Sarashina Horii Honten: A Culinary Time Machine in Azabujyuban, Tokyo”
Located in the heart of Azabujyuban, Tokyo, Sarashina Horii Honten is a culinary gem that invites you to savor the rich history of Soba while experiencing the refined taste of Sarashina Soba.
Established in 1789 by Nunoya Tahei, a textile merchant, this historic Soba restaurant has gracefully navigated the currents of time for over two centuries. In 1876, during the Meiji Era, the fifth proprietor altered the restaurant’s name from Nunoya to Horii, cementing its role as a guardian of Japan’s culinary heritage.
Sarashina Soba, renowned for its refined taste, once captivated the palates of Edo citizens, including the Shogun family and the feudal lords in Edo Castle. Today, the Horii family continues this tradition, faithfully serving the same high-quality Sarashina Soba that has delighted generations.
Each generation of the Horii family has inherited the time-honored recipe and refined their skills to perfection, ensuring that every bowl of Sarashina Soba embodies centuries of culinary mastery. Their dedication to preserving tradition has made Sarashina Horii Honten a revered destination for food enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Beyond its historical significance, the restaurant’s location in Azabujyuban adds to its allure, immersing visitors in a historic ambiance that transports them to old Japan. The moment you step through its doors, you are transported to a bygone era, where tradition converges with modernity to create an inviting and enchanting atmosphere.
What distinguishes Sarashina Horii Honten is its unique technique for crafting Sarashina Soba, resulting in signature white soba noodles. While traditional methods often yield brown noodles due to buckwheat husks, Sarashina Horii’s process produces noodles of unparalleled whiteness and delicacy, a testament to their commitment to innovation while honoring tradition.
The menu caters to every palate, offering an array of soba creations. For those seeking simplicity, cold soba with dipping sauce (starting at ¥900) is a culinary masterpiece. For a richer experience, the kamo seiro (cold soba with warm dipping sauce and grilled duck; ¥2,090) or the natto soba (¥1,590) are delightful options.
Warm soba lovers can savor dishes like kamo nanban with grilled duck slices (¥2,090) or the classic tempura soba (starting at ¥2,040). The diverse menu showcases the restaurant’s dedication to preserving tradition while embracing culinary innovation.
As members of the “Toto Noren Kai,” an association of renowned establishments with centuries of history, Sarashina Horii Honten continues to serve Sarashina Soba with an unchanging taste, preserving the essence of Japan’s culinary heritage.
In every bite of Sarashina Soba at Sarashina Horii Honten, you taste the essence of centuries gone by. Travel back in time, savor the history, and discover why Sarashina Horii Honten has stood the test of time. When in Tokyo, don’t miss the chance to embark on a culinary voyage that transcends generations, providing a glimpse into the past while delivering flavors that are as timeless as they are unforgettable.