Chuka-Soba Mampuku

Thin noodles, a clear soy sauce broth, char siu, bean sprouts and spring onions: a bowl at Chuka-Soba Mampuku is for anyone drawn to the straightforward pleasures of old-fashioned chuka-soba rather than a more elaborate style of ramen. Diners have praised the broth for its savoury depth without feeling heavy, as well as the way it pairs with the noodles; the generous helping of spring onions and bean sprouts also makes an impression. Those who order the char siu ramen get an equally unpretentious combination, with char siu and vegetables atop thin noodles. The menu lists chuka-soba at 800 yen and char siu ramen at 1,050 yen. Choose the classic bowl or make the pork the focus for a different take on the same style of noodle soup.

For something beyond ramen, beef tendon stew udon is another option. One diner who ordered it described a gently sweet broth balanced by a touch of salt, with the flavour of the beef tendon spreading through the soup. It is a notable alternative: a diner who tried both it and the chuka-soba said they preferred the udon. Curry udon, tempura udon and kitsune udon are also on the menu, alongside rice bowls such as kitsune-don and tamago-don. The choice is not limited to chuka-soba when you are in the mood for noodles; you can switch to udon or a rice bowl instead.

In the evening, the menu includes snacks such as char siu appetisers and beef tendon stew, as well as beer and sake. You can enjoy a few small dishes before finishing with noodles, and the quiet atmosphere also suits a meal on your own.