01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Climb the stairs to the 2nd floor of a building along Ome Kaido, and Masudaya welcomes you with relaxed, everyday comfort and an extensive menu. The pale, glossy buckwheat noodles are refreshed in cold water for a remarkably smooth slide down the throat, and generous portions ensure a genuinely satisfying midday meal.
When you want something light and slippery to slurp, the tsuketoro soba—served with plenty of grated Japanese mountain yam—is an easy favorite. Swirl the slightly sweet, gentle dipping broth into the velvety yam to coat each mouthful, and finish by adding hot cooking water (sobayu) to savor the remaining flavors to the last sip. For something richer, the kamo seiro comes with a small side of rice and dipping broth packed with depth. Plunging cold noodles into the steaming broth releases the savory essence of dashi and duck fat, keeping chopsticks moving briskly.
Masudaya is just as dependable for combinations pairing noodles with rice dishes. Choices range from tendon sets featuring crisply fried prawns and vegetables to oyakodon sets coated in savory dashi-simmered egg, alongside complete set meals like simmered mackerel or fried chicken that readily appease serious appetites.
Arranged with both street-facing counter seating and regular tables, the dining room carries an unhurried calmness well-suited to dining solo. Appetizers such as itawasa fish cake, simmered tripe, and tempura platters pair naturally with draft beer or regional sake for an easy afternoon drink before noodles. Keep some cash on hand before heading upstairs, as payment is strictly cash only.
