Netty's Moonlit Stories

Finding Chicken Noodle Heaven.

I found myself wandering around Azumino one quiet afternoon, just taking in the crisp early autumn air. After a long, relaxing soak in a local hot spring, that familiar post-onsen hunger hit me hard; the kind that makes you crave something warm and comforting. All I could think about was soup. Something savory, steamy… maybe with noodles.

I started browsing through local food spots, hoping to find something special. That’s when I stumbled upon a dish that seemed perfect: a chicken noodle soup that, as it turns out, is a bit of a hidden gem in this part of Nagano.

Curious (and definitely hungry!), I hopped into my car and headed toward the shop. It wasn’t far from where I was staying, which made the decision even easier. A few minutes later, I spotted the sign: 鶏そば てんほう (Torisoba Tenhou). The moment I saw it, I had a good feeling about this place.

The moment I stepped inside the shop, I was wrapped in the savory aroma of grilled chicken mingling with the gentle steam of a simmering broth. It was the kind of smell that feels like a hug, comforting, familiar, and promising something truly special.

The menu was simple, which somehow made it even more inviting. I didn’t hesitate, I went for their signature chicken noodle soup with a whole boiled egg, and I chose the version with a yuzu-infused broth. There’s something about that bright citrus note that just feels perfect for early autumn.

As I waited, I felt a quiet kind of excitement bubbling up. Then the bowl arrived, and wow. The first sip of the soup stopped time. It was delicate yet full of depth, with that subtle yuzu lifting everything to another level. The chicken was unbelievably tender, almost melting in my mouth. The egg was cooked to perfection, its golden yolk just beginning to soften. And the noodles… chewy, springy, the kind of texture that makes you close your eyes for a second just to savor it.

Tucked in the bowl was also a tender chicken meatball, rich and flavorful, though I couldn’t quite place which part of the chicken it came from. But honestly, I didn’t care. Every bite was joy.

I didn’t rush. I wanted to make it last. And as I reached the bottom of the bowl, I told myself, I’m coming back for this. Because sometimes, a bowl of noodles is more than just food; it’s a memory you want to relive.