Teuchi Soba Jiyu San in Higashi-NagasakiTo put it simply,the dishes before the soba left a stronger impression than the soba itself.The appetizers were well-prepared and delicious.The tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette) was also excellent.And the simmered herring was truly remarkable.On the other hand, the soba, which is the main attraction, didn’t resonate with me as much as its high reputation suggested.I tried both the inaka soba and the regular seiro soba, but honestly, I didn’t feel a significant difference.Of course, it was tasty.However, I didn’t think, "This is something extraordinary."◾️ Appetizers and Dishes Before SobaThis is quite strong.Each dish is not just a simple accompaniment for drinks; they are well-crafted dishes.The seasoning is relatively mild, designed to pair well with Japanese sake.Rather than typical soba shop appetizers, they lean more towards a small kaiseki or Japanese cuisine.From the first dish, you can tell that this place puts in the effort.◾️ TamagoyakiI really liked it.It’s not overly sweet; you can truly taste the dashi (broth) in the tamagoyaki.Past reviews have praised it as having a flavor that comes from the dashi used.Egg dishes are simple, so the balance of dashi, cooking technique, and saltiness really stands out.This place does it well.It’s fluffy without being too airy, maintaining the density of the eggs.It’s also great as a drinking snack.◾️ Simmered HerringThis was the highlight of my visit.It was incredibly delicious.The herring was slowly simmered on a stick.According to reviews, it’s prepared by simmering in rice washing water, then adding kombu, katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), soy sauce, and mirin, and finishing it over several days.When you eat it, the flesh crumbles easily.But it doesn’t fall apart.The unique fat of the herring, the umami of the fish, and the sweet-savory simmering sauce are perfectly integrated.The fishy smell is also well-controlled.This dish feels more like a well-executed simmered dish than just a soba shop item.Honestly, I think it’s worth coming just for this.◾️ SobaNow, onto the important soba.I had both the regular seiro and the inaka soba.Generally, inaka soba uses more of the whole grain, including the husk and sweet skin, resulting in a darker color and stronger aroma and graininess.At Jiyu San, there are many reviews praising the aroma of the inaka soba. (tabelog.com)However, for me,I didn’t notice a significant difference between the regular seiro and the inaka soba.Of course, there are differences in appearance and texture.But it wasn’t to the extent that I thought, "The moment I switched to inaka, the aroma was overwhelmingly different."I want to write this honestly based on my own perception.The soba itself is well-made.The cooking time is just right.The draining is also decent.It has a nice texture when you eat it.But,I didn’t think it was particularly delicious.Perhaps my expectations were raised too high due to its reputation.◾️ Dipping SauceThe dipping sauce is also refined.It doesn’t just rely on the sharpness of the soy sauce; it emphasizes the balance of dashi and tare (seasoning).It’s better to dip the tips of the soba rather than soaking it completely.However, in my case, my focus was more on the dishes than the soba itself.◾️ Overall QualityThe overall quality of the restaurant is high.Rather,if you view it as a "Japanese cuisine restaurant that you enjoy starting from the dishes before soba" rather than just a soba shop,it makes a lot of sense.Looking at the current course structure, the soba is the last dish, preceded by about seven different dishes. (tabelog.com)In other words, the restaurant is not solely relying on soba.Sake.Appetizers.Simmered dishes.Grilled dishes.Tamagoyaki.Soba gaki (soba dumplings).And finally, soba.I think this entire flow is what defines "Jiyu San."◾️ Areas for ImprovementI have almost no complaints about the dishes.However, regarding the soba, there was a gap between the high evaluation and my expectations.Especially with the inaka soba.If the aroma, graininess, and sweetness when bitten were a bit more distinct, it would have been clearer for me.This is more a matter of personal preference than a technical issue.◾️ Addictiveness★★★☆☆The herring is★★★★★.I also want to revisit the tamagoyaki.But the addictiveness of wanting to come back soon just for the soba wasn’t that high.Rather,if I could enjoy the herring and sake, and then have soba at the end,I would want to come back.◾️ Overall EvaluationTeuchi Soba Jiyu San in Higashi-Nagasaki.It’s a highly-rated restaurant with over 4 points on Tabelog, but my impressions were a bit different.The appetizers are delicious.They are quite elaborate.The tamagoyaki is also great.And the simmered herring is truly amazing.It’s carefully simmered, with a high level of integration of fat, umami, and the simmering sauce.On the other hand, the soba is,tasty in a regular way. But I didn’t feel it was special.I didn’t feel the difference between inaka soba and regular seiro was as significant as the reputation suggested.So in my view,it’s more of a place for appetizers★★★★★ than a soba★★★★★ shop.I understand the high ratings.But what I want to eat again is, first and foremost, the herring.That’s what left the strongest impression on me.Overall: ★★★★☆Soba: ★★★☆☆Dipping Sauce: ★★★☆☆Appetizers: ★★★★★Tamagoyaki: ★★★★★Herring: ★★★★★Sake Snacks: ★★★★★Addictiveness: ★★★☆☆