Uji, Kyoto, Japan｜Shubaku

came here unplanned while strolling the alley. since we just got off from Keihan-Uji Station and didn't have lunch, we decided to try this soba. it was a great decision! they got English menu and cute hand-drawn instructions on how to enjoy the soba. ordered cold Zaru Soba (100% Buckwheat Soba), a tiny rice bowl with crunchy bits topping (I forgot the name), and sake. The rice bowl was good, it has crunchy bits topped with chopped green onion on it. seems weird for us at first, but, somehow we couldn't stop eating it and crave for more. And don't get me started with the cold soba. It was delicious, even though only plain buckwheat noodles were served with soy sauce-based dipping sauce, wasabi, and chopped white part of green onions; simplicity at its finest! after we finished the soba, they gave us a pot of soba broth. they told us to mix the broth with leftover dipping sauce according to our taste. it said that the soba broth is good for our health The sake was great too! smooth, fragrance, not too dry with just a hint of sweetness.

We got here 10 minutes before opening but there was already a line and we ended up waiting around an hour. The soba is simple but delicious. We also tried their rice dishes, but the soba is the star of the show. Their soba ice cream is also delicious.

If you visit Uji, this Shubaku is one of the places that you should not miss. Hand made and fresh cooked soba is the best I have ever experienced. Staffs are also very friendly and welcome foreigners. Hand writing menu and instruction are very cute, thoughtful and help us a lot to understand how to order and enjoy. 🍜 ❤️👍🙏