Soba is a typical Japanese noodle dish made using buckwheat flour. There are many variations available of soba noodles and each restaurant tries to add their unique touch. In this feature, we talk about a soba restaurant called Naze Soba Ni Rayu Wo Ireru No Ka? meaning "Why do you add chili oil in soba?"
This restaurant, which is popular among both men and women, has several branches in Tokyo, Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures. Soba is considered to be healthier than regular wheat noodles and when combined with spicy rayu (chili oil), it becomes even more appetizing. As you can see, the menu is quite extensive.
You may be wondering why does this restaurant focus on soba & chili oil? The owner wanted to add their special touch to this ancient dish that hasn't changed much. The most popular dish here is the Beef Soba (niku soba), soba noodles topped with beef in a cold soup. Reasonably priced, this works well with chili oil, something you normally don't see as a condiment for soba.
Similar to ramen restaurants, you can order your food on the vending machine. The staff will guide you to your seats.
Counter seats makes it quick to get through customers and you won't have to wait too long.
On the counter, you will see seasonings like rayu, chili powder, tenkasu, and something unexpected-eggs.
We tried the Tororo Tori Soba, which is grated yam chicken soba. Totoro is extremely slimy and adds another dimension to the dish.
Two bowls will be placed in front of you: one with the soba, dried seaweed, sesame seeds and sliced spring onion; the other with tsuyu (soup) that is a mix of rayu, tororo, and chicken.
Let's dig in! You can also choose to order a large helping of soba.
Stir the yam well into the soup and chili oil. Next, dip your soba into the soup and slurp.
The grated yam makes the chicken and rayu soup even more smooth and scrumptious.
The soba are thick and chewy.
Each mouthful is a burst of flavor and texture.
The seaweed adds a nice saltiness while the sesame lends a nutty flavor.
You are free to add more chili powder or rayu if the spice level isn't up to your standards.
Even though we ordered a normal portion of soba, it was more than enough. Unless you are extremely hungry, we recommend sticking to normal.
If you love soba and are looking out for a cool, unique spot, visit this restaurant.
Naze Soba Ni Rayu Wo Ireru No Ka (なぜ蕎麦にラー油を入れるのか)
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