Old School Japanese Noodle Delivery With Real Dishes

Camera: Akko and Greg

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[LifeWhereImFrom]

Filming at Suzuki Soba was so fun and smooth. Everyone there were so helpful and the food was great too!

[deany]

Hi Greg,

Ate at Suzuki Soba this past October and we had a great time. Although they spoke less English than we did Japanese, they went out of their way to serve us. The owners were very accomodating and Ken-san got so exicted when we mentioned this video. Even some patrons that spoke a little English gave us suggestions. The food was great and it was a wonderful experience venturing into the less "touristy" parts of Tokyo. They even seemed surprised that foreign tourists, although Japanese, found our way off the beaten path to their humble restaurant. I presume you live in the area, so if you see them again, tell them "domo arigatogozaimasu" from the tourists from Hawaii whom they helped find their way. And thank you for pointing us in their direction! We'll be back in October.

[wanderlpnw]

The bike he's riding is a Honda Super Cub. The story goes that Sochiro Honda had the mechanical auto clutch developed for that bike so noodle delivery men could ride the bike with only one hand on the bars, holding the noodles in a bag with their other hand.

[nomzhlf]

I really appreciate the delivery guy. He seems so dedicated to his work, like he really cares. Where I’m from, most people don’t seem to care about their work, or like it at all. Especially if they aren’t working a job which comes with a lot of money or social status, many of them seem resentful.

[lainiwakura]

The best part is they're a mom and pop restaurant, so they're usually more accommodating to customers and you can feel the love and dedication they have to their craft. If I go to Japan, I'm going to try going to restaurants like these.

[strippinheat]

There's a special place in My heart for people that keep traditional arts alive. That wooden press with big metal gears is such a delight. And the prices, including free delivery and dish pick up, seems exceptionally reasonable for the fresh, quality food you get. I'd expect to pay at least double. I want to go there so bad.

[JP-og]

To the people working at the restaurant: you are doing extraodrinary work! Please keep at it and dont feel discouraged by big restaurant chains taking over your clientelle. By providing your continuous service you are not only serving us amazing food but also maintaining the unique culture.

[jif.]

This episode very nostalgic for me. I was born in 1960 Tokyo, and raised in Japan, and I remember the noodle shop owner's son being the delivery guy riding his Honda Cub. One time when I got under the Army housing are fence, and wandered the countryside, the delivery guy was driving by so I waved, and he stop to pick me up, and he took me to his parents shop, and they fed me free of charge. My siblings preferred the curry rice plates, but I always ordered the cold somen noodles. None of that exists now, sad.

[lindathomas]

That delivery driver is the type of guy every parent wishes their daughter would meet. What a great smile and outlook on life!

[itsJoshV]

That delivery contraption is so cool. HOWEVER, Greg, please travel back in time and get some footage of the 30 dishes on someones shoulder while riding the bike. That looks wild! I also appreciate the shot of you recording while riding the bike haha. If I ever get to visit Japan, I'll try to get a delivery from them! Looked delicious.

[nonenone]

So Uber charges the customers for delivery fee, service fee, tip, and charges the restaurant a 38% fee on top?

[DaNaviOG]

I wish I was as happy as the delivery guy doing any job, or anything. I admire that kind of people.

[tinabeanajustabean]

Gosh the new threats to small business just really makes you feel how extremely valuable your work making documentaries is. Thank you for this and thank you to all the hard working family and small businesses out there!!! You offer up intangible cultural value and make little moments so special.

[tslee]

Had them in the 70s, mainly in residential areas, but no more. Deliveries were placed on a tray balanced by hand on bicycle. The delivery guy also took orders along the way. Always on the look out for the guy, who announced his presence by hitting two bamboo pieces, to order breakfast this way as a child.

[misamisamisamisamisamisa]

Wow this is so cool! I hope this culture of delivery doesnt die out.

[toranshaw]

I do hope that their delivery service can coexist with the likes of Uber, as it'll be a shame if they had to give that up... especially with their unique method!

[zrumpz]

I've visited places like this a handful of times in Japan and every time the staff is very helpful and friendly despite me speaking basically no Japanese. That said, every single time it is pretty damn intimidating to enter one of these places especially when there is a plethora of more easy to access/order restaurants all around. Soba is one of my favorite types of food in Japan for sure, I love how it can feel much lighter compared to udon or ramen.

[Rosiethingsc]

Man I’ve been watching your videos for 8 years and now I’m finally going to Japan 😭

[baloghbotond]

The kindness and respect Japanese people have it`s mind blowing.

[vivianfoster]

I would love to support these small mom and pop eateries that are disappearing. Preserve your heritage, it will be gone if we don't!