With its smooth texture and aroma that deepens with every bite, soba is one of the most delicate and profound dishes in Japanese cuisine. Everything—from the unique characteristics of buckwheat flour by region, to the ingredients used in the dashi broth, to the skill of the artisan—comes together to define its flavor. Soba became widespread during the Edo period (1603-1868)…
Soba is one of Japan’s most iconic traditional dishes. If you’re looking to enjoy authentic soba conveniently and at a reasonable price, tachigui soba (standing soba) restaurants are a great way to do so. Located near Shinjuku Station, a bustling area packed with shoppers and tourists, “Shinshūya Shinjuku minamiguchi” (referred to hereafter as “Shinshuya”) is one such stand-and-eat soba spot….
When people hear the words “tachigui soba” (standing soba restaurants), many probably picture a no-frills, casual eatery. However, “SUBA VS,” which opened in Shibuya in September 2024, is a new concept in standing soba shops where soba meets wine. Its stylish interior and creativity put a new twist on standing soba restaurants, and have been garnering attention on social media….
Edomae soba (Edo-style soba), with a history stretching back some 400 years, is one of the representative culinary traditions of Japanese cuisine. What sets Edo-style soba apart is its thin, sharp noodles. The dough consists of approximately 80% buckwheat flour and 20% wheat flour. This ratio allows you to fully experience the flavor of soba while balancing a satisfying bite…
Tsukesoba is a modern style of soba where the noodles are dipped into a variety of flavorful broths before eating. At “Shibuya Tsukesoba Osaji,” (stylized with a “.” at the end) which opened in November 2024, you can enjoy innovative tsukesoba like nowhere else in a modern and stylish setting. Traditional Japanese soba, such as zaru soba or mori soba,…
Standing soba restaurants, known as tachigui soba in Japan, are a uniquely Japanese fast food concept, serving one of Japan’s representative dishes – Japanese soba noodles – quickly and efficiently. “Sobadokoro Kameya” (referred to hereafter as “Kameya”) is one of the capital’s quintessential popular soba restaurants. The Okachimachi branch, located near Ueno’s Ameyoko shopping street in Taito-ku (Taito Ward), is…
Soba is one of Japan’s traditional dishes. These buckwheat noodles are the star at “Teuchi Soba Keyaki” in Roppongi, Tokyo. This place is all about embracing the age-old traditions of soba, serving dishes with a clear focus on quality. Traditional Japanese soba in the heart of Roppongi When it comes to soba, it’s all about the taste, smell, and the…
Located just nearby Ueno Station is “Kinojiya.” Kinojiya is a restaurant where you can enjoy jūwari soba, which is soba made with 100% buckwheat flour noodles. During lunchtime, the popular restaurant is consistently crowded, and for good reason. At Kinojiya, you can enjoy authentic juwari soba for a reasonable price. The restaurant offers a variety of creative items on their…
“KYOTO SARYO SUISEN” is a highly popular destination in Japan for lovers of all things matcha. As of October 2023, they have seven locations in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Kanagawa prefectures, offering a range of matcha-infused sweets that are beloved by many. Additionally, each branch offers exclusive menu items, and the location on the first floor of the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building…
When it comes to Japanese cuisine, dishes like sushi and ramen tend to steal the limelight. However, Japan’s food scene is teeming with more subtle treasures that encapsulate the country’s unique flavors and culinary ethos. Two such gems are soba (written either as 蕎麦 or そば) and udon (usually written as うどん but also as 饂飩). Diving into their world…