Omura-an

Along a street in Kojima, Taito Ward, Omura-an is an unassuming neighborhood soba shop where a remarkably wide menu sits behind the noren curtain. From cold staples like zaru and tenzaru soba or broad kishimen to piping-hot bowls in dashi-rich broth, the kitchen has long anchored the midday break for area office workers and neighborhood regulars.

Open the menu and the variety of Chinese-style ramen noodles immediately catches the eye alongside the soba. Diners often seek out the straightforward chuka soba, topped gomoku chuka, or vegetable ramen, all assembled with the calm, gentle seasoning characteristic of a traditional noodle shop. Curry nanban with hot spiced gravy can also be ordered with wide kishimen instead of soba, offering a satisfying change in noodle texture.

When a hearty meal is called for, the combination noodle sets and teishoku meals provide reassuring options. Along with pairing a rice bowl with soba, the kitchen offers sets featuring katsu curry, tamagodon, and home-style dishes like simmered taro and squid alongside noodles. Serving comforting daily sides together with soba reflects the welcoming, diner-like spirit of an everyday town soba shop.

The shop operates from 11:00 to 16:00, Monday through Saturday, making it well-suited for either peak lunch or a slightly later midday meal. Payment is cash only, so having small change or thousand-yen bills ready ensures an easy checkout.