When it comes to Japan’s iconic noodle dishes, it’s safe to say ramen, udon, and soba are in the spotlight. These are well-known worldwide, with eateries dedicated to them even outside Japan.
However, Japan boasts quite a bit more when it comes to noodle cuisine.
In particular, sōmen, often referred to as a “summer tradition,” is a noodle dish that’s a must-try when visiting Japan.
In the heart of Shinjuku’s Kabukichō, “Sōmenya Ito Kabukichō Honten” (hereinafter, referred to as “Somenya Ito”) offers a variety of dishes dedicated to somen, showcasing their passion for this delicate noodle.
“山かけのそうめん,” Yamakake Somen 935 JPY (tax included)
At Somenya Ito, you can enjoy a menu with over 20 different options.
In their kitchen, you’ll find three large pots lined up, and you can watch from the counter seats as somen noodles are boiled right in front of you.
A new discovery at the somen specialty shop in Shinjuku!
At Somenya Ito, you can choose from four different types of somen noodles, including Kagawa’s hand-stretched Shodoshima Somen, one of Japan’s top three somen varieties, Nara’s Miwa Somen, as well as fresh noodles and low-carb options. You get to pick the one that suits your menu selection.
The most popular menu item at the restaurant, the “Mentaiko Kamatama Butter Somen,” is recommended to be enjoyed with fresh somen among the four types of noodles.
The fresh somen noodles are the thickest among the four types available and offer a pleasant chewy and springy texture.
“明太かま玉バターそうめん,” Mentaiko Kamatama Butter Somen 1,150 JPY (tax included)
The Mentaiko Kamatama Butter Somen offers a delightful combination of sweet buttery flavors that smooth out the spiciness of the mentaiko (seasoned cod roe). To enhance the depth of flavor, it features the rich yolk from Joppari eggs produced in Aomori’s Tsugaru region. (kamatama is a popular way of serving noodles cooked in a boiling cauldron with raw egg and dashi.)
To enhance the flavor, the dish is finished with a dashi made from kombu and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes). This careful combination of ingredients is one of the reasons why the Mentaiko Kamatama Butter Somen is so flavorful.
Although Umami bites writer Steven was familiar with somen, he hadn’t had much of a chance to eat it before.
However, after he tried out the Mentaiko Kamatama Butter Somen, he felt like he had discovered the allure of the noodles.
The combination of butter and eggs adds a delightful touch to the dish, perfectly balancing the spiciness of the mentaiko. I highly recommended it even for those trying mentaiko for the first time.
A dish for overseas guests to try that uses grated Japanese mountain yam
Steven also recommends the “Yamakake Somen,” which features somen noodles topped with tororo, or grated Japanese mountain yam.
Yamakake Somen is enjoyed by pouring cold tsuyu (soy-based dipping sauce) over the noodles
The noodles used in Yamakake Somen are the hand-stretched somen from Shodoshima, known for their smooth and silky texture.
You’ll be amazed at how the slight difference of just a few millimeters in thickness between the fresh somen used in the Mentaiko Kamatama Butter Somen and the somen noodles used in Yamakake Somen can result in such a distinct difference in mouthfeel and texture.
The combination of the slightly chewy hand-streteched noodles and the starchy, silky tororo creates a harmonious balance where the noodles are light and easy to slurp down. It’s a pairing that enhances the overall dining experience, ensuring that it’s not heavy but rather smooth and enjoyable.
The tororo-topped somen is memorable for its unique texture and refreshing taste. The slippery, gooey texture of the noodles makes slurping them a fun experience, and the dashi, nori seaweed, and wasabi provide a delicious and lingering finish to the dish. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make it a standout dish.
Somenya Ito also offers a wide variety of à la carte dishes
While it specializes in somen, Somenya Ito also offers an extensive selection of individual dishes, including meat dishes and sashimi.
One of the dishes you’ll want to try when you visit is the “Thick-Cut Grilled Beef Tongue.”
“厚切り牛タン焼き,” Thick-Cut Grilled Beef Tongue 2,480 JPY (tax included)
The Thick-Cut Grilled Beef Tongue lives up to its name with thick slices that provide a satisfying, meaty texture.
In addition, it comes with yuzu koshō (a seasoning made with chili peppers, yuzu peel and salt) as a topping, so you can add some spiciness to enjoy a change in flavor profile as you eat.
It’s a great option whether as a side dish with your somen or to enjoy on its own.
Furthermore, the sashimi platters come in two options: a selection of three kinds or five kinds, and both come with generous portions.
These platters feature seasonal fish like salmon and bonito, ensuring you get the freshest flavors on your plate.
Ordering a classic dish like sashimi alongside somen allows you to savor an authentic Japanese dining experience.
“お刺身盛り合わせ ５点,” Assorted Sashimi 5-types 2,280 JPY (tax included)
Additionally, the restaurant does not charge table fees or similar charges, making it easy to enjoy just somen without any added expenses.
Of course, you can also order other dishes like sashimi and savor them with drinks while taking your time.
The restaurant offers a spacious interior with counter seats, booth seats, and private rooms, making it suitable for solo diners and groups alike.
Somenya Ito’s interior
While the menu is only available in Japanese, accompanying photos make ordering easy on international tourists as they can identify what they want by simply pointing.
The somen menu features pictures for all items
The restaurant is open until early morning, so it’s a great place to experience Japanese culinary culture in between sightseeing. Why not visit Somenya Ito and enjoy the experience?
Information
| Store name | 素麺屋 糸 歌舞伎町本店 Sōmenya Ito Kabukichō Honten |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-26-10 Kabukichō 2F, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Seibu-Shinjuku Station 4-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station Main Exit
Shinjuku Station（SJK） 7-minute walk from Shinjuku Station East Exit
|
| Phone number | 03-6457-6789 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone, Tabelog, GURUNAVI, HOT PEPPER GOURMET, Reserve with Google |
| Payment |
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| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | 17:00-7:00（last order 6:00） |
| Closed | No fixed holidays Unscheduled holidays |
| Seating | 94 seats 12 counter seats, 74 table seats, 8 private dining room seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking A smoking room is available |
| Official website | https://www.instagram.com/ito_kabukicho/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of October 2023.
