Wanting to eat delicious soba for lunch, I decided to visit “Soba-dokoro Ichian,” a place I had been curious about for some time. Soba Ichian is a popular restaurant that can have waiting times during lunchtime, and its appeal lies not only in its soba but also in the opportunity to enjoy Yamagata specialties. This time, I will introduce in detail the atmosphere of the restaurant and my impressions of the taste based on my actual visit.

What is the popular soba restaurant in Tendo, “Soba-dokoro Ichian”?

“Soba-dokoro Ichian,” located in Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a popular restaurant that receives particularly high support among the many soba restaurants in the area.
You can fully enjoy Yamagata’s soba, including “Niku Soba,” a soul food of Yamagata residents, and the hearty “Ita Soba.”

Additionally, it is also attractive because you can enjoy various Yamagata specialties, such as cold ramen and sauce katsudon.

Lines can form on weekends

It is a popular restaurant where lines can form during weekends and lunchtime, and it is said that many customers come from outside the prefecture. I often saw a lot of people lining up whenever I passed by the restaurant on holidays.

For those who want to avoid the line, it is recommended to visit after 2 PM or at other non-peak times.

From Yamagata specialty Niku Soba to Sauce Katsudon! A guide to the menu at Soba-dokoro Ichian

“Soba-dokoro Ichi-an” is appealing for its wide lineup, from soba to udon, ramen, and even katsudon. The prices are also reasonable, with a soba and tempura set costing just 950 yen! This overwhelming cost performance is also one of the reasons for its popularity.

Visited Tendo’s “Soba-dokoro Ichi-an”! A Visit Report

From here, we will introduce the impressions of the author actually visiting “Soba-dokoro Ichi-an,” along with photos!

Good Access Near Aeon Mall Tendo

“Soba-dokoro Ichian” is located near Aeon Mall Tendo, making it a convenient spot to stop by while shopping. For those taking the train, you can also walk from Tendo-Minami Station!

The parking is not only available in the first lot in front of the shop, but there are also second and third parking lots, so you can visit by car with peace of mind.

There is a line even in the early afternoon on weekends

This time, I visited around 2 PM on the weekend, and even after the peak lunch hours, there was still a line of about 10 people…! However, the turnover was quick, and we were able to enter the restaurant in about 15 minutes.

Finally entering! Spacious interior

Inside the store, there is a spacious area overflowing with the warmth of wood. From counter seats that are easy to use for solo visitors to cozy raised tatami seating, families and groups can also feel at ease using the space.

Tasting! Meat Soba and Two-Color Itasoba at Soba Shop Ichian

There were so many appealing menu items that it was hard to decide, but I ordered my favorite Yamagata specialty, meat soba! The thick, hearty soba noodles go perfectly with the broth, which is infused with the rich flavor of chicken. The chewy texture of the adult chicken also adds an accent, making it so delicious that I couldn’t stop eating.

The noodles are also very filling, so it is recommended to visit when you are hungry.

By the way, since this visit was during the cold season, I chose the warm meat soba, but it seems that many people in Yamagata Prefecture opt for cold meat soba even in winter. I also want to visit again to try the cold meat soba!

Impressive volume! Two-color board soba

For those who want to eat both soba, Chinese noodles, and tempura, we also recommend this two-color board soba (950 yen). You can enjoy two types of Yamagata-style noodles: country soba and Chinese noodles! It also comes with grated nameko mushrooms, which is a nice point as you can change the flavor partway through and enjoy it.

The tempura includes four kinds: chicken tempura, chikuwa tempura, pumpkin tempura, and okra tempura. In the past, it was served with Yamagata’s specialty squid tentacle tempura, but due to the recent shortage of squid, the menu has been changed (※it is possible to order it separately).

Here is the squid leg tempura ordered individually. (350 yen each) It is a popular item as a classic Yamagata-style tempura. As you can see in the photo, the portion size is impressive!

The outside was crispy, the inside was soft, and the more you chewed, the more the flavor of the squid spread, creating a simple yet satisfying taste.

Access and Store Information for ‘Soba-dokoro Ichi-an’

‘Soba-dokoro Ichi-an’ is a 3-minute drive from Tendo-Minami Station. It is also within walking distance, so it is convenient even for those using the train for sightseeing.

Summary

If you are looking for a delicious soba restaurant in Tendo City, be sure to consider “Soba-dokoro Ichian.” You can enjoy Yamagata’s specialty meat soba or indulge in a tasting comparison with the two-color ita soba. There was a line, but it was soba that left you feeling satisfied and wanting to come again. When you visit Tendo, be sure to stop by.

Here is the store information for Soba-dokoro Ichian

Also worth reading

[Yamagata, Tendo City] Indian Restaurant Sultan | A place where you can enjoy authentic Indian cuisine at reasonable prices

"Indian Restaurant Sultan" in Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a popular restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Indian and Pakistani cuisine. The appeal lies in savoring fragrant, spice-rich curries, freshly baked fluffy naan, and uniquely flavorful desserts in an exotic atmosphere. It is perfect for lunch or dinner with family or friends and is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy authentic Indian cuisine in Tendo City. This time, we actually tried various dishes at Sultan! We will provide...

"Indian Restaurant Sultan" in Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a popular restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Indian and Pakistani cuisine. The appeal lies in savoring fragrant, spice-rich curries, freshly baked fluffy naan, and uniquely flavorful desserts in an exotic atmosphere. It is perfect for lunch or dinner with family or friends and is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy authentic Indian cuisine in Tendo City. This time, we actually tried various dishes at Sultan! We will provide...