Soba (Japanese buckwheat noodles) is a popular alternative to regular pasta as it is gluten free, low in calories and packed with nutrients! You might have noticed numerous traditional soba/udon restaurants dotted along the streets of Japan, such as renowned Yomoda Soba in Tokyo, Japan. Located in Icon Village Tanjong Pagar, Tokyo Soba is Yomoda Soba’s rebranded counterpart in Singapore.

Daily Made Fresh Soba

At Tokyo Soba, fresh soba is made daily in-store! They import all of the key ingredients for making soba directly from Japan, such as buckwheat flour, tempura flour, ingredients for making soup stock and more. In fact, their soba recipe here at Tokyo Soba is an improvised version of their original recipe back at Yomoda Soba.

In addition, Tokyo Soba does not use MSG or other chemical seasonings in their food, including the soup stock. Simply enjoy flavourful yet healthy soba with your colleagues, family and little ones with a peace of mind!

Extensive Menu

Besides soba, the restaurant also serves udon, mini rice bowls such as Japanese Sukiyaki Style ($10), and a variety of side dishes including mixed tempura and other fried/non-fried delights. Also, you can choose from several soba toppings, customise and spice up your bowl of noodles!

Introducing Tokyo Soba’s signature dish- Prawn Tempura Soba ($16.50), a heartwarming bowl of soba topped with seaweed and white onion, prawn tempura on the side. The tempura was crispy on the outside and the prawn was moist on the inside. The secret lies in Tokyo Soba’s dedication in serving tempura the traditional way- “take the tempura out of the oil before it is completely fried, so the residual heat will naturally steam the inside”.

Another bestseller is the Deep-Fried Pork Cutlet Soba ($16.50), soba served with a scrumptious serving of pork cutlet and homemade tonkatsu sauce. The tonkatsu was nicely fried, not too dry or oily. The homemade tonkatsu sauce packed the right amount of tanginess and sweetness, in contrast to store-bought sauce which can be too sweet and overpowering.

An alternative to traditional soba which is served hot, is Zaru Soba (cold soba served with seaweed, green onions and savoury dipping sauce). This refreshing and flavourful cold soba is great for cooling off on sweltering hot days! Furthermore, if you like the natural and distinct taste of buckwheat, you would certainly take a fancy to cold soba!

Calling udon fans, “thin udon” is served here at Tokyo Soba. Significantly thinner than regular udon, the smooth and lean noodles were ideal for slurping or immersing in cold dipping sauce.

Tip: If you are feeling hungry, upgrade your soba to large size at only $2. Top it off with a half boiled egg ($1).

From the side dishes menu, get your tempura fix by ordering Mixed Seafood Tempura ($8) or Mixed Vegetables Tempura ($3) for extra fibre. We tried the Natto Tsutsumi Age ($5.50), fried beancurd skin with stuffed natto. The crispy fried beancurd skin added another dimension to the silmy natto which some might find overwhelming. If you have been raring to try natto, this dish may just be right for you.

Complimentary Chilli Padi for Spice Lovers

While a regular bowl of freshly soba with Japanese shichimi is enough to warm the soul, some of you may prefer an additional touch of spiciness to your bowl of noodles. Simply request for a complimentary serving of freshly cut chilli padi from the staff!

Seasonal Menu

Tokyo Soba ups their menu with a seasonal menu which is refreshed every month. For the month of September, the seasonal dish is Salmon, Maitake & King Oyster Mushroom Tempura Soba ($16.50). The tempura is also available as an a-la-carte for $6.50. Check out Tokyo Soba Facebook for seasonal menu updates!

Final Thoughts

Tokyo Soba is a great spot for lunch, especially if you are working in Tanjong Pagar area. Moreover, there is no MSG used in their light yet flavourful dishes! If you miss the authentic soba served at traditional soba restaurants in Japan, drop by Tokyo Soba for a no-frills soba fix! Last but not least, if you prefer to have a healthy rice meal on some days, pop over to their sister store AmiYaki which also upholds a similar healthy cooking concept!

Tokyo Soba
Location: 12 Gopeng St, #01-12/13/14 Icon Village, Singapore 078877
Opening Hours: 11.30am - 10.00pm daily
Website | Facebook | Instagram

*This was an invited media tasting.

Enjoy reading our food articles? Check out similar ones below!

Kanada-Ya Review: Enjoy Special Ramen At 50% Off 2nd Bowl (4 - 30 September 2023)

Love Handle X NIKUVEGE™ Review: Limited-Time Japanese Plant-Based Menu (till 30th September)

Sō Ramen Review: New Truffle Ramen Available Till 30 September 2023