Bazoku Asakusa

Bazoku Asakusa-ten is a chuka soba restaurant specializing in handmade noodles, located in Kaminarimon 2-chome, a 4-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Asakusa Line, Ginza Line). This Asakusa branch of Bazoku, whose main store is in Nippori, is known as a hidden gem where you can savor handmade noodles in a relaxed atmosphere, free from the bustling crowds of the main store. The greatest feature is the noodles, which are made by hand right in the restaurant. The process of repeatedly pounding the dough, gradually thinning it down, is a famous performance that can be observed through a glass partition. The resounding "BAAN" sound of the pounding creates a lively ambiance within the restaurant. The signature Tantanmen (Dandan noodles) (1200 yen) features a light-bodied, less assertive Tantan soup, taking a unique approach with mild spiciness and a slightly pronounced sourness. It offers a different direction from the rich, sesame paste-based Tantanmen, crafted to highlight the translucent, chewy, and smooth handmade noodles as the star of the dish. The Bazoku Tsukemen (dipping noodles) (1400 yen) comes with a unique tsukejiru (dipping soup) that hints at both sourness and sweetness, setting it apart from other rich pork bone and seafood-based tsukemen. A new menu item, the Black Sesame Tantanmen (1300 yen), is a non-spicy Tantanmen that can be enjoyed even by those who dislike spiciness. It features rare white thin noodles made from 100% cake flour, complemented by a rich black sesame soup accented with star anise. For sides, the large gyoza (dumplings) boast a chewy skin, with the attractive texture coming from skins made using the same method as the noodles. Yakisoba (fried noodles) has also become a deeply rooted menu item, frequently enjoyed by local regulars.