Sho-An

Sho-An
7 Chome-2-12 Ginza
Chuo
Tokyo
Kanto 104-0061
Japan

https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13133616/

Tenzaru Soba / Tempura Moriawase Zaru Soba / Tempura Assortment Chilled Buckwheat Noodles (JPY ¥2,300)

Excellent Tempura And Soba, Made-To-Order

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 9
Ambience & Setting: 8
Food & Beverage: 9
Service: 9
Value for Money: 9
Spent about JPY ¥2,300 / SGD $21 per person.

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A hidden gem established some time before July 2014, Sho-An, also known as Osoba Shoan, is a small casual restaurant celebrated for its hand-crafted soba / buckwheat noodles made using traditional time-honoured techniques. Sho-An is beloved by locals, so expect to queue for the limited seats here.

Ambience at Sho-An is warm, casual, and inviting. The dimly lit dining space has just 8 counter seats, around a large serving counter, with a wine chiller behind. The seats are plush, almost like a lounge, and it's easy to converse with staff or guests.

Service at Sho-An is polite and efficient. Staff are quick to greet and seat guests, and clean up quickly when diners leave. However, note that the menus are solely in Japanese, though translation apps and pointing work. I note that staff work quickly and discreetly.

Food at Sho-An is traditional Japanese cuisine, focused on soba / buckwheat noodles. Chef and apprentice make dishes fresh from scratch daily, the consistent quality evidence of their mastery. Portions are sized for individuals. Prices are wallet-friendly, budget about JPY ¥2,300 / SGD $21 per person.

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Sho-An Exterior

Sho-An Interior

Sho-An Menu

Visited for the Tenzaru Soba / Tempura Moriawase Zaru Soba / Tempura Assortment Chilled Buckwheat Noodles (JPY ¥2,300), and we weren't disappointed. Every component ingredient was executed to perfection, and the meal was such a delight.

Tenzaru Soba / Tempura Moriawase Zaru Soba / Tempura Assortment Chilled Buckwheat Noodles (JPY ¥2,300)

The Mugicha / Roasted Barley Tea, served in a ceramic mug, was warm and soulful. Good!

Mugicha / Roasted Barley Tea

The Tsukemono / Assorted Pickles here features a medley of pickled green vegetables, and serves a refreshing contrast to the meal. Good!

Tsukemono / Assorted Pickles

For variety, the Daikon Oroshi / Grated Daikon Radish also helps refresh the palate, and I found myself alternating between the pickles and this. Good!

Daikon Oroshi / Grated Daikon Radish

The Negi To Wasabi / Green Onions And Wasabi are the traditional garnishes for the zaru soba / chilled buckwheat noodles, served on the side for you to add as you wish.

Negi To Wasabi / Green Onions And Wasabi

The Zaru Soba / Chilled Buckwheat Noodles are hand-made and served chilled, alongside a Tsuyu / Noodles Dipping Sauce. What I like about their rendition is the firmness to texture, a good al-dente bite. The sauce was full-flavoured and strong, a light dip was sufficient to impart good flavour without being overly intense. Highly recommended!

Zaru Soba / Chilled Buckwheat Noodles

Zaru Soba / Chilled Buckwheat Noodles

Tsuyu / Noodles Dipping Sauce

The Tempura Moriawase / Tempura Assortment features an assortment of 8 pieces of tempura battered ingredients, each perfectly executed. Golden yellow, the batter has a light crisp crunch without being greasy, holding to the ingredient well without falling apart. The ingredients themselves are fresh, you still get the natural taste within. Absolutely addictive. Highly recommended!