The Ultimate Guide to Soba Noodles in Tokyo

Can any visit to Japan be complete without at least one noodle meal? We think not! Japan is known for its many noodle dishes. Yet one type of noodle stands out from the rest. The ever-popular soba noodles.

Although there are numerous types of noodles to try in Japanese cuisine, soba noodles are considered to be one of Japan's first "fast foods." This makes it rather unique. The fact that soba noodles can be served either hot or cold and in a myriad of different ways adds to its mass appeal.

Soba noodles are a favorite of both locals and travelers to Japan due to their versatility. Since soba noodles are also one of the healthiest noodle options available, they are an excellent alternative to ramen or udon. 

If you're visiting Tokyo, then you need to try a soba noodle dish. Luckily, there are plenty of different serving styles to choose from and tons of restaurants serving tasty and wholesome soba noodle meals. As a result, you have an endless amount of options when it comes to sampling the legendary soba noodles of Japan.

However, if Japanese cuisine is foreign to you, chances are you might not know where to begin. So, if you're wondering what soba noodles are or how they're made, then this guide is for you. Additionally, we'll explore how to eat soba noodles, the various different types of soba noodle dishes, and the best places to eat soba noodles in Tokyo.

This comprehensive guide to soba noodles will dive deep into every aspect of soba, giving you expert insider knowledge about a local delicacy. 

Here's all you'll ever need to know about soba noodles:

What are soba noodles?

Soba noodles are Japanese specialty noodles made from buckwheat flour. Although these noodles are modern "fast food" favorites, their history dates back to 13th century China. Chinese Zen Buddhist monks originally introduced the food to the Japanese. However, the food only really became popular in Japan during the 16th century once it became a part of tea ceremonies. 

Soba noodles' popularity increased even more during the Edo period (1603-1867). During this time, traveling soba vendors would sell soba noodle soup in mobile stalls in the evenings. Their popularity was due to the fact that they stayed open well past when the restaurants had closed and, as a result, were able to satisfy the hunger of late-night diners in Tokyo.

Since soba noodles are easy to make, affordable, and filling, they quickly became a staple in Japanese culture during the Edo period. To this day, soba noodles are a convenient, healthy, and satisfying meal of choice for locals.

How are soba noodles made?

If you're health-conscious, then you're probably wondering if soba noodles are gluten-free or whether soba noodles are healthy or not. These are valid concerns when it comes to pasta. However, you're unlikely to find a healthier choice of noodles.

Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour (milled buckwheat seeds). Buckwheat is much healthier than wheat flour, which most other noodles are made from. Since buckwheat is naturally gluten-free, it's a perfect choice if you have a restricted diet. But keep in mind that some whet flour is typically added too. So, you need to order 100% buckwheat (ju-wari soba) if you're gluten-intolerant. 

Buckwheat is highly nutritious as it is rich in proteins and a great source of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, it contains 8 different types of amino acids that are indispensable to human health. Because of this, soba noodles offer a well-rounded nutritional meal that is filling.

How are soba noodles served?

Soba noodles are rather versatile and can be served either hot or cold. Hot soba noodles are served soaked in a bowl of hot broth, whereas cold soba noodles are mostly dipped into a sauce called tsuyu. However, soba noodles are actually served in a countless number of variations, and it all depends on preference and eating style. 

As a pasta, it works well with flavorsome sauces, steamy broths, and a selection of meat or vegetables. Common ingredients added to soba noodle dishes are sesame seeds, green vegetables, soy sauce, or a tasty dipping sauce. But there are plenty of other variations for you to try.

How to eat soba

Since soba noodles are part of traditional Japanese cuisine, there is a specific way to eat soba. Although you don't need to follow the traditional rules (not even every Japanese person does), being mindful of etiquette is a mark of respect. Plus, by eating the dish as it was intended, you get fully enjoy all the flavors of this meal.

First, you need to decide if you want your soba noodles served hot or cold. 

If you choose hot soba, follow these steps:

• Taste the broth to decide if any condiments need to be added.
• Use chopsticks to pick up chunks of noodles and eat them without biting off any noodles.
• Make a slurping sound as you eat the noodles to cool them down and show enjoyment.
• Drink your broth straight from the bowl at any time during the meal.

If you choose cold soba, follow these steps:

• Taste the tsuyu dipping sauce first to assess the flavor, and then taste a small portion of the soba.
• Add condiments as needed.
• Use chopsticks to pick up chunks of noodles that you can eat in one mouthful.
• Dip the bottom third of the noodles in the tsuyu sauce.
• Hold the dipping cup close to your face as you take a bite to avoid making a mess of the sauce.
• Don't dunk your side dishes, such as tempura, into the sauce.
• Pour the sobayu (the hot noodle water) into the remaining tsuyu sauce after the meal and drink it as tea.

What are some popular types of soba dishes? 

There are several different soba dishes that you can try in Japan, but these are some of the most popular ones that you must eat while in Tokyo:

Kake Soba

This is one of your basic soba noodle dishes. The noodles are served hot, usually in a clear broth for a soup-type meal. Sometimes this dish is served with extras such as bits of tempura, scallions, or any other appropriate condiments.

