Recent Reviews
I visited this soba noodle shop for lunch on a weekday, a little after 1:00 PM. Located in the office district, it's a standing-style soba shop, not the kind you'd easily find. There's no prominent sign or landmark, so I consider it a hidden gem known only to the locals. Not quite understanding the system, I bought a ticket from the vending machine outside for the only menu item, cold meat soba. I joined a line of four people ahead of me. The turnover was quick, and I was seated within 10 minutes. The interior was dimly lit. The visual presentation was impressive, with a generous serving of scallions and seaweed. The soba noodles were very firm and had a satisfying texture. The sweet and spicy dipping sauce was incredibly flavorful and left me wanting more. I added a generous amount of chili pepper from the table. I finished with a cup of soba tea. My journey of exploring soba noodles continues. Thank you for the delicious meal.
I visited on a weekday in October 2024, arriving at 11:20 am, 10 minutes before opening. I was the seventh person in line. By the opening time of 11:30 am, there were over 20 people waiting. It seems like it's a good idea to arrive a little early, even if you don't want to be the first in line. **Food** The only menu item is "Cold Meat Soba (¥1000)". It features firm buckwheat noodles topped with pork, scallions, and seaweed. The broth is a spicy dipping sauce with a strong chili oil flavor. First of all, the broth is spicier than I expected. When I took a sip of the broth first, it was so spicy that I almost choked, haha. The noodles were more firm than chewy. Each person gets a raw egg, which allows for a flavor change. Is it better to put it in the broth or on the noodles? I wasn't sure. Also, the soba tea is self-serve, and you have to pour it yourself when you receive your order. One thing I noticed was that there was no water available, despite the spiciness. I'm not sure if there was some somewhere or if it's allowed to bring your own, but it was quite difficult to eat the whole thing without water. **Ambiance** The atmosphere is like a minimalist cafe, with dim lighting and a stylish feel. However, since it's a standing soba shop, I'm not sure where you'd feel the benefit of that. It's a historic shop, so it's good to try it once. However, whether you'd want to go back is a matter of preference. I personally wouldn't go back, but it's a good topic of conversation.
Cold Meat Soba - ¥1,000 This standing soba noodle shop is located behind Hoshinoya Tokyo. It has no sign, only a line, so I'd been curious about it for a while. It's a masterful camouflage shop that doesn't detract from the hotel's appearance. The menu consists of only this one dish. You order by purchasing a ticket from a vending machine outside, which is also quite inconspicuous. The subtle aroma of chili oil, the pork that covers half the soba noodles, the white sesame seeds, the green onions, and the raw egg create a harmonious and exquisite flavor.
I visited after four years. The soba noodles are still delicious as ever. I arrived 20 minutes before opening and was the second in line. By opening time, there were 20 people waiting. I will definitely visit again.
A restaurant that carries on the spirit and quality of the legendary Minatomachiya. The line is always incredibly long. Finally, it was my turn, and I bought a ticket from their stylish, single-item vending machine before entering. The interior is stylish, with a black theme and bar-quality ambiance, and you eat standing up. The thick, spicy dipping sauce is packed with pork and noodles, and it's incredibly satisfying.