Looking for the best tsukemen in the Japanese capital? If you’re headed to the Tokyo and would like to go on a delicious tsukemen pilgrimage, here are some of the best places that you must not miss.
For those of you who are not familiar with this dish, tsukemen is defined as a noodle dish that’s dipped in a separate bowl of hot broth. In Japan, most of the noodles (which are usually served chilled) are made in-house. Some simply refer to it as ramen with a twist!
In no particular order, here are five places that have mastered the delicious art of this noodle dish.
1.Rokurinsha
This is arguably, one of the best tsukemen places in Tokyo–you can see it in their menu. Rokurinsha has clearly mastered the art of the noodle dish, as it’s the only thing that they serve!
There are some add-ons like extra egg/ajitama (they’re also well known for this, so order extra if you think you can finish it!) extra pork, but the tsukemen is basically the only two main dishes that you’ll see.
Rokurinsha is one of the restaurants on Ramen Street, which is located at the city’s bustling MRT station. Simply go to the JR Tokyo Station and make your way to the ground floor, where there’s a long stretch of restaurants.
It’s very easy to look for this restaurant–if you see a ridiculously long line outside, that’s most probably it! The space is small, but people don’t usually take too long so the line can move fast.
Address: Japan, 100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda, Marunouchi, 1-9-1
2.Fuunji
Fuunji is another popular tsukemen restaurant that both visitors and locals love. If you’re there during peak hours (especially dinner time), you will most probably have to wait in line because the restaurant can only accommodate about 15 people.
Simply place your and pay using the machine at the entrance, and you’re on your way to tsukemen heaven. Before you start eating, however, you willspend some time watching people do it in front of you (that’s how small the restaurant is).
Your order will be made fresh as you order! It’s also so much fun watching the chef make it. Out of respect for the other customers, see to it that you leave as soon as you finish–there will be long line of hungry people behind you!
Address: 151-0053 Tokyo, Yoyogi, 2 Chome−14−3
3.Mensho Tokyo
If you want to try something different, this restaurant will definitely deliver! Located near the Korakuen Station, Mensho Tokyo is home the unique and delicious lamb broth tsukemen.
The result is a delicious, hearty, rich, and meaty broth that keeps locals coming back and never ceases to excite tourists. The noodles, made in-house, have a perfect bite.
For Mensho, ramen is serious business. It actually has a ramen “laboratory,” where chef Shono-san does his research and new creations. This means that this place will most probably not run out of innovative ideas anytime soon!
Address: 1 Chome-15-9 Kasuga, Bunkyo, Tokyo 112-0003, Japan
4.Tatsunoya
Located in Shinjuku, Tatsunoya is known for both its ramen and tsukemen. This place has big servings, so make sure you come hungry! The prices of both small and medium sized tsukemen are the same, so if you think you can handle a bigger bowl, then go for it–you’ll be charged the same amount.
If you finish your noodles but still have some broth (and appetite) left, you can get some rice porridge (just ask the server) that you can add to the broth. This will help you dilute the strong broth, and enjoy the leftover bits of meat.
Address: 160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku, Nishishinjuku, 7-4-5
5.Higashi Ikebukuro Taishoken
Last but definitely not least is Higashi Ikebukuro Taishoken. This place is owned by none other than Yamagishi Kazuo, who is known as Tokyo’s godfather of tsukemen, because he was the one who invented it! He passed away in 2015, but his unique recipe will definitely live on.
Higashi Ikebukuro Taishoken is where the tsukemen got really famous. Be prepared to wait in line–as with most places on this list, this restaurant is always packed. The wait is worth it, though, because if it weren’t for Yamagishi and this delicious invention, this list won’t even exist!
Address: 171-0022 Tokyo, Minamiikebukuro, 2−42−8
Enjoy!
Good luck on your search! Tsukemen has so many variations that continues to excite, so you definitely should sample as many as you can while you’re here!
