A new bento specialty shop, "Nihonbashi Nokke-ben Hoshino," is set to open in Nihonbashi, Tokyo on June 1, 2026. The shop comes from the team behind "Nihonbashi Sanuki Udon Hoshino," a well-established udon restaurant in the area, and features the same signature iriko (dried sardine) dashi used in its udon dishes across the entire bento menu.
Why a Udon Restaurant Ventured into Bento
The founder of Nihonbashi Sanuki Udon Hoshino first encountered Sanuki udon in Kagawa Prefecture during childhood and was captivated by the distinctive aroma and clear, savory flavor of iriko dashi. After years of research, he opened the Nihonbashi restaurant in 2016, which quickly became popular for its lunchtime queues, and later expanded with a second location in Akasaka in 2023.
Despite the restaurant's success, many office workers in the Nihonbashi area found it difficult to visit during short lunch breaks or around meeting schedules. This led to the idea of bringing the dashi experience to bento form. Recipes were tested in the mornings before regular restaurant hours, and after an unofficial bento menu earned positive responses from customers, the decision was made to open a dedicated standalone shop.
A Focus on Dashi in Every Detail
The shop's defining feature is its golden iriko dashi — the same recipe that has earned high praise at the udon restaurant. This broth is incorporated throughout the bento, delivering the umami depth of traditional Japanese cuisine in a convenient lunch format.
One signature item that emerged from this focus on dashi is the "Dashimaki Tamago Tempura" (deep-fried dashi egg roll). By deep-frying a dashimaki tamago made with a generous amount of dashi, the sweetness of the egg and the savory richness of the broth are concentrated into a single piece. This item is included in every bento on the menu, ensuring that every customer gets a taste of what makes the shop distinctive.
Menu Lineup
| Category | Price (tax included) |
|---|---|
| Standard Bento | ¥1,080 each |
| Hearty Bento | ¥1,300 each |
| Premium Bento | ¥1,620 to ¥2,800 |
| Oinari-san | ¥700 |
The lineup includes premium options suited for business occasions such as client meetings and celebratory events, with attention to both presentation and variety.
Ordering and Delivery
Delivery (minimum order of ¥8,000)
- Delivery fee: ¥500 per order
- Delivery hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Delivery area: Chiyoda, Chuo, Minato (excluding Daiba), Bunkyo, Taito, and Shinjuku wards
- Payment: Cash / Invoice / PayPay / Credit card (credit card available for online reservations only)
*Online reservations are expected to open in mid-June.
Walk-in Sales
Three bento varieties are available for walk-in purchase without a reservation: "Chicken Teriyaki," "Mackerel Tatsuta Sweet Vinegar," and "Grilled Salmon." All bento varieties can be prepared in single quantities with an advance reservation, placed by 3:00 PM two days prior.
Shop Information
Nihonbashi Nokke-ben Hoshino
Address: 1-11-4 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0022
Website: https://sanukiudon-hoshino.com/
