A 6-minute walk from JR Kunitachi Station, tucked away just past the hustle of the town, sits Chuka Soba Shodai Nobu.
It was here that I experienced a shock that hit me like a hammer: the brilliant marriage of animal and seafood broths!
Join me as I thoroughly break down the entire charm of this high-level masterpiece, created by the earnest owner, complete with photos.
This Is Our Must-Try Order!
・The Signature Chuka Soba (XL / Flat Noodle) - ¥1200
・Menu Items in Japanese：中華そば 特盛 真空平打(14番)
Breaking Down the Broth's Brilliant Balance
When you take a sip, the rich flavors of the animal and seafood stocks immediately burst in your mouth. What’s astonishing is that instead of competing, their Umami profiles enhance each other, creating a synergy that walks a tightrope on an exquisite balance.
This flavor, possessing both richness and refinement, can honestly be called a masterpiece—a true work of art.
It’s clear this is a decadent soup, presumably made with an abundance of high-quality ingredients. Considering the sheer perfection and high-level completion of this broth, there is no doubt that this bowl offers incredible value for the price.
Analyzing the Noodles: Texture & Broth Synergy
I went with my personal favorite: the flat noodles.These high-hydration noodles are chewy and incredibly elastic, clearly crafted with a strong will not to surrender their spotlight to the rich broth.
This resistance gives them an excellent, firm texture.The noodles maintain a superb balance, pairing perfectly with the soup while keeping their presence known.
They have great thickness and fantastic broth-coating power. The texture gives you a mental image of the chicken, pork, and seafood happily taking a nap right on top of the flat surface—a truly synergistic experience!
As you can see on the menu, the shop always offers not only a variety of thicknesses but also specialized noodles developed specifically for the Miso soups, truly showcasing the owner's dedication and passion.
The varieties are displayed in the following order (from left to right):
Extra Thin → Regular → Medium Thick → Vacuum Flat → Extra Thick (for Miso Dipping Ramen) → Regular (for Miso Ramen)
Chashu Analysis: Tender and Essential Topping
The ultra-tender chashu, so soft it can be easily sliced with just your chopsticks, is made from pork shoulder belly.
It boasts an excellent balance of lean and fatty meat, ensuring it's incredibly juicy and mellow without being too heavy or oily. This is what you would call a "drinkable" type of meat—an irresistible finish for any pork enthusiast!
The seasoning on the pork is perfectly restrained, allowing its flavor to beautifully complement and entwine with the magnificent soup.
A Look at the Other Toppings
The thick-cut menma (bamboo shoots) are a joy to eat, providing a pleasant crispy and crunchy texture that is very satisfying!
The classic toppings essential to Chuka Soba—the nori (seaweed) and the finely sliced scallions (naganegi)—also do a great job, perfectly complementing the flavor profile.
Table Seasonings: Enhance Your Flavor
Lined up from left to right, you'll find black pepper, followed by the Garlic Vinegar, Vinegar, and Red Chili Pepper Flakes (Takanotsume), with toothpicks nestled in between.
It's a fantastic bonus to know that although not directly on the table, the shop also keeps house-made chili oil (La Yu) readily available!
If you decide you need a flavor change halfway through your meal, engaging with these condiments is half the fun. The spices are great for stimulating your appetite, while the vinegar is an excellent supporting player to lighten the flavor as your stomach gets full.
Shop Information & Access
Address
東京都国立市中１丁目１４−４５
Nearest Station
JR Kunitachi station. 6-minute walk from the South Exit .
Phone
042-507-7945Hours
Irregular Holidays: The shop may have irregular closures. Always check their official SNS for the latest information before visiting.
Payment Methods
・Cash: Accepted (You need to write this down with a pencil on paper.)
・QR Code Payments (e.g., PayPay): Accepted
・Credit Cards: Not Accepted
・IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo, etc.): Not Accepted
Reservations
Not Accepted
Parking & Bicycle Parking
Not Available.
Official Website / SNS
Tabelog: Chuka Soba Shodai Nobu - Kunitachi/Ramen | Tabelog
Facebook: https://ja-jp.facebook.com/shodainobu
Review conclusion
The bowl I had today was truly a masterpiece, perfectly deserving the title "Rich yet Artistic.
The divine, perfectly balanced double-soup is sharp yet complex—a flavor you'll want to drink to the last drop. This creates an incredible synergy with the customizable, high-quality noodles.
The dedication and passion of the owner shine through in every element. This is definitely a bowl every ramen enthusiast must try. It's worth the wait when you're in Kunitachi!
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed the review!