Rich in flavor yet surprisingly elegant—abura soba (oil noodles) is a unique dish that combines seemingly contradictory charms and is quietly sparking a boom in Tokyo.
Abura soba is a type of ramen without soup, where noodles are thoroughly mixed with a special tare (sauce) and aromatic oils, creating a fresh and exciting noodle dish.
We’ve picked out four noteworthy Tokyo shops that focus not only on the flavor but also on toppings and ingredients.
Whether for lunch, a late-night snack, or especially when you’re feeling a bit tired, abura soba is a dish you’ll want to try. It’s rich but not heavy—an irresistible balance that’s gaining many fans.
“Abura Soba Nihon Aburatō Shibuya”: unique Western and Japanese abura soba fusion
First up is “Nihon Aburato,” a brand with multiple locations in Tokyo including Shibuya.
This abura soba specialty brand is produced by the company behind many popular ramen shops, including “Ramen Hayashida.”
Exterior of Abura Soba Nihon Aburatō Shibuya
The base flavor combines a soy sauce tare centered on bonito with an original aromatic oil blended from sesame oil.
The noodles are original as well—made especially for abura soba using Hokkaidō wheat mixed with pasta flour, showing the shop’s commitment to quality ingredients.
The tare sauce used at Abura Soba Nihon Aburatō Shibuya
One standout dish to try at this specialty shop is the “Tarako Butter Kamatama Abura Soba,” noted on the English menu as “Abura Soba with raw egg, cod roe, butter, Parmesan cheese, and noodle soup base.”
This unique abura soba blends Japanese and Western flavors, topped with cod roe, butter, raw egg, green onions, and Parmesan cheese.
Abura Soba with raw egg, cod roe, butter, Parmesan cheese, and noodle soup base 1,000 JPY (tax included)
Mix the sauce, noodles, and toppings thoroughly before eating. The rich butter flavor and mellow raw egg fill your mouth, creating an exquisite taste experience.
The Parmesan cheese adds an accent, and as you eat, the flavor changes gradually—one of the unique charms of this dish.
Abura Soba with raw egg, cod roe, butter, Parmesan cheese, and noodle soup base
“Tokyo Aburagumi Souhonten”: an abura soba shop expanding overseas
“Tokyo Aburagumi Souhonten” is one of Japan’s leading abura soba specialty chains, with stores nationwide and even overseas.
Exterior of Tokyo Aburagumi Souhonten in Shibuya
Their pride is the secret tare sauce: a soy-based sauce packed with rich umami that perfectly coats the noodles and toppings, creating a delicious harmony.
The noodles are also carefully crafted from the highest quality domestic wheat, specially made by artisans just for the restaurant.
These original noodles combine a rich wheat aroma with a firm texture, delivering outstanding satisfaction.
Abura soba at Tokyo Aburagumi Souhonten
Free toppings include chopped chāshū (Japan’s version of char siu), seaweed, green onions, and menma (fermented bamboo shoots), with two paid topping sets (“A” and “B”) available.
The more extensive “B” topping set costs 340 JPY (tax included).
Abura Soba soy sauce taste (M size) 880 JPY (tax included), Special Toppings B 340 JPY (tax included)
Add the condiments provided on the table—vinegar, chili oil, and chopped onions—for a hearty and flavorful bowl sure to satisfy!
“Shibuya Mazesoba Chops”: impactful, rich-flavored abura soba
Unlike typical abura soba, which tends to be lower in calories compared to standard ramen due to no soup, “Shibuya Mazesoba Chops” serves a voluminous and rich style of abura soba.
Exterior of Shibuya Mazesoba Chops
Once the bowl arrives, the first thing that catches your eye is the thick-cut chashu. The addition of seasoned back fat on top gives it a bold and punchy flavor.
The noodles are special-order thick, wavy noodles that hold their own against the rich toppings.
Mazesoba Special (Medium) 1,300 JPY (tax included)
The wavy noodles are full of flavor and designed to catch the sauce, so with each bite, layers of soy sauce umami, rich back fat, and fragrant garlic wash over your palate.
You can choose the amount of garlic and back fat in four levels, from none to extra—but if you’re going for the full experience, opting for extra is highly recommended.
Mix well from the bottom of the bowl and enjoy a deeply satisfying taste experience!
Mazesoba Special (Medium)
“Akihabara Tsukemen Aburasoba Gaku”: abura soba for health-conscious diners
In contrast to Shibuya Mazesoba Chops, “Akihabara Tsukemen Aburasoba Gaku” offers abura soba geared towards health-conscious customers.
Interior of Akihabara Tsukemen Aburasoba Gaku
Their secret is noodles kneaded with powdered kōya-dōfu (freeze-dried tofu), a nutritious, low-carb, healthy ingredient.
The noodles have a firm texture, allowing you to enjoy a light yet satisfying abura soba.
Noodles used at Akihabara Tsukemen Aburasoba Gaku
That said, not all menu items are light. The “Fried food Soupless oil noodles” (called “Ageage Aburasoba” in Japanese) is a hearty option featuring a large fried chicken thigh and two fried dumplings on top.
It offers great satisfaction while maintaining some health-conscious qualities—unique among abura soba offerings.
Fried Food Soupless Oil Noodles (Medium size) 1,800 JPY (tax included)
Each shop offers its own distinct charm through sauces, noodles, and toppings, making abura soba a surprisingly deep and varied dish.
Whether you’re new to abura soba or already a fan, why not embark on a journey to find your favorite bowl?
Simple yet addictive, abura soba will surely capture both your heart and your appetite!
※Menu items, prices, and store details are accurate as of August 2025.
