Nishiwaga Sangyo Kosha Corporation has launched new menu items at Michi-no-Eki Kinshuko in Nishiwaga Town, Iwate Prefecture, featuring the town's branded green chili peppers. The "Green Chili Miso Ramen" and "Green Chili Stamina Bowl" became available starting February 1, 2026.
Nishiwaga Town is promoting green chili peppers as the next regional brand product following "Nishi Warabi," a GI-registered specialty. The town, its local commercial company Nishiwaga Sangyo Kosha, and local producers are collaborating to expand production and develop new products, aiming to revitalize regional agriculture.
Locally-Grown Green Chili Peppers Take Center Stage
This year, Nishiwaga Town began branding efforts for green chili peppers, a versatile ingredient suitable for processed foods and restaurant menus. With cooperation from local producers, approximately 1,350 kg were harvested and are being used for shipments to buyers within the prefecture and new product development.
These new menu items represent the first original dishes at Michi-no-Eki featuring this initiative.
New Menu Details
The "Green Chili Miso Ramen" combines aged miso from the local Ono community with powdered green chili peppers, creating a sharp yet refreshing spiciness with deep umami flavor. The rich yet clean-finishing broth pairs excellently with vegetables and chashu. The whole green chili topping is extremely spicy and recommended for those confident in their heat tolerance.
The "Green Chili Stamina Bowl" features Iwate Prefecture-raised pork belly stir-fried in a sweet-spicy sauce with green chili peppers. Combined with the flavors of long onions and Chinese chives, it creates a satisfying rice bowl that goes perfectly with rice.
These warming, spicy-savory menu items are designed to appeal not only to tourists but also to local residents, embodying the character of Nishiwaga Town, known for heavy snowfall.
Location: Michi-no-Eki Kinshuko (44-264 Suginabata, Nishiwaga Town, Waga District, Iwate Prefecture)
Service Start Date: February 1, 2026 (Sunday) onward
Service Hours: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (L.O. 2:30 PM)
Official Website: https://michinoeki.nishiwaga.biz/
Green Chili Miso Ramen
(Extra Spicy and Super Spicy options available)
Price: ¥1,200 (tax included)
Green Chili Miso Chashu Ramen
(Extra Spicy and Super Spicy options available)
Price: ¥1,500 (tax included)
Green Chili Stamina Bowl
(Includes miso soup and pickles)
Price: ¥1,100 (tax included)
Development Concept
The dishes were designed to maximize the appeal of regional ingredients using green chili peppers, which are expanding possibilities as a new specialty product of Nishiwaga Town, creating a "food experience unique to the roadside station."
With selectable spice levels, the menu can be enjoyed by everyone from spicy food enthusiasts to beginners.
About Nishiwaga Town Green Chili Peppers
Nishiwaga Town has long maintained a food culture around "Nanban no Issho-zuke," a mixture of green chili peppers, rice koji, and soy sauce. Products like "Jukusei Pik-kara" have been sold for over 30 years, demonstrating the ingredient's deep roots in the region.
In recent years, as nationwide production of green chili peppers has declined and stable supply has become a challenge, Nishiwaga Town has begun branding efforts as a new pillar of regional agriculture. Through expanded production and product development, the town aims to create sustainable regional industries.
Store Information
Store Name: Michi-no-Eki Kinshuko
Official Website: https://michinoeki.nishiwaga.biz/
Address: 44-264 Suginabata, Nishiwaga Town, Waga District, Iwate Prefecture
TEL: 0197-84-2990
Business Hours: Shop 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM / Restaurant 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (L.O. 2:30 PM)
Closed: Every Wednesday
Operated by: Nishiwaga Sangyo Kosha Corporation
