[Harajuku] Awarded "Hyakumeiten" six times! Enjoy the aroma and firmness of buckwheat flour at popular handmade soba noodles restaurant "Matsunaga

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An Adult Hideout Away from the Noisy Harajuku Area

Matsunaga Soba Restaurant is tucked away in a quiet residential area between Harajuku and Kitasando. Surrounded by a white sign and green plants, the entrance is so unassuming that it could be overlooked by passersby, but once you step down to the basement, you are greeted by wooden lattice doors and soft lighting, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

For many years, this soba restaurant has been praised as "the best" by people who work in the neighborhood. It is a popular restaurant with a long line of customers at lunchtime on weekdays, and at the time of our visit (after midnight on a weekday), there were already four people waiting in line. Even so, everyone waits quietly because they know the aroma and firmness of the handmade buckwheat noodles that can only be experienced here.

A Japanese-style atmosphere that makes the waiting time pleasant.

Passing through the lattice door, you will see a sword object, a miniature lantern, and a softly glowing lamp at the entrance. The interior is filled with a Japanese atmosphere, creating a peaceful atmosphere where you can forget about the time you have to wait.Perhaps it was bad timing this time, but it took about 15 minutes from the time of ordering to the time of serving. However, as I was feeling the aroma of carefully boiled buckwheat noodles with steam rising in the air, I was able to enjoy the experience of waiting for my order, The waiting time turns into "silence before the reward".

Menu｜Handmade Soba and Seasonal Flavors

Matsunaga's menu consists mainly of cold and hot soba noodles. The freshness and aroma of handmade buckwheat noodles are maximized.

Cold Soba

• Morisoba 900 yen
• Zarusoba: 980 yen
• Oroshi-soba 1,000 yen
• Tororo soba 1,400 yen
• Tenzaru soba (two prawns) 1,900 yen
• Oyster tempura soba (limited from December to February) 1,700 yen

Hot soba

• Kake soba (buckwheat noodle) 800 yen
• Tori soba (Tokushima Awao chicken) 1,400 yen
• Tempura soba (two prawns) 1,800 yen

Other Menu

Beverage Menu

Payment is "Cash only". There is also a wide selection of Japanese sake, including high-quality brands such as Kubota, Hakkaisan, and Kurobelt.

The aroma of Nagano buckwheat flour stands out in this exquisite zaru soba.

On this day, I ordered zaru soba (980 yen). I had eaten a little too much the day before, so I wanted something light and refreshing.The noodles are moderately thick, with a nice, square, shiny appearance. The noodles are generously covered with nori (seaweed), and the aroma of the sea spreads softly as they are dipped in the broth.

One bite of the noodle isfirm, with a hint of sweetness, and the savory flavor of Nagano buckwheat flour fills the mouth. The dipping sauce is a bit thick, but it is sharp and does not interfere with the aroma of the soba noodles.This is delicious! This is a perfect dish that makes you want to say so unintentionally. Many customers order tenzaru soba, and some regulars enjoy it with tempura prawn tempura.

The Reason for the Long Lines and Local Reputation

I came to know about this restaurant because it was so famous among my friends who work in the Sendagaya-Kita-sando area that they all say "Matsunaga is the place to go when it comes to soba. However, due to its popularity, it sometimes takes a long time to serve soba depending on the timing.

If you want to have a quick lunch, we also recommend the nearby Hosojimaya. It is another reasonably priced and tasty soba restaurant, and is a regular lunch spot for locals.

Summary｜A bowl of tranquility and careful work

Matsunaga is afamous restaurant for those who want to enjoy quality soba noodles in a quietatmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of Harajuku and Kita-sando. Enjoying carefully crafted soba noodles in a relaxed atmosphere is a special experience.

Thebest time tovisit for lunch isfrom just after opening to around midnight. Please try a bowl of soba noodles in which the ingredients, aroma, and atmosphere are all in harmony.

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