Opened in October 2023, “Aidaya,” a restaurant specializing in tsukemen, has quickly become a popular spot in Ueno drawing long lines of customers.
Thanks to posts from overseas influencers, the number of visits from international tourists has also increased.
Savor two different broths with your tsukemen
Tsukemen is a style of ramen where the broth and noodles are served separately. The noodles are then dipped into the broth before eating.
At many tsukemen restaurants, you’re only served one type of dipping broth. However at Aidaya, you can enjoy two different flavors when ordering their “Tsukemen with Two Dipping Broths.”
Additionally, you can also order a single dipping broth, and have four options to choose from: tonkotsu seafood, shrimp, garlic soy sauce, and tantan (inspired by the Sichuanese dish Dandan noodles).
Tonkotsu seafood, shrimp, garlic soy sauce, and tantan are the four dipping broths you can choose from
The staff’s recommended choice is the classic tonkotsu seafood. The broth is made with pork bones and chicken broth, combined with seafood oil and fish powder.
It’s a dipping broth we definitely recommend for newcomers at Aidaya.
The garlic soy sauce option also includes a broth base of pork bones and chicken broth, fused with a sauce made from soy sauce and mirin. Chopped garlic is added, providing a strong and aromatic taste.
All four dipping broths share a base of simmered pork bones and chicken
The shrimp dipping broth is inspired by a shrimp bisque, and features a secret tomato-based ingredient that gives it a refreshing aftertaste.
If you’re in the mood for some spice, the tantan is a great choice. It’s made with a sauce using soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and sesame paste. This combination adds richness and depth to the broth.
Moreover, the tantan pairs exceptionally well with the spicy shrimp seasoning available at the counter. It really kicks the spiciness of the dipping broth up a level.
While all four dipping broths share the same base, each one offers a completely unique flavor profile that is sure to surprise and delight.
You can choose from two different types of noodles at Aidaya
Aidaya isn’t just particular about their dipping broth, but also pays special attention to the noodles they source. They use original noodles manufactured by a sister store, featuring a chewy texture.
Furthermore, they have a distinctive way of serving the noodles. At Aidaya, customers can choose between two styles: hiyamori (served chilled) and kamaage (served hot from the pot).
“つけ汁 ２種 つけめん（冷や盛り）,” Tsukemen with Two Dipping Broths (chilled) 1,250 JPY (tax included)
The hiyamori option is prepared by boiling the noodles and then cooling them with cold water, resulting in a chewy and bouncy texture on the surface.
When you bite into them, you can really get a sense for the distinctive chewiness and firmness characteristic of Aidaya’s noodles. If you want to fully enjoy the texture of the noodles, the hiyamori is recommended.
The kamaage option involves pulling the noodles from the kettle in an al dente state and serving them as is.
Normally, with tsukemen, when the noodles are served warm, it’s called atsumori.
However, with atsumori, there’s a concern that the texture might be compromised since the noodles are initially boiled thoroughly, cooled with cold water, and then reheated in hot water.
In contrast, Aidaya’s kamaage deliberately leaves some firmness in the noodles, preserving their resilience throughout.
Not only do the noodles maintain their texture, but since they are served warm, the dipping broths don’t cool down quickly, providing an additional advantage.
Kamaage served with three types of chāshū pork and flavored egg
Aidaya’s “Kuroge Wagyu Sirloin Rice” is a must-order
Aidaya offers another signature dish outside of their tsukemen.
That would be their “Kuroge Wagyu Sirloin Rice.” This dish allows you to enjoy sirloin of Kuroge wagyu (a prized Japanese cattle breed also known as Japanese Black) in a sukiyaki-style preparation.
“黒毛和牛サーロインご飯,” Kuroge Wagyu Sirloin Rice (one serving of meat, refills of rice can be ordered up to two times) 700 JPY (tax included)
The high-quality Kuroge wagyu beef is tender and has just right the right amount of toughness. To preserve the texture of the meat, it’s served medium-rare and grilled by the staff for your convenience.
The special sauce, created to be a punchy complement when eating the Kuroge Wagyu Sirloin Rice along with dipping noodles, is aimed at preserving the rich taste.
Inspired by the marinades containing sesame oil and grated garlic used in yakiniku dishes, this sauce has a distinctive taste that stands up to the unique broths at the restaurant.
Once you’ve thoroughly coated the freshly grilled meat with the egg, try tasting it as is, without putting it on rice the rice yet. Savor the sweetness of the meat, harmonizing with the sauce, and the richness of the egg.
And of course, after that, pair it with some white rice! Your palate will be filled with the luxurious flavors of this delightful dish.
Furthermore, customers are welcome to a complimentary second serving of white rice.
For the second serving, Aidaya recommends trying it with egg over rice. The sauce and the savory goodness of the meat seep into the egg, adding depth to the flavor.
While it’s delicious on its own, try adding a touch of the soy sauce available at the counter to enhance the flavor even more.
Ramen is well-known worldwide, but the popularity of tsukemen isn’t quite as widespread yet.
If you stop by Aidaya in Ueno, you may discover your like tsukemen just as much as ramen, and it could even be your new favorite!
Information
| Store name | あいだや Aidaya |
|---|---|
| Address | Okachimachi Green Heights, 6-1-6 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Ueno-Okachimachi Station Short walk from Exit A7
Ueno-Hirokoji Station Short walk from Exit A7
Naka-Okachimachi Short walk from Exit A7 Okachimachi Station 2-minute walk from Okachimachi Station North Exit Ueno Station（UEN） 6-minute walk from Ueno Station Hirokoji Exit |
| Phone number | Unlisted |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
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| Hours | 11:00-15:00, 17:30-20:45 |
| Closed | Wednesday & Sunday |
| Seating | 9 counter seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://www.instagram.com/aidaya_ueno/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of December 2023.
