竹庵 - Chikuan, Kamakura

鎌倉のそば屋を紹介するのは梵蔵に続き2件目だと思う。ここ明石橋交差点は逗子ハイランドの山越えで時々通っているのだが、店に入るのは初めて。店の前には行列が出来ていて、しっかり半時間待たされた。3連休の中日ということが影響しているのかも。
今回はうどんが食べたくて探した結果、この店に辿り着いたのだが、メニューを見るとうどんは釜揚げと鍋焼きの2点だけで、あとはずらりと蕎麦が並ぶ。僕は当初の目的通り鍋焼きを、そして相方はエビ天のつけ汁蕎麦を注文、まず相方の白く細い蕎麦も見るからにうまそうだ。こちらの鍋焼きもしっかり美味くて特につゆが秀逸だ。値段は1780円とやや観光地値段の感ありだが、満足感は大きい。これが1480円なら確実に二重丸◎を付ける。次回はゴマつゆ蕎麦と小丼を試すつもり。

This is probably the second noodle shop I introduce here in Kamakura area (after Bonzo), and it deserves mentioning. Situated near Akashibashi crossing toward Zushi Highland, I run the area once in a while but this is the first time I try this restaurant. There were a line of several people in front and we had to wait for more than half an hour. It could be partly because it was the middle of 3-day holidays.

I came across with Chikuan in search for a Udon noodle place, but the menu had only two options "Kamaage" and "Nabeyaki" while the rest was whole bunch of buckwheat noodle options. I ordered Nabeyaki, and my friend ordered buckwheat noodles with dip soup and tempura shrimps on the side. His noodles looked beautifully fine and white. Mine was very good especially the soup was impressive. The price of 1780 Yen was touristically high, I would definitely praise them if 1480 Yen.

Next time, I would try a simpler noodle option with a separate small bowl of rice which will fit with my budget better.