Kitsune Soba

This dish combines a fried tofu pocket (aburaage) with soba noodles in a hot broth. The dish itself is quite simple but filling. And the tofu adds a sweet taste and protein as nothing else is added to the meal.

Zaru & Seiro Soba 

This is how cold soba noodles are traditionally served. The cold soba noodles are served on a wicker basket, accompanied by the dipping broth. Zaru Soba is when the noodles are served topped with seaweed. Seiro Soba is just plain noodles without any toppings.

Tanuki Soba

This is similar to Kake Soba, but bits of deep-fried tempura batter are sprinkled over the top. Besides adding a satisfying crunch to the dish, the batter also soaks up the broth.

Tempura Soba

Just like the name implies, this dish comes with soba noodles (either hot or cold) and pieces of tempura. Depending on the dish and establishment, it may be an assortment of tempura ranging from prawns to mixed vegetables or a deep-fried fritter made of various vegetables (kakiage).

Where to eat soba in Tokyo

There is no shortage of fantastic places to dine in Tokyo City. But if you're looking to sample some soba noodles, then you need to choose the right spots. Luckily, you can find soba specialists at all price points throughout Tokyo. From casual and affordable to refined and expensive — there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Most soba restaurants offer you an a-la-carte menu which means that you can sample a soba noodle dish along with any other dish of your choice. Pair it with some sake for a truly Japanese experience. 

Here are some of the top restaurants in Tokyo to try soba noodle dishes:

Edo Soba Teuchidokoro Asada

If you love to immerse yourself in the history and culture of a destination while traveling, then this is the place for you. This soba restaurant was established in 1854 which means that it is over 150 years old. They have a homemade 100% buckwheat flour that gets used to make their soba which gives the noodles a smooth texture. Combine that with their secret tsuyu sauce for a truly exceptional soba meal. The Seiro Soba has been their signature dish since opening which makes it an excellent choice if you're not sure what to try first.

How to get to Edo Soba Teuchidokoro Asada: 3-minute walk from JR Sobu Line Asakusabashi Station East Exit or a 2-minute walk from Toei Asakusa Line Asakusabashi Station A4 Exit. Located on the left-hand side of Edo-Dori toward Asakusa.

• Address: 2-29-11 Asakusabashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0053
• Opening Hours: Weekdays - 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM (Last order 2:00 PM) & 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM (Last order 9:00 PM) / Saturdays - 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM (Last order 2:00 PM) & 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM Last order 8:00 PM). Holiday: National holidays, every 1st and 3rd Saturday.

Kanda Matsuya

If you like to soak up the atmosphere of a destination, then a visit to this restaurant in downtown Tokyo is a must. Another historical spot, Kanda Matsuya was established back in 1884 and remains one of the best places to sample soba in the city. Here you can enjoy some of the finest hand-pulled soba noodles. But you can also catch a peek at the process as there is a glass window separating the dining space and the kitchen. The Kake Soba is highly recommended and is expertly prepared with different amounts of moisture depending on the time of day.

How to get to Kanda Matsuya: A 1-minute walk from exit A3 of Ogawamachi Station on the Toei Shinjuku line, and Awajicho Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line or a 5-minute walk from the east exit of Kanda Station on the JR Yamanote and Chuo Lines. 

• Address: 1-13 Kanda Suda-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0041
• Opening Hours: Weekdays - 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM / Saturdays - 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Dashinsoan

This is one of the most beautiful soba restaurants you'll find in Tokyo. Located within a traditional Japanese house in a quiet residential area, the restaurant itself is preceded by a lovely tranquil garden. The open dining room is filled with natural light giving the space a relaxing ambiance. The soba noodles are also made fresh on-site each morning, so you can expect only the best-quality soba here. A good option to try here is the tofu skin (yuba) soba in a hot broth. 

How to get to Dashinsoan: Walk through the backstreets south of Shimokitazawa station until you see a traditional wooden gate with curtains and a lush green garden beyond it.

• Address: 3-7-14 Daizawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 155-0032
• Opening Hours: 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM daily / Regular holiday: Every Tuesday * If Tuesday is a national holiday, the next weekday will be a transfer holiday.

How to order soba in Tokyo

Soba is a staple meal and therefore readily available throughout the country. However, there are two common types of soba restaurants in Tokyo:

At a jihanki shokudo, you'll select your order and pay for it in advance through a ticket machine. Once your soba noodles dish is ready, you can choose to eat (sitting or standing) in the restaurant or take the meal away to eat elsewhere. This is similar to a take-out restaurant which is appropriate when eating Japan's "fast food".

A soba-specialty restaurant is more like a traditional dining establishment where you'll be shown to your seat, and a waiter will take your order after you've reviewed the menu. At some of these restaurants, you'll even be able to see how your noodles are made.

Be a foodie in Tokyo

Soba noodles are an ingrained aspect of Japanese culture. If you love to explore a new destination by sampling the local cuisine, then you need to eat soba noodles in Tokyo. Now that you know what soba noodles are, how soba noodles are served, how healthy these noodles are, and how to eat soba, it's time to plan your visit. Book your trip today using the JAL Japan Explorer Pass so that you can dine at one (or all) of the soba noodle establishments in this guide.