5 Incredibly Delicious Must Visit Yakisoba Specialty Restaurants Recipe

Yakisoba, a beloved Japanese noodle dish, is a staple at festivals and street food stalls, offering a flavorful and satisfying meal. For those eager to experience the best of yakisoba, here are five must-visit specialty restaurants in Tokyo that stand out for their unique flavors and preparations.

What is Yakisoba?

Yakisoba, meaning "fried noodles" in Japanese, is a classic stir-fry dish made with boiled or steamed Chinese noodles, typically flavored with Worcestershire sauce and topped with ingredients like pork, cabbage, bean sprouts, and onions. Despite its name, yakisoba does not use traditional soba noodles but instead employs wheat noodles similar to those found in ramen.

Must-Visit Yakisoba Specialty Restaurants in Tokyo

1. Jimbocho Yakisoba Mikasa (Jimbocho)

Mikasa is renowned for its popularity, with patrons often lining up before the restaurant opens. The noodles here are made from Hokkaido-grown wheat, giving them a chewy and springy texture. The menu offers yakisoba in either sauce or salt flavors, both loaded with spring onions, cabbage, bean sprouts, and pork, topped with a soft fried egg. Breaking the egg yolk enhances the dish by mellowing out the richness of the noodles.

2. Tokyo Yakisoba (Oshiage)

Located under the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Yakisoba specializes in tsukemen-style yakisoba, where the noodles are served with a dipping sauce. The dish features springy, flat noodles, slow-cooked beef, and well-fried onions, all stir-fried in a sauce and served with a homemade dashi-based dipping sauce. There are three sauce options: a white sauce with sudachi and soy sauce, a black sauce with black sesame paste, and a red sauce with spicy miso and kimchi. Optional toppings include green onions and boiled eggs.

3. Yakisoba no Marusho: Hongo 3-chome Branch (Hongo)

At Yakisoba no Marusho, you can choose from over 10 varieties of yakisoba, including soy sauce, salt, and Neapolitan flavors. The homemade noodles are known for their rich wheat flavor and chewy texture. The Marusho Special Sauce Yakisoba is a classic dish made with a generous portion of noodles and yakisoba ingredients fried in their secret special sauce. The restaurant also offers an extensive side menu with options like gyoza and karaage.

4. Fukuchan (Asakusa)

Established in 1964, Fukuchan is a long-running izakaya located in Japan’s oldest underground shopping mall. Their yakisoba is a simple yet satisfying dish consisting of cabbage and chewy, slightly thick noodles. The retro atmosphere, with alumite dishes, adds to the nostalgic charm of this old-fashioned spot.

5. Celona (Nishi Gotanda)

While primarily known for its teppanyaki dishes, Celona also offers a delicious yakisoba experience. Here, you can enjoy fresh meat, seafood, and a variety of drinks. The yakisoba at Celona is a great option for those looking for a balanced meal with a choice of ingredients and sauces.

Tips for Enjoying Yakisoba at These Restaurants

• Preparation is Key: Before visiting any of these restaurants, it's helpful to know that prep work is crucial. Many of these restaurants prepare their ingredients in advance, ensuring quick and efficient service.
• Customization: Feel free to customize your yakisoba with various toppings and sauces available at each restaurant. From aonori (dried seaweed flakes) and beni shoga (pickled ginger) to Kewpie mayo and fried eggs, there are numerous ways to enhance your dish.
• Atmosphere: Each restaurant offers a unique atmosphere. For instance, Mikasa's popularity and Fukuchan's retro vibe add to the dining experience, making each visit memorable.

Essential Ingredients and Toppings

• Noodles: Yakisoba noodles are typically made from wheat and are best when stir-fried. They can be found in most grocery stores or Asian specialty stores.
• Sauce: The sauce is a critical component, often made with a mix of Japanese Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, and sugar.
• Toppings: Common toppings include aonori, beni shoga, katsuobushi (bonito flakes), Kewpie mayo, fried eggs, and toasted sesame seeds. These add various textures and flavors to the dish.

How to Serve Yakisoba

Yakisoba is versatile and can be served as a main or side dish. It pairs well with other Japanese dishes like gyoza, chicken karaage, and takoyaki, making it a great addition to a Japanese feast. When serving, consider adding a variety of toppings to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.