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A Culinary Exploration of Stand-Up Soba in Tokyo

In the heart of Tokyo, a new culinary trend is making waves through bustling neighborhoods, standing out for its delightful and unique offerings. On a recent episode of BS Nitte's show, popular Japanese comedian Tsukaji Takeshi from the comedy duo Drunk Dragon takes viewers on an adventure to experience Tokyo's staple dish: stand-up soba.

The First Stop: Itabashi's Hidden Gem

Tsukaji starts his journey in Itabashi Ward, where he strolls through the historic Nakajuku Shopping Street, a former post station dating back to the Edo period. Among the charming old shops, he discovers a converted rice shop, now serving takeout of rice balls (onigiri) and seaweed bento. Tsukaji, fond of rice balls, dives into a homemade green onion miso rice ball, reacting with genuine delight as he savors its flavors.

His main attraction, however, is a nearby stand-up soba shop, easily spotted by its bright red sign proclaiming “soba and udon.” This shop is run by a newlywed couple, with the husband as the chef and the wife managing the day-to-day operations. Their synergy adds a personal touch to the culinary experience, as they collaborate in crafting their flavorful broths and crispy tempura.

The standout offering here is an extravagant bowl of hot soba topped with the unique Okahijiki (a type of succulent) and the long, slender 'Marubou' eggplant tempura, along with deliciously fried pork. Tsukaji couldn't help but shout in excitement, “I've never seen an eggplant this long!” as he took his first bite. The combination of flavors had him enthralled: “The soy sauce is rich, with a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and a hint of acidity,” he exclaimed, fully embracing the depth of flavors in each sip of their signature broth.

The couple’s dedication to sourcing high-quality ingredients causes some challenges for the wife, who manages the financial side of the business. Yet, Tsukaji reassured her with a chuckle, acknowledging, “This must be costing a pretty penny!” as he finishes the sumptuous bowl with utmost satisfaction.

The Second Stop: Fuji-minami's Meat Soba

Following an exciting first stop, Tsukaji heads to Fuji-minami in Tokyo, where another stand-up soba shop awaits. In this lively commercial district, they introduce an innovative meat soba dish that has been captivating locals. This segment promises to showcase more unique flavors and highlight the dynamic food culture of Tokyo.

With each culinary adventure, Tsukaji builds connections with local shop owners and fellow food enthusiasts, illustrating the heartwarming spirit of stand-up soba shops across the city. Whether it's the exquisite taste of their dishes or the warmth of the interactions, this food journey encapsulates both the flavors and the stories that make Tokyo a fantastic destination for food lovers.

Tune in to BS Nitte every Monday at 10 PM to join Drunk Dragon’s Tsukaji as he continues to seek out the best stand-up soba shops, celebrating Japan's culinary heritage while creating unforgettable memories with each bowl.

Show Credits

• - Broadcast Date: November 17th (Monday), at 10 PM
• - Channel: BS Nitte / BS Nitte 4K
• - Host: Tsukaji Takeshi (Drunk Dragon)
• - Narrator: Yanagiya Kyotaro

Take a step into Japan's vibrant street food culture through Tsukaji's journey and discover how these stand-up soba shops keep the tradition alive with style and flavor.