soba MAREN Shibuya

"soba MAREN Shibuya branch" is a specialty mazesoba (soupless ramen) shop located on the 1st floor of SHIBUYA Limited Building at Maruyama-cho 10-16, a 4-minute walk from Keio Inokashira Line Shinsen Station or a 7-minute walk from Shibuya Station. Opened on December 8, 2023, it is a relatively new establishment, serving as the Shibuya outpost of a brand that operates four shops in Osaka. Its main characteristic is a unique composition with a strong Japanese essence, based on the concept of "Supreme Mazesoba crafted by a Japanese Restaurant." The signature Tori Shio Mazesoba (Chicken Salt Mazesoba) (1,150 yen) features an Italian-inspired visual with a thick, dark green, paste-like sauce. While grounded in chicken umami and salt, it is elegantly elevated by the fragrant spread of perilla (shiso) oil. The medium-thick noodles offer a delightful chewy texture, cooked to a soft-chewy consistency that makes them easy to eat and enjoyable to the very last bite. Toppings include lemon, shibazuke-style pickles, hosaki menma (tender bamboo shoots), chicken breast, and pork chashu. A classic way to savor this dish is to wrap the noodles with the rare chashu. Beyond the signature dish, the menu offers diverse variations such as Shoyu Mazesoba (Soy Sauce Mazesoba), Chashu Tori Shio Mazesoba with Perilla Oil, and a soup-based Gyokai Tori Paitan Soba (Seafood Chicken Paitan Soba) for 1,100 yen. Many repeat customers visit to explore and compare these different flavors. One of the greatest delights is the complimentary mini rice (shime no mini meshi) served at the end of the meal. Mixing it with the leftover sauce creates a highly satisfying "rice dobon aburasoba" (rice dropped into soupless ramen sauce), offering a fresh experience even for those accustomed to mazesoba. The stylish, compact interior, reminiscent of a bar, creates a welcoming atmosphere suitable for solo diners or dates. Please note that payment is cashless only. Guests are requested to purchase their tickets from the outdoor vending machine using a credit card, e-money, or QR code payment before entering the shop. Those who prefer to use cash should be aware of this unique process.