Craving soba, somen, ramen, udon, or all of the above? The Kanmen (meaning ‘dry noodles’) Grand Prix is returning to Tokyo in May for you to decide the best soup-less noodle dish out of 36 contenders. Held for two days from May 18 to 19 at the central square of Komazawa Olympic Park, this free-entry food festival is an opportunity to taste noodle dishes from across Japan, at an affordable price of ¥500 per bowl.
Be sure to not miss the chewy Sanuki udon topped with Sanuki olive beef from Kagawa prefecture, the udon capital of Japan. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try some somen crepes made with fresh fruit, azuki beans and fried somen noodles. (If you want to try making it at home, here’s the recipe provided by the organisers.)
Pair your selection of dry noodles with a cold can of Yona Yona Ale from Yo-Ho Brewing or another craft beer from Spring Valley.
Entry to the noodle festival is free. You’ll just buy food and drink as you go. While some stores accept cashless payments, be sure to bring cash as well. The first 1,500 visitors per day will get a free soda-flavour Garigari-kun popsicle, the perfect remedy for a hot sunny day.