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Kyoto Lunch Guide: Shofukutei
Shinmachi Street, stretching north to south through downtown Kyoto, is rich with history and traditional charm, having flourished as a main thoroughfare since the Heian period. Nestled along this historic street is "Shofukutei"—a local favorite that deserves a top spot on any Kyoto lunch guide.
Just a Five-Minute Walk from Gojo Station! A Local Haven for the Takaokaya Team
Hop on the subway from Kyoto Station and get off just one stop later at Gojo Station. A quick five-minute walk from Exit 8 brings you to the restaurant, where hungry regulars stream through the noren curtains in search of their favorite noodles and rice bowls.
In fact, team members from Takaokaya are among those loyal regulars. Everyone recharges their energy for the afternoon with a delicious lunch at Shofukutei.
Founded in 1938: The Fragrant Aroma of Dashi Filling the Street
Founded in 1938, this neighborhood gem has been beloved by locals for generations, filling Shinmachi Street with the rich aroma of bonito dashi every morning. When I used to commute to Takaokaya from Kyoto Station, I often passed by the shop, and that savory morning aroma never failed to lift my spirits.
Thoughtfully Sourced Ingredients for Health and Wellness
Both the udon and tea-infused cha-soba noodles are handmade in-house. The vegetables are sourced directly from Kameoka, and premium Rishiri kelp is selected for the broth. This painstaking commitment to ingredients comes down to one simple wish: "We want to serve food that is as good for everyone's health as possible."
By the way, Shofukutei's signature noodles are "cha-soba," characterized by their vibrant green color. With every bite, a gentle aroma and subtle sweetness of Uji matcha spread across the palate. Kneading Uji matcha into the dough originally started with the customers' nutritional benefits in mind.
Favorite Dishes of the Takaokaya Team
Here are the go-to dishes that team members at Takaokaya frequently order at Shofukutei:
(Pictures from left to right: Katsudon + Soba Set, Nabeyaki Udon + Kayaku Rice Set, Age Curry Don + Cold Soba Set)
＊Hearty and Satisfying! Katsudon (Pork Cutlet Bowl + Soba Set)
A truly satisfying dish made with a generous pour of their signature dashi broth. The velvety egg and savory broth coat the rice perfectly, giving us the energy we need to power through the afternoon. It's the ultimate pick when you're craving a full, satisfying meal.
＊A Winter Classic! Nabeyaki Udon (Hot Pot Udon + Kayaku Rice Set)
Packed with ingredients like shrimp tempura, beef, spinach, green onion, fish cake, and nori. The rich flavors of each ingredient melt into the broth, creating an exceptionally delicious taste. On cold days, this dish warms you right up to the core. It comes paired with kayaku rice (kayaku gohan)—a traditional Kansai-style seasoned mixed rice where short-grain rice is simmered directly in dashi, soy sauce, and sake along with carrots, deep-fried tofu (aburaage), and wild mountain vegetables (sansai).
＊Appetizing and Dashi-Infused! Age Curry Don (Deep-Fried Tofu Curry Bowl + Soba Set)
A savory curry rice bowl loaded with deep-fried tofu and green onions. The silky, dashi-infused curry sauce coats the rice, instantly whetting your appetite. Since the curry sauce is piping hot, my personal preference is to order the set with cold soba noodles (laughs). The contrast between hot and cold is simply irresistible.
A Perfect Addition to Your Kyoto Stroll with this Kyoto Lunch Guide
Shofukutei is just a 7 to 8-minute walk from Takaokaya. How about visiting Takaokaya in the morning to order custom Kangu relaxation goods, and then heading over to Shofukutei for lunch? It makes for a wonderful, authentic Kyoto day trip.