つけそば九六 (Tsukesoba Kuro in Izumi-Tamagawa, Tokyo)

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つけそば九六

Kuro is one of the most popular thick gyokai-style tsukemen spots out on Tokyo’s western border with Kanagawa. Just a few minute’s walk from the Tama River, you’ll find a line much longer than a few minutes. It’s your typical high-quality tsukemen joint, with a twist. Kuro serves a broth spiked with their original curry spice blend.

Of course, as I usually don’t research shops before I go, I didn’t know that the curry tsukemen was their special, unique offering. I went with a regular bowl of tsukemen, a small amount of noodles, and extra toppings.

These days I usually get the smallest size of noodles on offer. I also usually avoid tokusei (特製). Tokusei means special, and most shops offer it as a topping choice. Extra everything is a good translation. An egg topping is the way to go, but today a few more slices of sous vide chashu were in order.

Another solid thick tsukemen in Tokyo. This one is made with chicken bones and vegetables boiled on high until the broth is rich and creamy. Shitake mushrooms and clams round out the umami undertones. Specialty Fukuju soy sauce from Tokushima (徳島の福寿醤油) gives the salty kick. Noodles are made in house.

All in all a great bowl, but there are a few shops like this closer to central Tokyo. In hindsight, I would have ordered the curry tsukemen as it is something you won’t find anywhere else.

If for some reason you find yourself on a bicycle out here, the nearby Tama River is a gorgeous part of Tokyo that most foreigners skip. In the summer, hundreds if not thousands of people are out there having barbecues. The river stretches from Haneda airport at its mouth to Lake Okutama in the north. Enjoy the ride!

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