The history of wanko soba dates back more than 380 years. It is said that when Lord Toshinao Nanbu stopped by Hanamaki on his way to Edo (present-day Tokyo), he offered soba, a local specialty, to the people of Hanamaki to ease their travel tensions. The soba was served in a bowl, hence the name "wanko soba. Wankosoba" has an image of gluttony, but it was originally a food culture of hospitality that encouraged customers to eat a lot of food.

Four restaurants in the city serve wanko soba, and each one offers a different type of wanko soba. Every year in February, the "Wanko Soba All Japan Tournament" is held, and it is a grand event with participants from all over Japan.