Discovering Hidden Gem Soba Shops in Cleese, Tokyo

The spotlight shines on Cleese City in Tokyo, the birthplace of renowned singer Akina Nakamori, as Tsukaji Takeshi from the comedic duo Drunk Dragon embarks on a culinary expedition. The journey begins at the Seibu Ikebukuro Line’s Kiyose Station, where you can hear the iconic melodies of Akina’s classics, "DESIRE - Jounetsu -" and "Second Love" serving as the train departure tunes. The station ambiance brings a nostalgic feel as Tsukaji even gives a humorous rendition of one of her verses!

As he strolls through the charming streets of Cleese, an eye-catching banner catches his attention – it reads, “Fresh honey from beehives on the rooftop of the city hall.” Intrigued, Tsukaji decides to check it out. Upon arriving, a city hall staff member reveals that they indeed keep bees on the rooftop. With an adventurous spirit and donning protective gear against bees, he ascends to the rooftop. Tsukaji finds himself mesmerized, nervously commenting, "There are so many honeybees! I would be panicking if even one got loose!" Yet, he can’t help but smile, realizing he’s about to indulge in a rare treat: local honey! As he tastes the honey straight from the comb, his excitement peaks – “Wow! This is amazing! It tastes so rich and pure. I apologize, little bees, for being so scared of you. This is absolutely delicious!”

His next destination is a hidden stand-up soba noodle shop, recommended by viewers who emailed about an exceptional soba joint located a bit outside of Cleese City. Tsukaji acts on the inquiries like a diligent investigator from a different show, eager to discover the shop’s background.

The shop is a 20-minute walk from Kiyose Station, nestled in a quiet area devoid of nearby eateries. There it stands, "Marusu Soba and Udon Center". The name piques Tsukaji’s curiosity, who recalls the character Jet Mars from the anime series inspired by Osamu Tezuka. This only adds to the restaurant's allure.

Marusu was started by a devoted soba enthusiast who, with no professional training, learned the art of soba from a modest katsuobushi wholesaler in Higashi-Kurume, Tokyo. By acquiring tips for achieving the perfect dashi, the shop opened its doors only last year. Tsukaji, intrigued by the unique offerings, decides to try the “Natto Tempura,” a variant found in few places. He takes a bite and exclaims, “The aroma of the fried coating blends wonderfully with the smell of natto! Wow! It’s crispy on the outside, while inside, the natto remains delightfully sticky and flavorful! Plus, the crust is thick enough that it doesn’t fall apart!”

The savory dipping sauce paired with the chewy thick noodles enhances the experience exponentially. Tsukaji enjoys the open shop layout, commenting, “It feels like dining outside! The gentle breeze adds to the atmosphere.” Leaving the shop, he stops to sign the wall, a request from the owner, leaving a lasting mark at Marusu Soba.

The journey doesn’t end here – next, Tsukaji ventures to Nishikasai, a part of Tokyo populated by many from India, popularly dubbed Little India. There, he savors extraordinary tempura delights, promising viewers unforgettable culinary experiences in this warm-hearted quest for Japan’s beloved street food.

Tune in for a heartwarming adventure filled with delightful encounters and exceptional flavors as Tsukaji continues his exploration of stand-up soba shops!

(C) BS Nippon