Yakisoba Sauce in 1960—8 years after developing our signature Okonomi Sauce. Back then, Hiroshima-style Yakisoba was made using Worcestershire or Okonomi Sauce alone, or a mix of both. But customers told us Worcestershire was too sharp and Okonomi too sweet. So, we crafted a sauce specifically for Yakisoba: full-bodied, flavorful, and balanced.

More than 60 years later, we continue to develop sauces that bring this uniquely Japanese flavor to kitchens around the world.

Want to try making your own Yakisoba? Check out our easy recipe here!