Saikoro

The famed Nakano eatery Jiraigen was renovated in 2011, with the second floor eventually converted into a noodle factory that also hosts this plucky shop. The highlight here is the ‘Nikuniboshi chuka soba’ (¥730), swimming in a soup made with seafood including dried mackerel, bonito and large quantities of sardines, as well as loads of pork bones. The homemade noodles are crafted from domestic wheat and have a slippery and deliciously chewy texture that reminds us of udon. Topping off the delicious soup and noodles are a generous serving of chashu pork and many other carefully prepared ingredients. The 29th day of every month is ‘Meat Day’, meaning that Saikoro’s signature dish is available for a paltry ¥500.