Our Search For The Capital’s Best Noodles. Credit: Terry Elward
No matter how you slurp them, noodles are ubiquitous in the realm of Japanese cuisine. From thick white udon to skinny, glass-like somen and healthy brown soba, these starchy delights can be found on every corner around the country, especially in Tokyo.
So, whether you’re craving an indulgent curry soup or you’re looking for a low-fat, gluten-free meal, stop by these shops for some of the best noodles around the capital city.
Hashigo’s Tastiest. Credit: Terry Elward
Hashigo
This tiny Akasaka noodle shop is a local lunchtime favorite. Its location near government offices certainly attracts a crowd, but a focus on Chinese-style preparation rather than the traditional offerings found around the city doesn’t hurt, either.
Grab a beer, a soda or a cup of tea with your steaming bowl of Shinamen — this homey eatery refers to its specialty as “Chinese noodles” rather than just ramen, further bolstering the quality of the rich Szechuan-inspired dish.
Hashigo is famous for its lightly spicy dandanmen noodles made with a thick sesame sauce. Served with unlimited rice and pickled vegetables, a bowl of noddle soup at this laid-back spot will fill you up in no time. Its handcrafted gyoza dumplings also are not to be missed.
Hinokizaka. Credit: Terry Elward
Hinokizaka
Offering every style of Japanese cuisine you could crave, this elegant eatery located within Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo is an excellent spot to savor noodles with a view.
Hinokizaka is divided into a sushi bar, a tempura room, a teppanyaki counter and a main dining room, where soba noodles are served as part of a kaiseki-style menu. This healthy buckwheat pasta can be served hot or cold, with dipping sauces and spring onions, wasabi and other sides for a customizable course before dessert.
Yomeiden. Credit: The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
Yomeiden
One of the capital’s finest Cantonese restaurants is home to some excellent noodles. Situated within The Prince Park Tower Tokyo, this large restaurant is great for group dining with three private rooms and a large central seating area flanked by oversized Chinese-style wall murals.
The lunch sets at this fine-dining venue are as little as $18 per person, which is an excellent value for high-end Chinese fare in Tokyo. Yomeiden is also known for its dim sum. Opt for the generous multi-course menu in those instances when you simply can’t decide.
Kurosawa
For a fantastic introduction to udon, plan a pit stop to this quaint Roppongi shop. At Kurosawa, the traditionally thick wheat Japanese noodles are as soft and light as air.
The curry udon with a thick mild sauce, meat and scallions is hugely popular. Bibs are provided for those who choose to indulge in this messy specialty.
In addition, this small spot serves delicious savory custards and other Japanese treats.
The décor is traditional and serviceable while the menu is down-to-earth and unpretentious.
To enjoy what very well may be the best $12 meal you’ll ever have, just look for the wooden building — “Kurosawa” is written in Japanese as ”くろさわ” on the curtains.
