煮干そば / Niboshi Soba / Niboshi Soba Ai — Jingu-Marutamachi, Kyoto
Niboshi soup contains katakuchi iwashi and kombu, sourced from two areas of Hokkaido. Shoyu tare uses Mikawa shiro tamari, Mikawa mirin, dark soy sauce and fish sauce. Each bowl also contains niboshi-flavored chicken oil. The noodles are made with whole wheat by the Kyoto based purveyor Menya Teigaku. Topped with chicken and pork chashu, sliced onion and togarashi. No MSG.
Shop founder Tanida-san was born in Tokyo and backpacked around the world. He trained at multiple ramen shops, including Chūka Soba Shibata in Sengawa. When it was time to go independant he moved to Kyoto and opened Niboshi Soba Ai, running the business for a few years before selling it. The current 2nd generation master has maintained quality for several years now. The name 'Ai' means 'indigo.' 10 seats. Since November 2015.
