Flavours from across Southeast Asia get paired with a diverse selection of Japanese craft beer on tap at Noodle House Laundry, a standout among the eateries along the ‘gourmet street’ that is Tokyo Station’s Kurobei Yokocho. A somewhat unlikely Southern California-inspired interior accentuates the fusion vibe, but this is no random mishmash of influences: the three elements of food, beer and decor are brought together harmoniously, resulting in a relaxing eatery that you’ll want to keep going back to.
The menu lists around a dozen bowls of noodles and five rice dishes, plus a number of intriguing sides like the Ebi Toast, in which the marriage of humble shokupan bread and shrimp surimi seasoned with herbs produces a supremely beer-compatible appetiser.
On the noodle front, Laundry makes competent pho, available in chicken, beef and asari clam versions and appropriately topped with essentials such as lemongrass and lime. Our favourite, however, is the Thai-style tom yum noodles (¥950), a colourful concoction in which sour and spicy exist in perfect balance. As for the brews, the day’s beers on tap – around 15 at all times – are listed on a blackboard, with the selection often including contributions from cult favourites like Yamanashi’s Uchu Brewing.
Lunch sets, offered from 11am to 2pm, come with a serving of mango pudding to sweeten the deal. Travellers preferring a meal to go will be happy to hear that most menu items, including the beers, are available for takeout.