Chion Shokudo

Specialising in the fiery cuisine of Sichuan, this basement eatery near Ikebukuro Station is run by and for the local Chinese community. Watch live Chinese satellite TV as you tuck into spicy tantan noodles, mapo dofu and plates of fried meat and fish buried in mounds of chillis and perfumed with tongue-numbing Sichuan pepper. Prices are as low as you’d expect, with beer starting at ¥280 per bottle; if you're going with a group, try one of the huo guo hot pots, which are perfect for sharing.