SOBA CAFE IKEMORI

Located along an Akasaka side street, SOBA CAFE IKEMORI comfortably broadens the boundaries of classic chilled zaru soba. Served in a relaxed cafe-style dining room, the menu centers on textured juwari (100% buckwheat) soba accompanied by an array of creative dipping broths made with inventive ingredient pairings. Diners can match their mood by choosing either rangiri juwari—rustic noodles with varied thickness—or smooth, refined sarashina juwari.

One signature choice is Kakumei Tsukesoba, featuring an original warm dipping broth accented by crisp green onions, spicy black pepper, and perilla oil that lends depth and fragrance. Dipping the unevenly cut rangiri noodles into the broth brings together pungent spice and savory dashi, delivering a punchy profile distinctly different from traditional dipping sauces. Another option, the Noko Kurumi Tsukesoba, blends raw walnuts with soy milk for a mellow finish, where condiments like green onion and ginger introduce a pleasant shift between rich nuttiness and crisp contrast.

Comparing Flavors and the Final Sip

For those wanting to sample multiple options, the Ikemori Select Set lets diners pick either rangiri or sarashina noodles and two dipping broths from four choices: refreshing lemon, mushroom, rich walnut, and tomato soy milk peperoncino. Diners can also order extra dipping broth during the meal to explore even more flavor variations. At the close of the meal, diluting the remaining broth with hot buckwheat cooking water allows every trace of dashi aroma to be enjoyed.

Side selections such as a special kakiage fritter with plump shrimp and raw-egg-over-rice (TKG) made with carefully chosen eggs provide satisfying additions for a fuller meal. With coffee, alcoholic beverages, and desserts on hand, the calm interior works well for an unhurried solo lunch or a later bite.