An Oasis in Hanzomon After a Marathon Meeting
The long, long meeting with the client finally ended. The clock showed 2:30 PM. I was at the peak of hunger and exhaustion, craving something to refuel my energy. Specifically, protein. Or perhaps my brain was actually craving carbs, but anyway, I needed an immediate vitality boost. My next meeting was at 3:00 PM. Time was short.
Hanzomon. This area is dotted with renowned establishments that impress even the most discerning business people. For unagi, there’s “Akimoto.” For specialty coffee, “Byron Bay Coffee.” For authentic curry, “Petit Feu à la Campagne.” For heartwarming Italian, “Trattoria MUTSUMI Kojimachi.” And of course, the famous “Akasaka Szechwan Restaurant.” The options were plentiful, but I faced an absolute constraint: “no time.”
That’s when Soba-Usa came to mind. It’s a standing-style soba shop, perfect for a quick meal. However, it’s not just about speed. The soba here possesses a striking individuality and undeniable quality that, once experienced, is unforgettable.
Black Walls, Orange Noren, and Dissonant Chords Within
The exterior of Soba-Usa features chic black walls, a wooden sign, and a crisp white noren (shop curtain). At first glance, it might seem like a traditional soba shop. But from within, you can almost hear a sense of something unsettling, yet exciting, seeping out.
Step inside, and you’re in a different dimension. The rugged, concrete-like walls are adorned with graffiti art and art posters. Countless bare light bulbs hang from the ceiling. It’s a simple space, yet it radiates an intense personality. And filling this space is loud punk rock music.
Yes, Soba-Usa is a unique place where you can experience eating soba while listening to punk. Today, The Exploited’s “Dogs of War” was blaring. I think it was Nirvana last time I visited. The genres range from punk and grunge to rock. The owner’s unwavering dedication is palpable even in the music selection.
First, a Soulful Bowl from the Vending Machine
Upon entering, the first thing you see is a ticket vending machine. You purchase your meal ticket here. The menu includes “Stamina Soba” , “Beef Tendon Soba,” and the famous “Basil Soba”, among others. Each soba dish is an exquisite masterpiece, hard to choose between. But today, I had a clear objective: “efficiently intake protein.” So, I chose the Beef Tendon Soba.
I handed my ticket to the counter and received a number. Water is self-service. I poured myself a glass and waited in an empty spot for my number to be called. That’s right, it’s a standing-only establishment. This straightforwardness is also very rock ‘n’ roll.
Beef Tendon Soba Arrives, Resonating with Punk
“Number 2!”
My number was called. I headed to the counter where an enticing, steaming bowl awaited me. This was my lifeline for the day, the Beef Tendon Soba. Generous amounts of what must have been slowly simmered beef tendon were piled on top. First, I cracked a raw egg into it, dipped the soba into the rich broth, and took a bite. Delicious. Truly delicious.
The rich broth seeped into my tired body. The aroma of dashi and its deep umami flavor seemed to rapidly recharge my depleted energy. And the punk rock BGM further stirred my fighting spirit, or rather, my vitality. It felt like I was being rallied for the afternoon’s battle. I felt invincible, as if nothing could scare me anymore.
As I ate, I craved a little kick. A red chili spice was available on the counter. Adding just a small amount dramatically changed the flavor and further stimulated my appetite. This flavor transformation is one of the true pleasures of standing soba shops.
I slurped with abandon, and in no time, the noodles, meat, and nori seaweed disappeared into my stomach. But it wasn’t over yet. One could argue that the real enjoyment at Soba-Usa begins now.
The Finale: Nutritious Sobayu for a Lingering Aftertaste
I poured piping hot sobayu (the water the soba was boiled in) into the remaining broth. This, again, was incredibly tasty. Diluting the tsuyu with sobayu, rich in soba’s nutrients, mellows the saltiness and makes the dashi flavor stand out even more. After drinking every last drop, a single, reluctant piece of beef tendon remained at the bottom of the bowl. This too was endearing.
“Gochisosama deshita” (Thank you for the meal).
I left the shop with sincere gratitude. My stay might have been only about 15 minutes. However, the satisfaction and energy gained in that short time were immeasurable. I was confident I could get through the rest of the day, or at least the upcoming meeting. I was sure of it.
Why Soba-Usa is a Reason to Visit Hanzomon
Soba-Usa is not just a soba shop to satisfy hunger. As the keywords “Hanzomon Soba Punk” suggest, it’s a place that offers an extremely unique “experience” – a fusion of soba, a traditional Japanese food culture, and punk rock, a symbol of rebellious spirit.
In particular, their Basil Soba, which you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere, astonishes many foodies with its novelty. At first glance, it looks like an Italian dish, but once you taste it, it’s unmistakably soba. This unexpected combination harmonizes surprisingly well, inviting you to a new world of flavors. It’s truly a memorable dish for a “Tokyo gourmet experience.”
Moreover, it perfectly meets the needs of “Hanzomon lunch standing eaters” like me—busy business people with no time to spare—without compromising on quality. In fact, its rugged style and authentic taste can even provide a sense of catharsis.
And for health-conscious (perhaps?) individuals like myself seeking “Beef Tendon Soba protein,” it’s a reliable spot for a delicious and nutritious meal. The combination of beef tendon, which is particularly rich in protein among beef cuts, and soba, which is high in protein among noodles, is arguably ideal.
Photomo’s theme is “Walk, Shoot, Write.” My experience at Soba-Usa truly embodied this theme. A space that stimulates the five senses, a memorable taste, and the culture flowing through it. It wasn’t just a record; it was an experience definitely etched into my senses.
If you’re visiting Hanzomon, or even if you’re not, Soba-Usa is well worth making a special trip for. I can confidently say that because it’s stimulating, delicious, and above all, an “honest” place.
Shop Information
SOBA STAND Soba-Usa
Authentic soba and a punk atmosphere await you.
Official Website (X/formerly Twitter): https://x.com/sobausa101
Access:
1-10-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
A short walk from Exit 1 or 2 of Hanzomon Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line.
(Please refer to the Google MAP and pay them a visit!)