Koeiya

At Koeiya, the Ojiya Curry Udon offers a second pleasure beneath the noodles. Start with the curry broth and udon; towards the end of the meal, stir the grated-yam rice hidden at the bottom into the broth for an ochazuke-style finish. The menu advises eating without mixing everything together at the start. Some diners praise the dashi-rich curry broth and the satisfying combination of noodles and rice. The bowl changes character as you eat.

For an even more striking bowl, try the Giga Tama Ojiya Curry Udon, which comes with 20 quail eggs. The menu also includes curry nanban, duck dipping soba made with duck, and kenchin soba. There are options for both hot noodles and soba served for dipping, making it easy to choose according to your mood. Koeiya is an option for lunch or dinner in Shimokitazawa, but payment is cash only, so plan accordingly.