I visited for a weekday lunch.This soba restaurant has consistently received bronze and top rankings, making it the number one soba shop in Tokyo for lunch.Lunch reservations are not accepted; instead, you write your name on the waiting board before opening. Just lining up isn’t enough to guarantee entry, so make sure to write your name down first.There’s no fierce competition on reservation sites, no secret reservation lines, and no tablets that only accept calls from registered numbers. It’s a wonderful place where anyone can definitely enjoy a meal with just a little waiting.The restaurant opens at 11:30, but based on reviews, I predicted that arriving by 11:00 would ensure I’d be in the first round. I took the first flight to Haneda, arriving before 9 AM, and it took about 90 minutes to reach the restaurant via monorail and train.I arrived at 11:00, securing the pole position, and there were 14 people waiting at opening time.Inaka Soba: JPY 1,500 Seiro Soba: JPY 1,200 Soba Gaki: JPY 1,600 Mizu Azuki: JPY 700 Bitter Caramel Pudding: JPY 700Soba Gaki: This was coarsely textured with a grainy feel. It was served with wasabi and a suggestion to try it with salt or soy sauce. I decided to try both, but I recommend sticking with salt, as it enhances the soba's aroma and allows for a subtle sweetness to shine through. The grainy texture of the soba gaki is definitely the way to go! We ordered one for two people, and I was pleasantly surprised when it was served in two separate bowls. I didn’t expect them to divide it for us—such a thoughtful touch!Inaka Soba: The cut edges are sharp, giving it a solid appearance, and the unique transparency and shine are irresistible. You can tell it’s delicious even before tasting it. The chewy texture is delightful, allowing you to fully appreciate the aroma.Bitter Caramel Pudding: This is a hard-style pudding reminiscent of the Italian pudding trend from a few years ago. It’s cut into larger pieces and has a strong bitterness rather than being overly sweet, making it quite enjoyable without becoming monotonous.Even during the busy opening rush when the restaurant was full, the service was very pleasant, which explains its popularity.I’m glad I made the trip from afar.It was a great meal!
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