Ippei Soba (一平ソバ) Tokyo

一平そば / Ippei Soba / Ippei Soba — Higashi-Koganei, Tokyo

Tokyo style aburasoba consisting of ramen noodles, tare sauce, oil and toppings, all served without soup. The medium thin semi curly noodles are supplied by purveyor Maruhachi Seimenjo and made locally in Musashino City. The noodles are well-coated in dark shoyu tare and lard, ensuring they are easy to slurp and full of flavor. Topped with pork chashu, negi, menma and naruto. Free condiments on the counter include mayonnaise, sesame seeds, black pepper, pickled ginger, chili oil and vinegar. Fried rice (w/ soup) on the side.

The roots of Tokyo style aburasoba lead to the west side of Tokyo and a handful of shops along the Chūo Line that have been operating for 50+ years, most notably Chinchintei (since 1957) and Hōka (since 1971). Ippei Soba is slightly newer but stays true to the roots of the style and is beloved by locals. On most days the dining room is full of Hosei University students who walk over from the campus which is just a few minutes away. Run by proprietress Yasuko Ohhori-san, who is now in her 80s. 49 seats. Open since 2000. Less