01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Tucked into Monzen-Nakacho, Menya Shiki immediately stands out for dipping broth whipped with an immersion blender into a fine, velvety froth. The house specialty tsukemen features a rich chicken paitan base mellowed by the gentle sweetness of stewed vegetables, with delicate micro-foam smoothing out every bite. Paired with this creamy soup are lustrous, thick straight noodles whose firm, chewy texture carries the sauce effortlessly.
A thoughtful selection of toppings and condiments adds variety as the meal progresses. Beside the noodles rest moist, low-temperature pork chashu, tender bamboo shoots, and a fresh lemon wedge, while a separate dish holds crisp raw diced onions and fragrant fried onions. Stirring in the sharp crunch of raw onion or the nutty sweetness of the fried topping provides contrast, and a squeeze of lemon cuts through the creamy richness with bright acidity.
Once the noodles are finished, asking for soup割り—a small vessel of hot dashi broth—is well worth the step. Pouring this savory dashi into the concentrated dipping bowl tempers it into a mild, warm soup that can be enjoyed to the last drop. Diners wanting a heartier finish can order cheese risotto to mix into the remaining soup, or chazuke rice garnished with a choice of wasabi or yuzu kosho.
The quiet, counter-led dining room welcomes solo diners comfortably for lunch or dinner. Alongside tsukemen, the kitchen offers hot ramen, a pure dried-sardine niboshi soba, and smaller portion options designed for lighter appetites, making the shop a versatile stop in Monzen-Nakacho.
