Just a stone's throw from Odori Subway Station, a retro sign suddenly appears on the B1 floor. This is "Yakisoba-ya," a popular, in-the-know spot with a loyal following of regulars. For hungry students and office workers looking for a quick lunch, it's a reliable go-to. Today, let's explore the unique system at Yakisoba-ya that sets it apart from the ordinary.

Pass through the orange noren curtains, purchase a meal ticket, and take a seat at the U-shaped counter. You can choose your portion size, from a "Regular" (Nami) with one serving of noodles for 380 yen (tax included), a "Large" (Omori) with 1.5 servings for 440 yen, and more. The most popular choice is said to be the "Jumbo" with two servings for 500 yen. It's great to be able to choose based on how hungry you are.
Now, the yakisoba that arrives is incredibly simple. It's seasoned with just a minimal amount of salt and pepper, which might surprise first-timers. But don't worry, that surprise quickly turns into excitement. A look at your table reveals a wide array of condiments. That's right, this is a playful shop where you can customize your yakisoba just the way you like it.
The condiments range from standard options like soy sauce and yakisoba sauce to more unusual ones like kimchi, chili oil, yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) sauce, and sesame vinegar soy sauce. It's fun to gradually add different seasonings as you eat, searching for your perfect flavor combination. When we asked for the shop's recommendation, the answer was a mix of their special sauce and chili oil.

One regular told us that sesame vinegar soy sauce and mayonnaise is a delicious combo. Taking a closer look at the menu, you'll notice a wide variety of toppings as well. We asked for the most popular combination, and this is what we got.
This hearty dish is the "Super" size with 2.5 servings of noodles (560 yen, tax included), topped with "Egg + Sausage" (170 yen, tax included). Other toppings range from classics like squid and shrimp to more unusual pairings for yakisoba, such as hamburger steak and fried ham cutlets. You might have a hard time choosing.

But for those who are indecisive, don't worry—there are set menus available. These are great value sets that come with several kinds of toppings.
The photo above shows "Set A," which includes one serving of noodles topped with shrimp, squid, egg, mixed vegetables, and shredded cabbage. It also comes with soup for 680 yen (tax included), which is quite a bargain. If you look closely at the Yakisoba-ya logo, you'll see the characters for "Delicious," "Cheap," "Plentiful," and "Fast."

True to their motto, customers quickly devour their custom-topped yakisoba and head out just as quickly. The current shop opened in 1985, so the long-time regulars probably have their ordering routine down to a science.

It might be cool to become a regular yourself, finding your perfect portion size and flavor after a few visits, and mastering that smooth routine.


Yakisoba-ya
Location: Shin Odori Building B1F, 4-chome, Odori Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Contact: 011-241-6337