Gen is a Michelin-starred soba restaurant located in the city of Nara, Japan. The restaurant is renowned for its authentic soba noodles, which are made using traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients. The owner, Hiroyuki Shimazaki, grinds the soba by hand every morning using a stone mill, which produces noodles of exceptional quality and flavor.

At Gen, there are two types of soba available: Seiro soba and Inaka soba. Seiro soba is a cold soba dish that is served with a dipping sauce, while Inaka soba is a hot soba dish that is served in a broth. Both dishes are made with 100% buckwheat noodles, which are beaten so thinly that they have a delicate and refined texture.

What is particularly striking about the soba at Gen is the thinness of the noodles. There are few places in the world where soba is beaten to such a thin consistency, which gives the noodles a unique texture and flavor. This is thanks to the painstaking process that Shimazaki undergoes every day to grind the soba by hand using a stone mill, a technique that has been passed down through generations of soba makers.

The soba at Gen is made using only the finest ingredients, including high-quality buckwheat flour and natural spring water. This results in noodles that are not only delicious but also healthy and nutritious. The restaurant also offers a range of side dishes and drinks to complement the soba, including tempura, pickles, and sake.

Despite its Michelin-starred status, Gen is a relatively small and unassuming restaurant that focuses on the quality of its food rather than flashy decor or gimmicks. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a minimalist aesthetic that allows the soba to take center stage. Overall, Gen is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates authentic Japanese cuisine and traditional soba-making techniques.