Vegan Soba Tokyo Ayler

Ayler is a fully vegan soba shop on Inokashira Dori, between Shimokitazawa and Sasazuka stations. It opened in December 2024 and positions itself as the first dedicated vegan soba specialty shop in Tokyo. The name comes from jazz saxophonist Albert Ayler, which tracks with the vibe: the owner plays records through vintage McIntosh speakers and occasionally asks what you'd like to hear. The space is minimal, just three small tables and an open kitchen, run as a one person operation. The soba is nihachi style (80% buckwheat, 20% wheat), served hot or cold, with a plant based tsuyu made from kombu dashi instead of the bonito flakes used at conventional soba shops. It doubles as a coffee stand in the mornings, with hand picked Brazilian beans and an oat milk option.