Usami-tei Matsubaya, founded in 1893 on Donoike-suji in Minami-Semba, is credited with kitsune udon: the founder served sweet fried tofu on the side, customers dropped it into the bowl, and the shop started serving it in.
Why it's unique
It is the credited origin of kitsune udon, though every source says the shop "is said to be" the origin, so the claim carries that caveat.
The local move is not the famous dish: regulars order the house ojiya-udon, which most visitors never notice.
Before you go
Locals order the ojiya-udon (rice porridge with udon on top), the house dish that most visitors skip in favour of the kitsune.
It is a lunchtime shop for Semba office workers; it closes early and on Sundays.
