If you dig deep enough, you’ll find that there are certain restaurants you hold dear to your heart. A secret that you don’t want anyone else knowing because you want it to be yours forever. For some people, that is what Tokyo Soba means to them. A cosy eaterie where they can relax and enjoy a meal after a hectic day at work. There are a ton of Japanese restaurants in Singapore out there for you to choose from. So what makes Tokyo Soba so special? Well, that is exactly what we intend to find out! Who knows, Tokyo Soba might just become your new favourite place to dine after all!
Tokyo Soba
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Located at Tanjong Pagar, Tokyo Soba is a rare gem. It is rare to find speciality soba restaurants in Singapore due to the time-consuming process of churning out freshly made buckwheat noodles. What makes the process so difficult is the fact that buckwheat noodles can be fragile and break easily. Even though we’ve been through a pandemic, Tokyo Soba is still standing strong to this day. Don’t underestimate this cosy little shop in Tanjong Pagar because in Japan, Tokyo Soba has been operating for over 12 years. It is a Japanese favourite and the best part is that the recipe used here in Singapore, is the exact same as the one in Japan. So, fans of Japanese food should definitely visit if you are looking for an authentic experience.
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that Tokyo Soba is quite a small shop. Looking as though it doesn’t fit more than 10 people, it reminds us of the tiny houses in Japan. But, Tokyo Soba offers a minimalist interior lined with wood finishes. The shop actually fits just 20 people and even has an open kitchen. That way, you get a clear view of how the chef prepares your food. In such an intimate setting, it can create an incredibly lively atmosphere when it is packed. Unsurprisingly, most of Tokyo Soba’s regulars are Japanese as well, as they may seek comfort in its familiarity.
How To Order
The head chef at Tokyo Soba has over 35 years of experience, so you are promised an excellent culinary experience. Ordering at Tokyo Soba is also quite a hands-on experience. There is an order kiosk present for you to choose your noodles and pick your toppings. You can also decide if you want your broth to be either hot or cold.
Tokyo Soba Menu
1. Beef Sukiyaki Hot Soba
For beef lovers, the Beef Sukiyaki Hot Soba has an intoxicatingly sweet aroma. With a generous amount of beef layered on top of the soba noodles, the dish is also accompanied by kelp and finely shredded spring onions. The freshly made buckwheat noodles also offer a nutty taste that complements the intensity of the broth made with soy and dashi.
2. Pork Cutlet Hot Udon
Want something a little more to go along with your soba noodles, opt for ordering their Pork Cutlet Hot Udon. The bowl of udon comes with a side of pork cutlet and you’ll have to act fast or the broth will be sucked up by the udon. The uniqueness of Tokyo Soba’s udon is the fact that they are thinner and softer in texture. Compared to regular udon, which is chewy and thick.
3. Cold Soba With Vegetable Tempura
If you’ve tried the hot soba and love it then you should definitely try the cold soba too. In fact, cold soba is better in our opinion. But it’s not an easy feat because it is difficult to get the dipping sauce right. However, you will be delighted to know that in our Tokyo Soba review, the dipping sauce was perfect. It was not too salty nor was it too sweet and was a perfect balance. In addition, the tempura was not too thick in terms of batter. Thus, the vegetable really did shine in this dish.
4. Prawn Tempura Cold Soba
Aside from that, the Prawn Tempura Cold Soba is also a fan-favourite. This dish of cold soba comes with tempura that seems to be fried to near perfection. An incredibly difficult skill, the tempuras are both crispy and light. The best part is that you won’t even taste any greasiness after gulping it down. For an appetiser to pair with your noodles, a plate of Kawa Ebi Karage will not disappoint. It is a large platter of deep-fried sakura shrimps that pairs well with a glass of ice-cold beer.
5. Braised Chicken Soba
So you’re not a big fan of pork or beef. Well, fret not because, in our Tokyo Soba review, we’re also introducing you to the braised chicken soba. The great thing about this restaurant is the plain yet healthy broths that are served with every bowl. In this particular dish, braised chicken can be found generously topped onto your soba. The chicken is succulent and super juicy, especially after being dipped in the broth. A dish that’s highly recommended for people who like chicken.
6. Pork Slice Soba With Seafood Tempura
So we’ve mentioned tonkatsu, chicken, and beef. Now it’s time to highlight some pork slices in our Tokyo Soba review. It’s no secret that pork slices go extremely well with some hot soba, and it’s true. But here’s the thing, adding in some seafood tempura will definitely enhance your experience. What’s seafood tempura, you ask? Well, it features shrimp, squid, scallops and various vegetables like onions and carrots. They are then mixed and deep-fried into this golden perfection.
What We Think
Although the cramped space isn’t ideal for a bigger crowd of customers, it sort of makes Tokyo Soba feel exclusive. Besides that, Tokyo Soba is an incredibly affordable restaurant to dine at. Even though you might not want to linger for too long, it is the perfect place to dine and go quickly. So, if you are ever in a rush and need a quick meal, Tokyo Soba might be the place you make a pit stop next.
More Details
| Address | 12 Gopeng St, #01-16 Icon Village, Singapore 078877 |
| Contact | +65 6410 9353 |
| Operating Hours | Mon-Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5pm – 10.30pm | Sat-Sun: 11.30am – 10.30pm |
| Menu | Click here to view |
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