Benkei

When a hearty appetite calls for soba, Benkei answers with uncommon generosity, serving cold noodles in a default 2-portion heap. Situated along a street near Edogawabashi Station, this noodle house and izakaya goes well beyond standard mori and zaru soba, offering formats designed to highlight contrasting styles. Most distinctive is the nishoku soba, which arranges delicate, pale Sarashina noodles alongside rustic, chewy inaka buckwheat, and the playful sanshoku soba, which adds springy Chinese ramen noodles into the mix. Dipping back and forth between strands of contrasting chew and character makes for an engaging meal, elevated even further when paired with crisp tempura in the nishoku tenzaru.

From Lunch Rice Bowls to Late-Night Slurps

Lunchtime draws an energetic mix of solo diners and small groups with daily lunch specials and sets pairing rice bowls, such as katsudon, with soba. Come evening, the setting shifts toward a relaxed soba izakaya. Beside classic starters, the kitchen plates unexpected fare including bite-sized soba maki rolls, mackerel sushi, skewered whale, and fresh seafood. For those winding down after drinks, nocturnal half-portion choices such as the chokotto soba and chokotto kake satisfy late-night noodle cravings without feeling heavy.

Seating includes both counter stools and dining tables, and PayPay payments are accepted. Whether stopping in for a bountiful midday lunch or a quiet midnight bowl and drink, Benkei remains a steadfast neighbourhood option.