Hirabayashi Shokudo

Located along a shopping street in Sanno, Ota Ward, Hirabayashi Shokudo makes its mark with carefully crafted mazemen—a style of brothless mixed noodles. The centerpiece of the menu is their homemade bacon mazemen, pairing thick noodles with house-cured bacon and aromatic grilled leeks. A gentle, well-rounded specialty sauce coats the noodles, accentuating the natural, understated savoriness of the pork rather than overwhelming it with salt. A dusting of ichimi chili or sansho pepper halfway through sharpens the aroma and brings a welcome change of pace.

For those seeking a bolder hit of spice, the green curry mazemen is a standout option. Made from scratch, the spicy curry soup is served alongside tender, slow-cooked chicken and seasonal grilled vegetables steeped in dashi broth, with both warm and chilled preparations available. Diners who want to experience both can opt for a half-and-half bowl featuring two noodle styles, and finishing off the leftover sauce or soup with a small bite-sized portion of rice is a favored tradition.

To accompany the noodles, the drinks menu includes homemade plum soda and Singha beer, while small plates like snack portions of chicken and bacon make it easy to unwind before the main bowl arrives. The shop operates primarily on Fridays for lunch and dinner, accommodating dine-in guests and accepting PayPay for payment.