Popular Dishes at Japanese Train Stations: A Guide to Station Soba and Udon

Exploring train stations in Japan is not just about reaching your destination; it’s also a unique opportunity to experience local cuisine. One of the most common and popular dishes served at station restaurants is eki-soba, or station soba. This guide will walk you through the steps to order the correct meal and enjoy a taste of traditional Japanese flavors.

Understanding Eki-Soba

Eki-soba is a type of soba (buckwheat noodles) that you can find at many train stations in Japan. These establishments are conveniently located, often on the platform or near the ticket gates, making them easily accessible to travelers.

Most station soba restaurants use a ticket machine to purchase your meal, although these machines may not be entirely in English. Typically, the menu options are listed with different toppings, and the pricing is the same across the board. Your safest bet is to look for the button with the highest price and press the second or third from the cheaper end. This will guide you to the most popular menu.

Ordering Your Eki-Soba

When you hand over your ticket to the staff, they might ask a follow-up question, such as whether you would prefer soba or udon. In most cases, it’s recommended to order soba. Even if you’re not entirely sure what you asked for, if you can slurp up the noodles with enthusiasm, it might be considered a great success!

Popular Toppings for Eki-Soba

Kakiage Tempura: A tempura mix of mixed vegetables, mainly onions, which might include small shrimp if you’re lucky. Raw Egg: The egg is typically served raw, but in some restaurants, it might be slightly heated, especially if you order a hot soup. In Japan, raw eggs are typically hygienic enough to eat.

If you speak Japanese or manage to find a restaurant with instructions in English, you can often request a slightly different topping by pressing the appropriate button on the machine. The process is straightforward, but it’s best to follow the machine’s guidance to ensure you get the topping you want.

Standing vs. Sitting

Most eki-soba stands do not provide chairs, and standing is considered the preferred method of enjoying your meal. Eating while standing is a part of the experience and allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the station. However, if you find a restaurant with chairs, you can enjoy your soba in a more comfortable setting.

Udon at Station Eateries in Nagoya

In Nagoya, there’s an interesting variation on this tradition. Kishimen, a unique type of udon noodle with a thinner and wider shape, is popular in local train station eateries. The key topping for kishimen is tamporoyaki, a grilled seasoned pork, which adds a savory aroma and flavor.

If you’re traveling with a Japan Rail Pass, you can find the best kishimen at stations on the conventional lines. Platforms 10 and 11 are recommended, as people have reported that the kishimen here is the best in Nagoya. This is a distinctive experience, and it might take some adjusting to eat udon instead of soba, but the flavors are worth exploring.

Final Tips

Ordering Strategy: Use the ticket machine and opt for soba unless you specifically want udon. Enjoy the Experience: Whether you’re standing or sitting, enjoy the moment and the taste of the noodles. Discover Local Flavors: If you visit Nagoya, try kishimen and its unique tamporoyaki topping.

Discovering the local flavors at train station eateries is part of the rich culinary experience in Japan. So, the next time you find yourself at a station, don’t just pass by the restaurant. Take a moment to enjoy a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine.