Discovering Hidden Gems: Delicious Maze Soba and Kaisendon in Shinbashi, Tokyo

Hey everyone! I recently had the chance to visit Tokyo for a concert, and while I was there, I made sure to explore some local eats. I didn’t have much time to film due to concert preparations, but I managed to squeeze in visits to two fantastic spots in Shinbashi, a bustling business district often compared to Myeongdong in Korea. Let me take you on a food adventure to these hidden gems!

First Stop: Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Shinbashi – Addictive Maze Soba

My first stop was a place near Sugoi Niboshi Ramen, which I had actually visited about a year and a half ago. I remembered it being delicious and worth revisiting. This time, I was craving their Maze Soba!

This restaurant, which for clarity we’ll call Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Shinbashi for now, specializes in a variety of Maze Soba (stirred noodles). I was particularly interested in trying their Shrimp Maze Soba. They offer a few variations including:

• Shrimp Cream Maze Soba (새우 크림 마제소바)
• Plain Shrimp Maze Soba (냥 새우 마제소바)
• Tokusebi Potala (톡스 에비 포탈라) – The basic shrimp Maze Soba

However, on this visit, I decided to go for the Tsukemen (스키맨), which turned out to be an excellent choice! We also ordered some sides to share, including Gyoza (물만두) and Torikawa Gyoza (닭껍질 교자) – chicken skin gyoza.

The Tsukemen was fantastic. The noodles were perfectly chewy, and the dipping broth was flavorful and rich. It’s a dish where the noodles are served cold and you dip them into a hot broth – a delightful experience that changes with each bite as the temperature and flavors mingle. It’s different from hot ramen or cold noodles, offering a unique texture and taste. I especially appreciated the quality of the noodles; they were incredibly delicious. I remember trying a similar shrimp noodle dish in Singapore, but honestly, I think this place in Shinbashi is even better!

This spot has a casual and lively atmosphere, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s located in Shinbashi, a really busy area, and it’s open late into the night, catering to the after-work crowd. If you’re in Shinbashi and craving Maze Soba or Tsukemen, definitely check out Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Shinbashi!

Next Up: Takamaru Suisan – Fresh and Affordable Kaisendon

For my second culinary adventure, I stumbled upon Takamaru Suisan (タカマル水産), specifically their standing sushi bar location, Takamaru Fish Shop Standing Sushi (タカマル鮮魚店 立喰い寿司). This place is a real hidden gem! Apparently, Takamaru Suisan is a wholesaler in the fish market, which means they get super fresh seafood at great prices.

My mission here was to try their Kaisendon (海鮮丼), a seafood rice bowl. I opted for the Gokujo (極上 – Supreme) Kaisendon. It was incredibly generous with the toppings! And the price was very reasonable, around ¥1980 (about 20,000 Korean Won). They also serve a delicious fish bone miso soup (생선 뼈로 만든 된장국) which is a must-try, highlighting the freshness of their ingredients.

The Kaisendon was outstanding! The seafood was incredibly fresh, and the variety of fish was impressive. It felt like a luxurious and high-quality meal, but at a surprisingly affordable price. I also tried a side of Namerou (なめろう), a seasoned dish made from minced fresh fish. This Namerou was made with blue-backed fish like mackerel or sardines, and it was incredibly flavorful and fresh – a perfect appetizer or side dish.

What’s really cool about Takamaru Suisan is that it’s a standing sushi bar, giving it a unique and authentic Japanese vibe. It seems to be a spot that even locals might be surprised I found, which makes it even more special. If you’re a seafood lover and looking for a delicious and affordable Kaisendon experience in Shinbashi, Takamaru Suisan is the place to go!

Final Thoughts

Both Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Shinbashi and Takamaru Suisan are fantastic restaurants offering unique and delicious dining experiences in Shinbashi, Tokyo. From the flavorful Maze Soba and Tsukemen at Sugoi Niboshi Ramen to the incredibly fresh and affordable Kaisendon at Takamaru Suisan, these spots are definitely worth checking out. If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, be sure to add these hidden gems to your itinerary!