Ichirikiya

Open the menu at Ichirikiya and you are greeted by an enticing variety: traditional mori soba, piping-hot seeded broth varieties, rice bowls, and even Chinese-style ramen. Situated in Yahiro, Sumida Ward, this neighborhood noodle shop serves unpretentious, hearty meals that easily satisfy a healthy appetite.

Fragrant Fried Dishes and Chewy Soba

For a refreshing cold meal, the tenzaru soba—served alongside crisp shrimp and vegetable tempura—is a standout. The pale, smooth noodles offer a pleasant, firm chew that contrasts neatly with the light crunch of freshly fried batter. When cold weather calls for something hot, options like torinanban featuring tender chicken and scallions, rich duck-based kamonanban, or tentoji with its shrimp tempura gently bound in fluffy egg, all let the dashi-infused broth warm you up.

Satisfying Rice Bowl and Noodle Combos

Those arriving particularly hungry will appreciate the shop's combination sets. The pairing of a substantial katsudon (pork cutlet bowl) with soba is a natural favorite, while the curry donburi—steeped in savory dashi broth with just the right touch of sweetness and thickness—is equally tempting. Diners are not limited to soba or udon for their noodle side; these sets can also be ordered with chuka soba, evoking the nostalgic, gentle broth of old-fashioned street-cart ramen.

Side Dishes and Casual Dining

A selection of casual sides, including stewed pork offal (motsu nikomi), sliced fish cake with wasabi (itawasa), and deep-fried chicken cartilage, pairs naturally with a draft beer or sake while waiting for the main course. From a solo weekday lunch to an unhurried family gathering, the calm downtown atmosphere makes it easy to dine at your own pace.