Abura soba is a type of ramen served without soup. Unlike typical ramen, it features a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the noodles, allowing you to savor the true taste of the noodles themselves.
Among the many shops offering abura soba, “Tokyo Aburagumi Souhonten” stands out as one of the top chains, with locations all across Japan—and even overseas. It’s a popular spot with devoted fans in many regions.
This time, we’re heading to the Shibuya branch of Tokyo Aburagumi Souhonten to uncover the secrets behind its popularity.
Tokyo Aburagumi Souhonten exterior
Just a 3-minute walk from Shibuya Station’s South Exit—or only 1 minute if you use Exit C2.
A brightly lit neon sign for abura soba draws in customers right away.
10 counter seats inside the shop
Abura soba is considered a kind of Japanese fast food.
It’s a hearty yet quick meal, making it popular among young professionals in Shibuya and tourists from overseas alike.
You may encounter a line during lunch hours, but the turnover is surprisingly fast—your turn will come soon with a little patience.
Once inside, purchase a meal ticket from the vending machine located on the right-hand side of the entrance and hand it to the staff.
Payment is by cash or IC card only (such as Suica or PASMO).
Next to the ticket machine, you’ll find a guide on how to use it in English, Chinese, and Korean, making it easy even for many non-Japanese speakers.
Enjoy premium noodles from a long-established noodle maker
Tokyo Aburagumi Souhonten began as a long-established noodle manufacturer with decades of history.
Their noodles are crafted exclusively for the shop, made by artisans using the highest-quality domestic wheat flour.
These medium-thick noodles are known for their rich flavor and firm texture.
The noodles are boiled fresh to order and then immediately served in a bowl filled with sauce.
Service is impressively fast from order to table.
You can choose between M Size (160g / 5.6 oz), L Size (240g / 8.5 oz), or LL Size (320g / 11.3 oz) portions of noodles.
All sizes are offered at the same price—a welcome bonus for big appetites!
The recipe for Tokyo Aburagumi Souhonten’s signature sauce is a closely guarded secret. This soy sauce–based blend bursts with umami, coating the thick noodles and toppings and creating a harmonious flavor experience.
Abura Soba soy sauce taste (M size) 880 JPY (tax included), Special Toppings B 340 JPY (tax included)
The standard toppings for abura soba include green onions, shredded seaweed, menma (fermented bamboo shoots), and sliced chāshū (Japan’s version of char siu).
This time, we added the popular “Special Toppings Set B.”
Set B includes two extra slices of chashu pork, sesame scallions, and a soft-boiled egg—a great deal for anyone who wants to sample several top toppings. Perfect for indecisive eaters!
At Tokyo Aburagumi Souhonten, customizing your bowl is part of the fun. Vinegar and chili oil are provided at the table, letting you adjust the flavor to your taste once your noodles arrive.
As a rule of thumb, drizzle each condiment in two full circles around the bowl for size M, three for L, and four for LL.
Also on the table, you’ll find a square stainless steel container filled with freshly chopped raw onions.
The chopped onions are also free—why not give them a try?
They add a refreshing crunch and a clean, sharp accent to the dish.
Once you’ve added your seasonings, mix everything well—noodles, sauce, and toppings—so the flavors blend evenly.
The sauce collects at the bottom of the bowl, so be sure to lift and turn the noodles as you mix to distribute it thoroughly.
The key is to do this quickly, while the dish is still hot, for the best flavor.
It helps to visualize your ideal flavor combination while you wait for your bowl to arrive.
Once it’s well mixed, it’s time to dig in.
The concentrated soy-sauce-like flavor of the sauce and the springy medium-thick noodles combine beautifully for a satisfying meal.
If you feel like switching things up, try adding more of the available seasonings on the table to suit your tastes.
Abura Soba Spicy Miso taste (Double) 980 JPY (tax included)
The “Abura Soba Spicy Miso taste” offers a distinct flavor profile compared to the regular version.
The key is the spicy miso that adds a bold kick to the dish.
Start by lifting the noodles to scoop up the sauce that has collected at the bottom—you’ll see the red-tinged sauce appear.
Just like the regular version, customize your Abura Soba Spicy Miso taste with toppings and condiments to your liking, mix well, and enjoy.
It’s addictively delicious, with a spicy yet rich umami flavor.
Customize to your taste! Enjoying Tokyo Aburagumi Souhonten to the max
Tokyo Aburagumi Souhonten offers just two main options: the rich soy-sauce-based Abura Soba and the spicy, bold-flavored Abura Soba Spicy Miso taste.
But with the wide variety of toppings, you can easily create a bowl that matches your personal preferences—that’s the fun of dining here.
Some of the available toppings
Toppings range from staples like chashu pork and soft-boiled eggs to more unique additions like parmesan cheese, Kewpie mayo, and their original spicy chili oil “Aburagumi Special.”
There are also free toppings available, such as yuzu koshō (paste of chili peppers and yuzu peel), grated garlic, mashed raw garlic, and double mashed garlic.
Although they’re free, you’ll need to select them on the vending machine when purchasing your meal ticket.
The base is simple, but by experimenting with toppings, you can enjoy a wide range of flavors with every visit to Tokyo Aburagumi Souhonten.
Try customizing your bowl to discover your ideal flavor combo!
Information
| Store name | 東京油組総本店 渋谷組 Tokyo aburagumi souhonten Shibuyagumi |
|---|---|
| Address | Ohno Building 2, 3-18-10 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Shibuya Station（SBY） 1-minute walk from Exit C2
|
| Phone number | 03-3406-1911 |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
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| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | Mon-Sat. 11:00-5:00 AM Sun. 11:00-22:00 |
| Closed | No fixed holidays Unscheduled holidays |
| Seating | 10 counter seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://www.tokyo-aburasoba.com/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of July 2025.
