Nong Inlay

Nong Inlay, found tucked within an inconspicuous building in Takadanobaba, offers traditional food eaten by the Shan people of Burma. The Shan Soba (lunch special, ¥700) is a bowl of rice noodles in chicken broth, topped with peanuts and sesame seeds. The simple, clean flavour gives way to a range of complex tastes as you mix the ingredients. It also comes with a bowl of rice, which you can dunk into your noodle bowl - apparently that's how they do it in Burma. Meanwhile, the Tofu Soba (¥800), which contains "Shan Tofu," a dish made from chickpeas, is highly recommended. This classic Burmese dish comes with noodles sitting in a rich tofu-based broth. Other rarities include fried Takemushi larvae (pictured), the Mustard Greens and Pig's Feet Soup (¥900) and Spiced Sautéed Frog Legs (¥900). Many of the customers are Burmese, so you won't find anyone questioning the authenticity here.