Forget ramen for a while and immerse yourself in a bowl of mazesoba instead.
Originating in Nagoya, Japan, in the 1950s and having recently taken the world by storm, Takimi Mazesoba is riding the wave of the global trend that is seeing mazesoba becoming an alternative to traditional ramen.
For the uninitiated, mazesoba is a brothless version of Japanese noodles featuring thick, chewy noodles mixed with a soy-based sauce and topped with umami-rich ingredients such as minced Nagoya-style pork, dried seaweed and raw or poached egg.
Although Mazesoba is Japanese, it draws inspiration from Taiwanese recipes and is known for its bold flavours.
Takimi Mazesoba, in Takapuna, is in its soft opening phase and planning for an official opening in November.
The shop helmed by owner-chef Sean specialises in this brothless Mazesoba and has little partition booth seating, very much like the famous ramen chain Ichiran.
Foodie influencer Vanessa Zhao, who dined at the shop with her partner Anthony, said it made her feel like they were in Japan.
“We loved watching the chefs while we waited for our chashu and the braised beef ribs mazesoba,” Vanessa said.
“The sauce is creamy and nutty, which goes perfectly with the chewy noodles.”
Takimi means waterfall viewing in Japanese, which is a symbol of refreshment, calm, and natural energy.
“Just like a waterfall rushing straight down, every bite of our mazesoba feels like a fresh cascade flowing into your mouth – powerful, clean, and satisfying,” he said.
“Lighter than traditional ramen, our whole-wheat and buckwheat noodles are crafted with Japanese masters, offering a healthier, unique taste found only at Takimi in New Zealand.”
Sean said dining at Takimi is more than just about food - it’s an experience.
“With our open kitchen and Japanese self-service style, you dine at your own pace, freely and comfortably,” Sean said.
“From signature Mazesoba and secret-recipe ramen to authentic Japanese curry and sides, every dish carries Japan’s cultural meaning of longevity, health, and prosperity – making Takimi the perfect place for everyday meals, celebrations, and gatherings.”
There’s a large shared, pet-friendly area in the front of the restaurant, and inside the setting is well suited for guests wanting to experience Japanese dining culture, especially for solo diners.
At the back is more private garden area offering a quiet and more secluded dining area.
The word “maze” comes from the Japanese word meaning “to mix”.
A bowl of signature mazesoba consists of chashu pork, minced pork and a generous serving of spring onions, nori strips, bamboo shoot, fish cake slices and wholegrain noodles topped with your choice of egg - raw, poached or soft-boiled runny onsen-style.
Best eaten by giving the noodles and ingredients a good mix, breaking the jammy egg to let all its runny goodness coat the noodles.
The chashu here is tender and generously cut, and has a good fat-to-meat ratio, making it a luscious ingredient. The seasoned bamboo shoots gives the dish an extra crunch.
If there is one bowl you shouldn’t miss, it is the Mega Deluxe Takimi Mazesoba, which offers the best of all worlds - comprising glorious pork chasu, tender braised beef, crispy fried chicken, and tasty minced pork with the vegetable ingredients.
Have this, and you will get to try almost all that Takimi Mazesoba has to offer in one bowl.
Other options for mazesoba noodles here include ebi prawn fry, karage chicken, seared wagyu tataki beef or the vegan-friendly, eggless saishoku vegetarian mazesoba.
Sean said compared with traditional ramen, mazesoba is lighter, less oily and allows diners to enjoy the pure flavours of the noodles and toppings.
“Our noodles are made with a unique blend of whole wheat and buckwheat noodles, created with Japanese noodle masters,” he said.
“It’s richer in nutrition and lighter in fibre. Our recipe is a closely guarded secret, combining authentic Japanese methods with our own innovations to create a truly unique taste.”
Sean said a meal at Takimi would not only be healthy for the body, but also warming for the soul.
“Diners get a truly authentic Japanese dining experience, not only through the food but also the dining style and atmosphere,” he added.
School Holiday Specials (22 September to 5 October )
Free refill of soba or rice
Free miso soup
Surprise side gift for everyone
TAKIMI MAZESOBA
Group Booking: 021 297 1583
Address: 4/40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna
***This story is written in partnership with Takimi Mazesoba.
